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. It can significantly impact physical appearance and may have a damaging effect on the self-esteem for many people. 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.”

This highlights the importance of effective, natural solutions to maintain a youthful look while embracing one’s natural beauty. 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

If you want to know how to cover gray hair, we are here with some perfect recipes. 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). This is also how you can get rid of white hair!

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

Coconut oil is best for gray hair. Adding it with amla or Indian gooseberry can darken premature gray hair and reduce dandruff and itching. Coconut oil also prevents protein (keratin) loss from hair and strengthens the strands (2), (3).

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). These ethnomedicinal reports underscore the traditional nature of the practices used to prevent premature graying of hair. For example, traditional practitioners in Uttar Pradesh apply fresh leaf extract, while communities in Andhra Pradesh and Moradabad use plant paste or leaf extract to darken gray hair (6).

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. A study indicates that mustard oil can help prevent premature graying by fighting oxidative stress and microbes. It provides important nutrients like omega-3, omega-6, and polyphenols, which nourish the scalp (7).

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). A study found that henna helps darken hair and prolong natural color. Research showed that hair colorants containing henna had a stronger and longer-lasting effect (8).

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 (9). 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 (10).

These are some of the best homemade hair oils for gray hair. 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 (11). 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.” The study found that rosemary oil can help reduce gray hair and promote hair growth. After 120 days of use, gray hair was reduced by 64.89%, and no side effects were reported. This suggests that rosemary oil can help maintain natural hair color and keep hair healthy (12).

2. Argan Oil

Moroccan argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols. It keeps the hair moisturized (13). 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.

4. Fish Oil

Fish oil is highly beneficial if it is included in the diet regularly (14). 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.

Incorporating these homemade oils into your hair care routine can combat graying, enhance shine, and improve overall hair health. Further, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can support the vibrancy of your hair as you age. However, it’s important to remember that the effectiveness of homemade hair oils can vary from person to person. Some individuals may not experience the same benefits, and there’s also the potential for side effects, such as allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients. To ensure your safety, it’s always best to consult a professional before using these oils, especially if you have any existing scalp or skin conditions. This will help you determine if the product is suitable for you.

Tips And Precautions For Using Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair

• Patch Test First: Apply a small amount to check for any allergic reactions.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and oils for maximum effectiveness.
• Avoid Excessive Heating: Overheating oils can reduce their beneficial properties.
• Massage Gently: Avoid aggressive rubbing. Gentle massaging improves absorption and blood circulation.
• Wash Regularly: Avoid leaving oil on for too long, as buildup can clog pores and cause dandruff.
• Store Properly: Keep oils in a clean, dry place to prevent rancidity.
• Don’t Overapply: Too much oil can make hair greasy and difficult to wash out.
• Be Consistent: Regular use is key to seeing results. Apply at least 2-3 times a week.
• Maintain A Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is a powerful tool in your hair care arsenal. It supports hair health along with topical treatments, empowering you to take control of your hair’s well-being.

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.

Can I mix different oils for better results?

Yes, mixing different oils can boost their benefits. For example, combining coconut oil with rosemary or sage can be more effective for managing gray hair. This way, you can also customize your hair oil recipe to suit your specific hair care needs.

Illustration: Effective Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair

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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