I used to be really into DIYs, and I used to test with practically every accessible ingredient in my kitchen, including lemon, onions, and besan (chickpea flour). You name it. And, while not all of them were successful, some did make a significant difference. One of these experiments was the fenugreek hair mask.
My friend recommended the Fenugreek or Methi hair mask, and since she had very long, black, shiny hair, I instantly took her suggestion into action. I’m so glad I did! My hair was much shinier and softer after using the mask only twice. It’s funny how all these ADs promise silky smooth hair with their products, but I’d never experienced such smoothness before. And it wasn’t until I tried this mask that I realized what the term “silky smooth” really meant. And you will too if you try this mask.
Methi, often known as fenugreek, can be found on any Indian spice rack. It is used extensively throughout India, not just for food preparation but also for tropical applications. When consumed, fenugreek offers numerous benefits such as improved digestion, detoxification, and hormone balance. When used topically, fenugreek is just as effective. It has been shown to assist with reducing hair loss and split ends, strengthening hair, and smoothing and softening it.
Let’s first have a look at how Fenugreek works and then at the DIY mask that will give you that smooth hair.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Fenugreek for Hair
1. Thicker and stronger hair
Fenugreek contains Nicotinic acid, Vitamin A, and a high concentration of Iron. They help improve blood circulation when applied tropically. Increased blood flow enhances the scalp’s nutritional levels and nourishes the hair follicles. This promotes thicker, stronger hair.
2. Heals Scalp Inflammations
According to a study conducted in 2016, Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to reduce scalp inflammation such as itchy, scaly, and flakiness. Thereby preventing the acceleration of hair loss.
3. Smoother hair
Fenugreek, which contains the substance lecithin, boosts moisture levels. This will help you achieve silky, lustrous hair. Regularly using Fenugreek oil and mist can help soften hair.
4. Hair loss and split ends
Methi has Proteins and amino acids that help repair hair damage, which strengthens hair and reduces split ends and hair fall. It can repair hair that has been damaged by the environment or heat treatments.
5. Dandruff Control
Fenugreek Seeds are great for tackling the fungi that cause dandruff. It also has a soothing effect thereby relieving itching due to dandruff
6. Hormonal imbalance
Fenugreek seeds can help to stabilize insulin levels and improve glucose tolerance, both of which can help with the treatment of PCOS and hormonal imbalance. It’s also been proven to help with weight loss. If your hair problems are caused by a hormonal imbalance, then drinking warm fenugreek water will definitely be beneficial.
How to use Fenugreek For Hair?
Fenugreek can be used to make Fenugreek oils, shampoo, and conditioner, among other things. But here, we’ll only take a look at the most popular topical DIY methods that work wonders.
1. Fenugreek Seeds Hair Mask
Ingredients Needed:
Fenugreek – 2 tbsp
Preparation:
Step 1: Let the Fenugreek seeds soak in water overnight.
Step 2: Strain the gel to remove the seeds.
Step 3: Apply this gel to the hair strands. Let it stay for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse.
Benefits:
This is the simplest hair mask using Fenugreek Seeds that is absolutely effective in making your hair lustrous and smooth. It prevents frizz and makes it really easy to de-tangle hair. It’ll work especially well for curly hair, you could even include it in your CGM.
2. Curd and Fenugreek Hair Mask For Conditioning
Ingredients Needed:
- Fenugreek – 2 tbsp
- Curd/Yogurt – 1 tbsp
Preparation:
Step 1: Take a handful of Fenugreek seeds. Allow them to soak for several hours, preferably overnight. The seeds will swell and the remaining liquid becomes slimy.
Step 2: Mix the seeds with the yogurt. You can either remove the slimy gel or blend it all into a fine mix.
Step 3: Apply it to your scalp and hair shaft and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then, thoroughly shampoo to eliminate any residue.
Benefits:
This mask is going to make your hair the smoothest and softest it has ever been. Because curd is a natural conditioner. This mask promotes hair growth and prevents greying to a certain extent when used once a week regularly.
3. Curry Leaves and Fenugreek Hair Mask For Hair Growth
Ingredients Needed:
- Fenugreek – 2 tbsp
- Curry leaves – a handful
Preparation:
Step 1: Soak a handful of Fenugreek seeds overnight.
Step 2: Grind the soaked seeds in a mixer to form a slimy paste. Add chopped fresh curry leaves and blend them well.
Step 3: Apply it to your scalp and hair shaft and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to eliminate any residue.
Benefits:
Curry Leaves, rich in vital nutrients, stimulate the promotion of hair growth. When combined with fenugreek it encourages faster hair growth. This hair mask moisturizes your scalp and leaves your hair strands smooth and shiny.
4. Amla and Fenugreek Hair Mask For Dandruff
Ingredients Needed:
- Fenugreek – 2 tbsp
- Amla Powder- 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice – 2 to 3 drops
Preparation:
Step 1: Soak the Fenugreek seeds for a few hours or preferably overnight.
Step 2: Grind the soaked seeds in a mixer to form a slimy paste. Chop Amla into small pieces and blend it along with the fenugreek paste. Alternatively, you can add amla powder and mix well.
Step 3: Add a few drops of lemon juice and mix well.
Step 4: Apply the mask all over your scalp and hair and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to get rid of any residue.
Benefits:
Lemon fights off dandruff and Amla stimulates hair follicles for hair growth. This mask also leaves your hair with smoothness and shininess.
Side Effects/Disadvantages of Fenugreek Hair Mask
Fenugreek Masks are quite effective, but avoid using them on days when you’re pressed for time because occasionally the shampoo doesn’t completely rinse out all of the small Fenugreek bits. So, once the hair is dry, simply comb it to remove any remaining bits.
If you have sinus problems, avoid using it at night or in the winter because fenugreek has cooling properties and could be uncomfortable for you.
Bottom Line
A Fenugreek Hair Mask will surely make your hair smoother after the very first application. But to see a difference in hair fall and thickness, you’ll need to apply it for longer than a month. But it’s undeniably one of the most effective Hair Masks around, so go ahead and give it a shot!
Sejal Jain is a passionate beauty content creator at TheBeautyInsideout. She believes that skincare is not just a superficial thing but more like an expression of self-love and respect for your body and yourself.