Witch hazel, derived from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, is a small-sized herb native to America, especially the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Most commonly bright yellow, sometimes orange, red, or even purple, the flowers of this aromatic plant have long, crinkled petals. Used in Ayurvedic formulations, witch hazel is not naturally found in India but is cultivated in herbal gardens and grown in cooler regions, such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. While commonly used in skincare, it also offers a variety of benefits for hair. Whether you are battling oiliness, scalp-itching, or dullness, its gentle yet powerful properties can restore your scalp's balance and bring shine back to your strands. A natural remedy worth exploring, this small read delves into Witch hazel benefits for shinier manes, how to use, and precautions to keep in mind.
Also Read: 7 Incredible Hair Growth Tips For Healthy, Long, And Lustrous Tresses
Why Is Witch Hazel Good For Hair Health?
Witch hazel contains several bioactive components, adding to its therapeutic properties. The key ones are tannins, a powerful natural astringent that can reduce oiliness and soothe irritation, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins (another class of antioxidants) that strengthen blood vessels and protect cells from oxidative stress. It also has volatile oils such as eugenol and carvacrol, laden with mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, es. In addition, it is imbued with Gallic acid, an active compound well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Together, tits hese elements support the overall well-being of your hair and scalp.
Also Read: Witch Hazel: Know About The Spectacular Benefits Of This Magical Herb – Infographics
5 Uses Of Witch Hazel For Getting Healthy Hair
Strengthen your hair follicles with this all-natural, unique bloom and its extracts! Boost shine and promote healthier, fuller, and more vibrant hair. Here are five amazing Witch Hazel hair benefits:
Scalp Clarifier
Witch hazel helps remove buildup accumulated from styling products and excess oils. Take a few drops in your palm and rub them onto your scalp. It clarifies the scalp and upkeeps follicle health.
Dandruff Relief
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, Witch hazel can soothe itchy, flaky scalps. Mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply it directly onto your scalp, leaving for about 20 minutes.
Shine Booster
Are you facing dull hair woes? Witch hazel can be your real saviour. It will help restore your hair's natural shine by balancing scalp oil and tightening the hair cuticle. Mix 1 tablespoon of witch hazel with 1 cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
Frizz Control
By smoothing the hair shaft, Witch hazel reduces those annoying flyaways. Add a few drops to your leave-in conditioner or spritz a diluted version lightly over your hair.
If your scalp becomes oily very quickly, witch
Fades Oily Scalp
Witch hazel oil may help manage sebum production. Use a diluted solution and apply it directly to the scalp about two to three times a week.
Also Read: Essential Oil Uses: 5 Surprising Ways These Fragrant Emollients Contribute To Your Well-being
5 Precautions When Using Witch Hazel on Hair
While the herb and its extracts are effective and time-tested for skin and hair, remember to use them mindfully. Test first and pair with proper hydration practices for best results. Check out some precautions:
Avoid Overuse
A natural astringent, if used too much, Witch hazel can dry out your scalp. Limit applications to a maximum of three times a week.
Check For Alcohol Content
Always purchase alcohol-free versions instead of regular alcohol added ones, especially for a sensitive scalp.
Patch Test First
Before full application, do a patch test on a small area of your scalp to rule out any possible allergic reactions.
Don't Skip Moisturising
Because Witch hazel can strip oils, it is important to follow up with a good conditioner or natural oil, like argan oil or coconut oil, to retain scalp moisture.
Not Ideal for Colour-Treated hair
Witch hazel may affect the vibrancy of colour-treated hair, especially if it contains alcohol. Consult with your stylist before using it.
(This content is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells
Tamsyn SA Thring,1 Pauline Hili
shttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9220085/
