Hair30 min
Curry Leaf and Amla Oil for Early Greying
Coconut oil infused with fresh curry leaves and dried amla, a popular South Indian oil for people noticing early grey hair.
What to know about curry leaves
Curry leaves (kadi patta) are the fragrant leaves crackled into South Indian tempering. They add aroma and a little fibre and are traditionally linked with hair and digestion.
Curry leaf and amla oils are a household tradition for premature greying. There is little proof they reverse grey hair, but they condition the scalp. It is also worth checking vitamin B12, iron and thyroid levels if greying starts early.
Ingredients
- 200 ml coconut oil
- 1 cup fresh curry leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tbsp dried amla pieces
How to prepare
- Warm the oil and add the leaves and amla; cook on low until the leaves are crisp and dark (about 10 minutes).
- Cool, strain and bottle.
How to use
- Massage into the scalp twice a week; wash after one to two hours.
Helpful habits
- A home pot of curry leaf grows well on a sunny balcony.
Precautions
- Make sure leaves are completely dry, or the oil will spatter and spoil.
- Wash well; shop leaves may carry pesticide residue.
- Patch-test behind the ear first; skip on broken or inflamed scalp.
- A home remedy, not a treatment. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or get worse.
Frequently asked questions
Can oil turn grey hair black again?
- No home oil reliably does that; it may help hair look healthier.
Why check B12?
- Low B12 is one known cause of early greying and is easy to test.
Can curry leaves be frozen?
- Yes, wash, dry and freeze them flat; they keep their aroma for weeks.
