12 Effective Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair

Homemade hair oils for gray hair are the best way to deal with this prominent sign of aging, owing all to their anti-aging properties.

Graying is an unavoidable part of the process of aging. But, if your hair begins to gray before you reach your thirties, you should be concerned. Hair pigmentation can be affected by a variety of factors, ranging from underlying health conditions to extreme UV exposure. You can use DIY oils to enhance your hair texture and health (unless you have an underlying health condition). Krysta Biancone, a hair stylist, says, “Moisturizing gray hair with homemade oils is a great way to keep it looking soft and healthy. Some great oils to use are coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. Massage the oils into the scalp and strands of your hair to help lock in moisture.”

In this article, we have listed the 12 best natural oils you may make at home to help you manage gray hair. To learn more about them, keep reading!

12 Homemade Hair Oils To Manage Gray Hair

Note: Be cautious while heating the oils to prevent accidental burns. Heat the blends on a low flame (not beyond 350°F) to maintain their efficacy.

1. Coconut Oil And Curry Leaves

Preparation Time
15 minutes

You Will Need

• A handful of curry leaves
• 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Heat the curry leaves and coconut oil in a small saucepan until the mixture turns black.
2. Let the oil cool and massage your hair and scalp with it.
3. Leave it on for at least an hour.
4. Wash it off with shampoo and condition your hair.
5. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Precaution: The leaves may splutter. Hence, stand away from the oil while heating the mixture.

Benefits

The mixture of curry leaves and coconut oil improves the hair tone and promotes hair growth (1).

2. Amla Powder And Coconut Oil

Preparation Time
15 minutes

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of amla powder
• 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Heat the mixture on a low flame until the powder starts to char.
2. Let the oil cool down a bit.
3. Massage your scalp and hair with the warm mixture.
4. Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight.
5. Wash off with shampoo and condition your hair.
6. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Benefits

Amla or Indian gooseberry can darken premature gray hair and reduce dandruff and itching, while coconut oil prevents protein (keratin) loss from hair and strengthens the strands (2), (3).

Trivia

According to Indian mythology, it is believed that amla grew from the drops of the divine nectar that fell on Earth during a fight between gods and demons.

3. Almond Oil And Lemon Juice

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil

Method

1. Heat the almond oil for about a minute until it is warm.
2. Add the lemon juice to it and massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.
5. Repeat this twice a week.

Benefits

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the blend of lemon juice and almond oil may prevent premature graying, add shine to the hair, make it appear glossy, and support overall hair revitalization.

4. Coconut Oil And Hibiscus

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• 4-5 leaves of hibiscus plant
• 4 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Heat the coconut oil for 30 seconds and add the leaves to it.
2. Let the oil cool down completely.
3. Do a proper hair and scalp massage with the oil.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
5. Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner.
6. Repeat this twice a week.

Benefits

Hibiscus leaves are natural colorants and used in traditional formulations to prevent gray hair (4). This mixture can also strengthen your hair, reduce breakage, and increase hair elasticity, hair shine, and hair volume.

5. Coconut Oil And Ribbed Gourd

Preparation Time
15 minutes

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of dried ribbed gourd powder
• 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Mix the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat until the powder starts to char.
2. Let the oil cool down a bit.
3. Massage your scalp and hair with the oil mixture.
4. Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight.
5. Wash off with shampoo and then condition your hair.
6. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Benefits

Ribbed gourd (also called ridge gourd or Chinese okra) powder prevents premature graying (5). This oil mixture can strengthen the hair, nourish the hair follicles, support hair repair, and prevent breakage, thus providing overall hair protection.

6. Coconut Oil And Bhringraj Powder

Preparation Time
15 minutes

You Will Need

• 3 teaspoons of bhringraj powder
• 4 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Mix these plant-based ingredients in a small saucepan and heat on low flame for a minute.
2. Let the oil cool until it is warm enough to touch.
3. Massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
4. Leave it on for at least an hour.
5. Wash off with shampoo, and condition your hair.
6. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Benefits

Bhringraj powder is used in Ayurvedic formulations due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties that prevent premature graying. It can darken the hair and reduce dandruff and itching (2).

7. Black Seed Oil And Olive Oil

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of black seed oil

Method

1. Mix the two herbal oils and massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
2. Leave it on for an hour, and wash it off with a mild shampoo.
3. Repeat this every day.

Precaution: Black seed oil may cause mild irritation. Do a patch test before using it.

Benefits
Anecdotal evidence suggests that black seed oil (extracted from nigella seeds) can prevent premature graying. This oil blend is said to reduce hair fall and strengthen the strands.

Joe Moody, a blogger, shared his personal experience with organic olive oil on his blog. While talking about how using olive oil after a shower rather than other chemical products, he exclaims, “After some years (of) using it, I also noticed I had less gray hair than my brother who is two years younger than me (i).” He goes on to say, “This is an ingredient I can pronounce, an ingredient I can trust, an ingredient I can digest”, pointing out that it is a simple ingredient with various benefits and minimal side effects, which is often underappreciated.

8. Mustard Oil

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of mustard oil

Method

1. Heat the mustard oil for 30 seconds.
2. Massage your scalp and hair with it and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Wash off with a shampoo and condition your hair.
4. Repeat this twice a week.

Benefits

Anecdotal evidence suggests that mustard oil can significantly slow down premature graying and strengthen the hair.

9. Castor Oil And Olive Oil

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of castor oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or any other vegetable oil)

Method

1. Mix the two oils and massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
2. Leave it on for an hour
3. Wash off with warm water.
4. Repeat this every day.

Precaution: Castor oil may cause mild irritation. Do a patch test before using it.

Benefits

Castor oil is widely used in home remedies to promote hair growth and retain hair color. While there is no scientific proof for the claims, this blend may work if used regularly.

10. Coconut Oil And Lemon

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Heat the coconut oil for about a minute until it is warm.
2. Add the lemon juice and mix. Apply it to your scalp and hair.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner.
5. Repeat this twice a week.

Benefits

Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon juice mixed with coconut oil can significantly slow down premature graying and strengthen the hair.

11. Henna And Coconut Oil

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of henna powder
• 5 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Heat the coconut oil for about a minute and mix with henna powder.
2. Cool it down completely and strain the mixture.
3. Massage your scalp and hair with it.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
5. Shampoo and condition your hair.
6. Repeat this twice a week.

Benefits

Henna is a natural colorant and can cover up premature gray hair (4).

12. Carrot Seed And Sesame Oil

Preparation Time
5 minutes

You Will Need

• ½ tablespoon of carrot seed oil
• 4 tablespoons of sesame oil

Method

1. Mix the carrot seed and sesame oils.
2. Massage the mixture into the scalp and hair roots for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water.
5. Follow it up with a mild shampoo for best results.

Benefits

Sesame oil penetrates deeply and reaches the hair follicles to improve blood circulation to the scalp. This may boost hair growth and reduce gray hair (6). This oil, when combined with carrot seed oil, may improve hair shine and texture. It also nourishes the scalp, repairs split ends, and helps reduce dryness (7).

Other than these traditional recipes, you can also use certain oils to keep your hair healthy. However, there is no empirical data to back the claims. All of these are based on anecdotal evidence. Check them out in the next section.

Other Effective Oils For Managing Gray Hair

1. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary essential oil can reduce hair loss and promote hair growth (8). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may darken gray hair if used over an extended period. Dilute it with a carrier oil before using it. Biancone says, “Regular scalp massages with essential oils, such as rosemary, can help to stimulate hair growth and encourage healthier hair follicles.”

2. Argan Oil

Moroccan argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols. It keeps the hair moisturized (9). It is also said to promote hair growth and slow down hair graying. You can use it as a deep conditioner and leave it on for an hour before washing it off.

3. Sage Oil

Anecdotal evidence suggests that this essential oil can help in gray hair prevention. You can use sage essential oil in combination with thyme, rosemary, and carrier oils. Use 2-3 drops of the essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. If you are using multiple essential oils, adjust the quantity as per this ratio.

Trivia

Salvia – the scientific name of sage – is derived from the Latin word ‘salveo,’ which means ‘save,’ ‘salvation,’ or ‘to heal.’

4. Fish Oil

Fish oil is highly beneficial if it is included in the diet regularly (10). Anecdotal evidence suggests that taking fish oil supplements may even help with premature graying. However, there is no proof to support the claims.

5. Grapeseed Oil

Anecdotal evidence suggests that using grapeseed oil regularly may prevent premature graying. You can mix the oil with any carrier oil, preferably coconut oil, or add it to DIY hair care recipes and use it regularly.

Infographic: Effective Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair

Gray hair is inevitable as you get older. Also, other factors like health conditions and prolonged UV exposure can contribute to hair graying. However, some effective DIY oils help improve your hair texture and health. Check out the infographic below to learn more about homemade hair oils that help reduce and manage gray hair.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is turning gray?

Krysta Biancone says, “When it comes to nutrition, there are certain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good hair health. Vitamin B12 helps to protect hair from premature graying, so make sure to include foods like eggs, fortified cereals, and fish in your diet. Vitamin D is also important for hair growth, so make sure you get plenty of sun exposure. Finally, vitamin E encourages growth, so make sure to include nuts, avocados, and olive oil in your meals.”

Is apple cider vinegar good for gray hair?

ACV can be used to make gray hair smooth, frizz-free, and shiny.

Which oil is best for turning gray hair black?

While gray hair reversal is not possible, using a blend of carrier (coconut, jojoba, olive, almond) and essential (lavender, sage, rosemary) oils may help reduce premature graying. If you have gray hair due to aging, it will improve your hair health, but cannot color your hair black.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Watch this video to learn how to prevent grey hair naturally with this DIY hair oil! Get ready for a youthful look!

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Dr. Mamtha TandleBAMS, PGDC

Dr. Mamtha Tandle is an Ayurvedic physician and cosmetologist with over 9 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She specializes in the management of complex skin and hair disorders. After her graduation, she started her Ayurvedic practice at Patanjali Chikitsalaya at various branches in Hyderabad. She identifies and treats diseases from the root and believes that the health...more

• Krysta BianconeHair Stylist

  Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.
  
  Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more