It’s no secret that Indians have beautiful, long hair and NO, it’s not just the genes they inherited. If you want to know how they grow their hair fast, then keep on reading.

Here are 9 (well-kept) Indian hair growth secrets.

1. Champi

Champi is also known as hot oil treatment.

This treatment is made from plant-based moisturizing oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil and more.  

These oils are mixed with curry pata leaves, fenugreek (methi) seeds, hibiscus flowers and aliv/halim seeds.

All these ingredients have a combination of moisturizing, conditioning, nourishing and strengthening hair by preventing dandruff, dryness, thinning of hair and hair loss all of which eventually promote hair growth.

This treatment creates a healthy scalp environment and facilitates good blood circulation which is essential for hair growth.

How to do Champi

• Preparation

First, the preferred oil is heated and while still hot, the curry pata leaves are added.

Thereafter, the mixture is removed from the fire and methi seeds, hibiscus flower and a tablespoon of aliv seeds are added.

The resulting mixture is left to cool overnight and thereafter filtered to be used. 

• Application

The mixture is applied by applying some of it onto the scalp and using the palms, gently rubbed for about 10 strokes paying keen attention to spreading the oil throughout the hair and deep into the scalp using the index and middle fingers.

• Massage

With the thumb behind the ear, movement toward the center is made using all the other fingers. Next, the thumb is placed in front of the ear and with all the other fingers, gentle round movements upwards towards the center are made.

The index finger is then moved from the front of the ear, down from the back of the ear and big circular movements are made from the back of the neck towards the front.

Lastly, from under the neck and top of your chest, the fingers are moved gently towards the shoulders and end in the armpit.

2. Balayam Technique

This is an ancient Indian ayurvedic technique comprising nail-rubbing yoga.

It is premised on the fact that hair and nails are considered vestigial organs of the process involved in the formation of the skeletal system.

The roots of the hair follicle are believed to be directly connected to fingernails. [1]

This technique involves curling one’s fingers to form an enclosed fist then, excluding the thumbnail, rubbing the fingernails of each hand against each other for at least five to ten minutes twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.

According to the traditional medical system of India, there are three categories of fundamental regulatory principles of the body, mind and behavior referred to as the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

When these doshas are imbalanced, they can result in problems of dandruff, premature greying and even hair loss.

Therefore, the Balayam technique is used to help balance these doshas and in turn, lead to rejuvenated and stronger hair follicles.

Moreover, Balayam yoga stimulates brain cells to transmit signals to the dead hair follicles thus promoting fast hair growth.

3.  Ayurvedic Herbs

When it comes to Ayurvedic hair care, no one beats Indians.

Ayurvedic herbs are highly effective and aid in restoring hair growth and volume.

These herbs have moisturizing properties which are good for hair and thus nourish hair strands and promote growth.

Here are some of the most popular herbs they use for hair growth:

Giloy

Giloy comprises Raktashodhak which is a known remedy for scurvy and has anti-inflammatory properties which fights dandruff and split ends and as such promotes hair growth.

This herb is often obtained in powder from which a runny paste is made and applied to the hair.

Shikakai

Another herb is the shikakai which possesses a naturally mild pH and can be used as a hair cleanser.

It is thus, used to clean hair whilst maintaining the hair’s natural oils and as a result, strengthens the roots and promotes hair growth.

It can be used in powder form or pods by soaking in water to use as shampoo.

Amla

Amla, also known as the Indian gooseberry, contains calcium which is good for hair growth and improves the overall quality of hair. It can be used as powder or oil.

Henna

Henna is not only used for coloring hair but also to nourish and moisturize.

It can be used as a conditioner as it strengthens hair roots and restores scalp health and gives hair a natural shine and bounce. All these, promote hair growth.

Moringa

Moringa contains vitamins A, B and omega-3 fatty acids which nourish hair and promote growth.

Neem

Neem has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that are essential for hair growth. It strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair loss. It also contains fatty acids which are good for hair. Preventing breakage encourages hair growth.

Brahmi

Brahmi, also called bacopa, is among the herbs for hair growth. To maintain your hair thick and long, it should be a mandatory ingredient in your haircare products. It contains alkaloids that activate the proteins responsible for hair growth.

Other ayurvedic herbs that promote hair growth include bhringaj, fenugreek, lavender and aloe vera among others. 

3. Homemade Hair Masks

Indian are known to use a lot of DIY hair masks for hair growth.

Homemade DIY hair masks contain plenty of vitamins and proteins that nourish hair and promote growth.

They also have great antimicrobial and hydrating properties which are excellent for hair.

These masks are easily prepared using readily available kitchen ingredients that can be applied singly or blended with other products.

Examples of DIY hair masks include:

• cinnamon and coconut oil
• coconut oil, honey and avocado oil;
• coconut oil, lemon, yogurt and egg;
• honey, avocado, yogurt, brown sugar, bananas and apple cider vinegar;
• coconut oil and honey;
• coconut cream, cocoa powder and cinnamon;
• apple cider vinegar;
• avocado and banana; sugar and olive oil.

4. Wearing Low Manipulation Protective Hairstyles

If you’ve noticed, Indians do not go crazy when it comes to styling their hair.

They mostly do a single braid, a bun with the hair wrapped around itself, 2 cornrows, twists, Pineapple updos and the like.

These hairstyles do not involve a lot of touching and pulling of the hair.

They promote natural hair growth as they keep hair healthy and prevent hair breakage and loss as opposed to high-manipulation hairstyles.

5. Scalp Massage

Another Indian secret for fast hair growth is doing regular scalp massages.

Massaging is known to increase and boost blood flow and circulation which encourages hair growth.

Massaging the scalp is therefore one of the many ways to boost hair growth as it increases hair thickness by stretching the cells of the hair follicles which stimulates them to produce thicker and healthier hair.

There are different ways in which the scalp can be massaged: traditional scalp massage, massage while washing hair, massage using massage tools and brushes and massage with essential oils.

6. Proper Diet

It’s no secret that the Indian community value a healthy diet.

A good diet not only dictates your body health but also the health of your hair.

A healthy diet will help your hair remain strong, shiny and healthier. There are some nutrients from food that promote fast and healthy hair growth.

For instance, omega-3s play a significant role in the health of your hair. Foods rich in omega-3 include fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and soybeans among others.

Bananas, potatoes, poultry and dairy products are also good sources of vitamins B6 and B12 which promote hair growth.

7. Trimming the hair

Trimming your hair does not necessarily cause the hair to grow faster. Instead, it ensures healthy hair by getting rid of split ends thus preventing breakage which in turn creates a good environment for the hair to grow. Therefore, encouraging hair growth.

Conclusion;

Whether you have good hair genes or not, following these Indian hair growth secrets will ensure your hair is strong and healthy.