Chia seed water, chia seed pudding, chia seeds oatmeal, chia seed salad dressing, well, we’ve heard it all. But chia seeds for hair growth? Yes! You heard that right!
Chia seeds are these small edible flattened oval shaped blackish grey coloured seeds got from a flowering plant of the mint family. They are flavourless in terms of taste. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and have essential minerals which include calcium, phosphorous, zinc and magnesium.
Chia seeds are often confused with Sabja/basil seeds but they are two different types of seeds, with their own benefits. Since Chia seeds are hydrophilic by nature (having the tendency of absorbing water, giving the seeds an outer gel like texture because of the development of a mucilaginous coating).
Let’s have a look at the benefits of chia seeds for hair and hair growth:
Chia seeds contain keratin, a type of protein that makes up the hair, skin and nails. Therefore, the keratin in the chia seeds can help rejuvenate and repair the hair follicles.
Chia seeds also contain fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, phosphorous and calcium, which are very essential substances for strengthening the hair follicles and in turn reducing hair fall.
Chia seeds are also rich in l-lysine which is essential in the promotion of hair growth and is responsible for the shape and volume of the hair. Lack of l-lysine can cause hair loss. These are present in abundance in chia seeds and can therefore promote regular hair growth.
Chia seeds can help promote better hair shine and improve hair texture, which means it can reduce dry and damaged hair, in turn resulting in lesser hair fall and hair breakage.
Chia seeds are mucilaginous in texture and the gel like substance while used for the hair (in the form of a hair mask), can help keep the hair moist, moisturized and hydrated, which can help improve hair elasticity.
Chia seeds are rich in zinc and this nutrient can help protect the hair from damage and can help promote better hair cell regeneration. Chia seeds also contain copper that can promote hair strength and reduce hair thinning, but promoting better blood circulation in the scalp. READ MORE – Top 5 hair oils to stop hair fall and grow thicker hair
How to use chia seeds for hair growth:
Well, the most recommended is a chia seed hair growth mask of course. But those who do not wish to use a hair growth mask can consume it in these forms.
Chia hair growth water – Into a glass of water, add in ½ tsp of chia seeds and let it sit for half an hour before you can consume it. You can also add in 1 tsp of chia seeds into a litre of water and consume it during the day.
Chia seed pudding – Take half a cup of milk, add in two tablespoons of chia seeds and refrigerate for a couple of hours or until the milk with chia seeds has turned into a thick pudding. You could top it up with fruits of your choice and it’s ready to consume.
In beverages – Smoothies, cold drinks, protein shakes, porridge or even just regular water! Chia seeds can be added to anything and consumed.
Dressings – In salads, sauces or even dips, you can add in some chia seeds and because of its neutral flavour, you will hardly know it is there!
Vegan baking – Chia seeds can be used as a substitute for eggs as the gel from the ground seeds maybe used to replace the content of egg in cakes while still providing nutrients.
Cereals and other items – You could also add in chia seeds in your cereals for breakfast, in energy or granola bars, in your curd/yogurt bowl, in your sautéed vegetables or maybe even in your pancakes!
Chia seed hair growth mask:
Ingredients:
- 4 tsp chia seeds
- 250 ml water
Method:
Into a bowl, add in the water and chia seeds. Let the chia seeds sit for 3 to 4 hours (or even overnight). Then, add the chia water into a mixer grinder and grind into a paste.
For application: Partition your hair and evenly apply this mixture all over the scalp and hair (using downward strokes) and then tie your hair into a loose bun or into a shower cap. Let it sit for 30 minutes, before rinsing off with shampoo and a mild conditioner. READ MORE – OVERNIGHT HAIR MASKS TO CARE FOR HAIR GROWTH