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Witch Hazel: Your Scalp’s Next Best Friend

Witch hazel might sound like a mystical ingredient, but it may be more common than you think. Look at the labels on your skincare. You’ll most likely find it listed there somewhere. This ingredient is even in a lot of hair care products. 

This remarkable plant can and will revolutionise your hair and scalp in due time. We’ll show you the best and easiest ways to add witch hazel to your regular hair maintenance. But first, we’ll introduce you to this scalp saviour.

Index

What Is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, grows in the forests of places such as Japan and North America. This plant, in particular, is the most common variation used in medicine and hair/skincare. Early in its history, witch hazel was a medicine that treated skin issues like small wounds. 

The leaves and bark of this plant have inherent antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also works well as an antioxidant and astringent.

What Are the Benefits of Witch Hazel for Your Hair?

Possibly Helps With Hair Loss

Witch hazel is able to relieve the irritation around your hair and hair follicles. This fact might be the reason for witch hazel’s connection to hair growth. There are not that many studies about witch hazel and hair growth in general. However, there is one about alopecia. 

Based on this research, alopecia or hair loss was connected to a chronic skin disease called rosacea. Some trials considered witch hazel as an effective treatment for rosacea. It can help fix the skin barrier. Even so, tread with caution since not all patients reported it to be helpful for them.

Eases After Hair Removal Treatments

Anything with witch hazel wasn’t intended for hair removal per se. Although, it does benefit you right after. Your skin can heal faster when you cover your skin with witch hazel after shaving or waxing. 

It prevents you from getting shave burns because it soothes your skin from any swelling or redness. A dab or two can also cool off your skin, returning its natural pH levels to normal.

What Are the Benefits of Witch Hazel for Your Scalp?

Cleanses Scalp

Itchy scalp won’t be a problem anymore with a bit of witch hazel. It can soothe irritation in your scalp by absorbing the excess grease and oil. It’s great at cleansing, especially when you’re into restrictive styles like twists and braids.

Tampers Down Inflammation

Even including a shampoo with witch hazel can greatly reduce inflammation in your scalp. It lessens any redness with every application. Witch hazel is even beneficial regarding scalp sensitivity due to conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Lessens oil buildup

If you have excess oil in your scalp, you might need a touch of witch hazel. Its extract is generally found in toners, and for good reason. It can minimise your pores and control sebum production, leading to almost no oil buildup after.

Reduces Flakes

Scalp irritation and flaking go hand in hand. Since witch hazel does lessen scalp irritation, it will decrease flaking as well. Another cause is product buildup, and the plant extract does help with that too.

How to Use Witch Hazel for Hair and Scalp?

For Hair

Materials:

  • A few drops of witch hazel 
  • Your favourite shampoo

Steps:

  1. Mix the witch hazel with the amount of shampoo you typically use in your hand. 
  2. Lather up the witch hazel and shampoo. 
  3. Massage the witch-hazel-shampoo mixture in your hair like normal. 
  4. Continue with routine, like rinse and condition, afterwards. 

For Scalp

Materials:

  • Three (3) tablespoons of witch hazel (alcohol-free)
  • One (1) tablespoon of an oil of your choosing (like hempseed oil) 
  • Ten (10) or so drops of essential oils (like peppermint or lavender) 
  • Four (4) ounce glass bottle (spray bottle, if possible) 
  • Distilled water
  • Cotton pad (optional) 
  • Dropper (optional)

Steps:

  1. Combine both the witch hazel and oil of your choice in the bottle. 
  2. Fill the rest of the bottle with the distilled water.
  3. Include your essential oils. 
  4. Shake well to blend everything. 
  5. Use the cotton pad, dropper, or spray bottle to pat, drop, or spray the witch hazel on your scalp.
  6. Only apply a little bit of the witch hazel concoction at a time. 
  7. Let your skin absorb the witch hazel for around five to ten (5-10) minutes. 
  8. Shower as usual to rinse your hair out. 

Is Witch Hazel Safe for Your Hair and Scalp?

Yes, it’s indeed safe for your hair and scalp. It’s a great option for people with scalp issues. But, like all things, it’s best to use witch hazel in moderation. 

We should also never forget about the possibility of allergies. It’s always best to do a skin patch test to check for allergies and such. As usual, consult your dermatologist or personal GP before using anything new on your body.

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