Neem powder, also called neem tree, is a plant whose reputation in the world of natural cosmetics is no longer to be made. Indeed, it is known for its purifying, cleansing and anti-dandruff properties. Originating from Ayurveda, this remedy has been used for thousands of years in traditional Indian medicine to treat many ailments. The dried and powdered neem leaves are used in the composition of natural and homemade preparations for the care of oily skin and hair. Discover in this article the recipe of a DIY hair mask with neem powder to cleanse your scalp.
The properties of neem powder
The neem powder is recognized and used in Ayurveda for its properties :
antibacterial
antifungals
anti-inflammatory
The neem powder is generally used externally in cosmetic preparations to care for acne-prone skin and/or to sanitize oily hair, eliminate dandruff and protect against lice.
In traditional Indian medicine, neem leaves are also taken internally to relieve digestive disorders.
Why make a neem powder hair mask
The neem powder is sanitizing. It takes care of the scalp, roots as well as the hair fiber. Neem is rich in essential fatty acids. So, why put grease on greasy hair? Because neem powder helps nourish the top layer of the epidermis and cleanse the pores of the scalp. Thus, sebum production is regulated, limiting the overactivation of sebaceous glands.
The mask is a preparation that allows the hair to gorge itself with active ingredients for a remarkable effect from the first application.
Thus, the hair mask with neem powder applied once every 15 days benefits oily, dry hair and/or damaged ends.
Neem Powder Hair Mask: The Recipe
Ingredients for the basic preparation
2 tablespoons of neem powder.
3 tablespoons of argan oil
3 tablespoons of jojoba oil
Argan oil has been used since time immemorial as a hair care product in the Maghreb countries. It is rich in vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant protecting the hair from external aggressions (dust, pollution, sun ...)
Jojoba oil has sebum regulating properties. Therefore, it is recommended for both dry and oily skin.
Depending on additional needs, you can add 1 to 2 drops of essential oil of true lavender (anti-lice / lavender hydrosol for children under 7 years), mint (against dandruff), rose geranium ( healing in case of psoriasis or eczema).
Neem Powder Hair Mask Preparation
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. The paste should not be too liquid or too stiff.
Apply to all dry hair, taking care to massage the scalp well and distribute the preparation to the ends. Massaging helps to stimulate blood circulation and thus promote hair growthand regulation of sebum production.
Put a self-heating cap or a towel on the hair. The heat opens the scales of the hair allowing the product to penetrate the fiber well.
Leave on for 30 minutes
Rinse thoroughly with clear water and then wash hair with a natural shampoo.
This mask is to be applied 1 time every 15 days. To prevent your hair from becoming greasy again too quickly, space out the washes to once a week. Indeed, daily washes damage the structure of the fiber and stimulate the production of sebum.
What neem powder to choose
To ensure a quality mask and avoid contamination with potentially toxic agents, it is recommended to choose a powder free of pesticides, preservatives and other additives that alter its quality.
The BIO or ecocert labels are guarantees of quality and respect for an ethic towards local growers and producers.
Santi-Shop products with Neem
If you can't find neem powder or don't have the time to make the above recipe, it is also possible to enjoy thebenefits of Neem through other organic products.
"Neem Balance" Ayurvedic Elixir Shampoo
Thanks to fresh Ayurvedic herbs like Neem and Nirgundi this shampoo keeps the scalp clean and free of dandruff. Essential oils of rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus as well as zinc reinforce its effectiveness.
This shampoo does not damage your scalp or your hair and is made without sulfates, silicone, alcohol or artificial fragrance.
Propos'Nature Neem Oil
Neem oil vient des graines de l'arbre Neem, une des plantes ayurvédiques les plus importantes et les plus largement utilisées en Inde. Elle a des propriétés antibactériennes, antifongiques, insectifuges, émollientes et nourrissantes et pénètre facilement la peau.
Don't hesitate to combine Neem oil with essential oils to soften its very distinctive roasted smell.