Let’s be honest. Hair fall? It’s a saga as old as our family WhatsApp groups. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either found too many of your precious strands on the bathroom floor or been vigorously “advised” by concerned aunties (across multiple states) to try everything from amla juice to sleeping upside down. Been there, tried that—-managed to get dizzy, but alas, the hair stayed put… on the drain, not my head.
But here’s a little secret: natural remedies can genuinely work wonders—provided you know which ones to trust and how to make them work for your life (not just your grandmother’s). Grab your chai, and let’s have a candid chat about hair—the struggles, the solutions, and yes, some of the hilarious moments sprinkled in for good measure.
1. Oiling: The Weekend Ritual—Modern Edition
Let’s start with the OG. Oiling is practically a rite of passage in Indian homes. But let’s get real—who actually gives their hair oil the full 30 minutes to soak in before a Zoom call? Some days, you’re lucky if it’s 7. Still, even a quick massage boosts scalp blood flow and feels divine after wrangling with Mumbai’s traffic or Delhi’s dust.
Expert tip: Warm a mix of coconut and bhringraj oil (no need to go full scientist—just a few spoons in a cup over hot water). Massage gently in circular motions. If you’re pressed for time, focus on stressed-out areas along your hairline and temple.
Product tip: Try a cold-pressed herbal oil with amla and hibiscus. Trust me, your scalp will thank you. If you’re in the market, our Ayurvedic bestseller has converted even the most sceptical uncles.
2. Amla: Not Just for Breakfast Chutney
Amla, also called Indian gooseberry, is legendary for hair health. Rich in vitamin C, it strengthens roots and can slow down greying (or so my grandma swears).
How to use: Mix amla powder with yoghurt (great if you’ve got some leftover dahi). Slather on as a mask for 20 minutes while you binge a quick K-drama. Rinse off for softness and shine.
Local hack: Many people add a squeeze of fresh lemon to the mix for that extra zing.
3. Aloe Vera: Your Hair’s Hydration Hero
We all know at least one friend who talks to their houseplants—mine regularly lectures her balcony aloe vera. But as silly as it sounds, aloe can soothe itchy scalps, reduce dandruff, and lock in moisture.
Routine: Scoop out the fresh gel, blend it into a paste, and apply it directly to your scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes then shampoo as usual.
Busy day tip: Keep a bottle of natural aloe gel in the fridge for a cool, post-work scalp treat (especially blissful during North Indian summers!).
4. Onion Juice: The Smelly Miracle
Alright, cards on the table—onion juice isn’t precisely “perfume for your head,” but oh my, does it work. The sulphur in onions helps boost collagen production, which means stronger hair.
Quick fix: Blend and strain one onion, apply the juice to scalp roots, leave for 15–20 minutes, then wash with a gentle herbal shampoo. Light a candle in the bathroom unless you want the family plotting a culinary intervention.
Trusted product tip: Look for shampoos or oils with onion extracts—same benefits, zero eye-watering odour.
5. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi): Grandma’s Secret Weapon
Methi is the stuff of legends—my cousin tried it before her board exams to “prep for adulting” (her hair came out a winner, at least).
Recipe: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind into a paste and apply to roots. It’s a little sticky (don’t answer video calls in the meantime!) but really helps with breakage.
Shortcut: No time? Scalp scrubs with fenugreek extracts can be a game-changer, especially if you deal with those sudden stretches of humid, rainy weather.
6. Curry Leaves: Not Just for Tempering Dal
Curry leaves aren’t just for your tadka—they’re wonderful for battling hair fall and boosting hair growth, especially if you’re noticing those “baby hair” patches that simply refuse to adult.
Method: Crush fresh curry leaves and mix with coconut oil, heat gently, strain, and use as hair oil twice a week.
Kitchen tip: Make an extra batch and share with your sibling—they’ll owe you one!
7. Green Tea Rinses: Spa Vibes, Fast
Green tea isn’t just for sipping in a fancy coffee shop. It’s anti-oxidant rich and can calm inflamed, flaky scalps.
How-to: Brew 2 bags, cool fully, and rinse it through your hair post-shampoo. Don’t wash it out—a leave-in spa treat during sweaty months.
8. Yoghurt Masks: Repairs & Cools All at Once
You’ve likely heard an elder say, “Cool your head, child!” Yoghurt does just that, calming both your scalp and your nerves (post endless Zoom calls).
Mask recipe: Mix thick dahi, honey, and a bit of besan. Apply for 30 minutes, then wash gently. Hello, softer, happier hair.
9. Reetha (Soapnut): The Gentle Cleanser
Synthetic shampoos can strip your hair, but reetha (soapnut) creates a mild, natural lather that removes grime without leaving hair dry.
DIY blend: Boil reetha pods with shikakai and amla. Strain and use as a natural shampoo, works wonders for those with oily scalps or in prepping for festivals when you want hair that sways, not frays.
Upgrade: Not quite up for home chemistry? Herbal shampoos with these ingredients are easy to find and oh-so-gentle.
10. Scalp Massages: Small Effort, Major Difference
Let’s face it, stress is a major culprit—think deadlines, traffic, wedding RSVPs (or the lack thereof). A two-minute scalp massage before bed can melt tension and get your blood flowing to those ever-fickle roots.
Tools: Use your fingertips, or splurge a little on a wooden scalp brush. Just 120 seconds—it’s instant relaxation, and you’ll actually look forward to the ritual.
Mini Myth-Busters (Because Our Aunties Deserve Better):
- “Trimming makes hair grow faster.” Not quite. It keeps ends healthy, but the roots are what matter.
- “Switching shampoos causes hair fall.” Nope—harsh ingredients do, not the brand rotation itself.
- “Tying wet hair prevents breakage.” Actually, it increases breakage and welcomes that classic “Mumbai local” humid odour. Let it dry!
Gentle Product Suggestions (Just Like a Friend Would Whisper)
If you’re scouting for trusted picks, look for:
- Herbal hair oils (amla, bhringraj, onion, curry leaf) for regular nourishment—our current top-seller is made in small batches, minus any mineral oil.
- Natural scalp scrubs packed with fenugreek or coffee for a fresh, flake-free scalp (especially come monsoon).
- SLS & paraben-free shampoos with reetha, shikakai, or hibiscus—gentle enough for daily wash days, perfect for busy school runs or back-to-back gym sessions.
No hard sell here—but if you’re after local options that deliver, check out our “bestsellers” carousel. I’ve personally had more luck with these than my cousin’s elaborate homemade mixtures (sorry, Riya).
A Few Last Words… and a Laugh
Truth: I still lose a few strands every day, and I still forget to oil my hair religiously—sometimes I opt for a quick spritz-and-go instead. That’s alright. Hair fall is normal, and you’re not alone (even if your pillow tells a different story some mornings).
The most important thing is to listen to your hair, treat it with kindness (and the occasional stubborn persistence), and remember—you deserve to feel confident, inside and out.
Your turn: What’s your go-to for stopping those stray hairs on the pillow? Got a hair horror story or Grandma-approved recipe that’s kept your locks in check? Drop your best tip in the comments—I promise, no judgement, only more laughs and maybe a few new ideas for us all.
Here’s to keeping our roots strong—literally and metaphorically. See you (and your beautiful hair) soon!
