Shahnaz Husain
When we say “Vegan” skin or hair care, we mean using those ingredients for beauty care that are not derived from animal products. In fact, milk and dairy products and also eggs are not considered vegan. There is a difference between vegetarian and vegan. Vegetarian includes milk products, while vegan does not.
Fruits and vegetables can be used for hair care, as they are vegan. You can also eat Biotin rich vegan foods for good hair growth, like mushrooms, beans, lentils, peas, almonds, fruits like avocado and banana.
Fruits have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations for hair care and hair problems. For example, bael (Indian quince) is a common ingredient in Ayurveda for hair care. In high-end salons and spas fruit packs are popular for hair treatments, because of their beauty benefits. Fruits contain vitamins, minerals and enzymes which nourish and restore health to the hair.
We all know that lemon juice is added to henna hair packs, both for colouring and conditioning. Orange rind (orange peel) is also useful, because it reduces oiliness and adds a healthy shine to the hair. To make an orange hair pack, collect orange peels and simmer them in water over a low fire. Cool and strain. Use the water to mix a protein pack. Soak lentils (dals) in water overnight. Next morning, grind the lentils and add the orange-peel water, to mix into a pack. Apply on the hair and wash off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Banana pulp by itself can be applied on the hair, like a pack. It nourishes and conditions dry hair, adding body and shine. In fact, banana helps dry and damaged hair. It contains Vitamins B and C and is a rich source of potassium, which actually softens the hair. Take the pulp of two bananas and two teaspoons lemon juice. Mix together and apply on the hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash hair.
Ripe papaya is ideal as a cleansing pack. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which breaks down dead cells of the scalp. It is particularly useful for removing dandruff scales that stick to the scalp. It also has a powerful cleansing effect on the scalp. For oily scalp and dandruff, mix ripe papaya pulp with four teaspoons apple cider vinegar into a paste. Apply on the hair and wash off after half an hour.
Avocado is an extremely nutritious fruit. It is said to contain around 20 vitamins and minerals. It also has a high fat and protein content. Avocados are also rich in antioxidants and contain potassium and calcium. The protein content of avocado strengthens the hair and adds body. The oil content nourishes the hair and maintains the normal balances. For a hair pack, take one avocado and mash into a pulp. Add one tablespoon green tea, one tablespoon fenugreek (methi) seed powder. Mix into a paste, adding lukewarm water. Apply and wash it off after half an hour.
Coconut milk is extremely nourishing and softening for the hair. It is said to control hair loss and promote growth, being rich in protein, essential fats, iron and manganese. Mix one cup coconut milk with powder of curry leaves and 2 tablespoons orange juice into a paste. Curry leaves are rich sources of beta-carotene and protein, which encourage healthy hair growth. Apply and leave on for one hour. Wash off. And of course, fruits like banana, apple, papaya, watermelon can be mixed together for a cooling summer hair pack. Papaya cleanses the scalp, banana is nourishing and apple contains pectin. They cleanse and tone the scalp. Orange restores the normal acid-alkaline balance.
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