Frizzy hair is the ultimate photo bomber in your ‘could’ve been perfect’ selfies and the only one not in sync with an otherwise perfect outfit. These dry, rope-like tassels are often a sign that hair is unable to retain moisture properly. Some people often turn to the remedy of applying ghee to make the hair smoother once again. But is the remedy really effective? What if you apply it regularly for a month? Let’s find out.
What causes frizzy hair?
According to Dr Rupika Singh, Chief Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics, frizz occurs when hair becomes dry, rough, or stressed and loses its natural smoothness. “Frizzy hair usually indicates that the hair is not retaining moisture the way it should,” says Dr Singh, pointing out that in this scenario, the hair starts reacting to external factors like weather, sun exposure, and daily handling.
“When the outer layer of the hair shaft is lifted or disturbed, moisture from the air enters the hair, causing it to swell and appear frizzy,” adds Dr Sherin Bhan, Co-Founder of Studio 1915 Luxury Aesthetic Clinic.
The experts point out a few more culprits: excessive washing, humidity, frequent styling, chemical treatments, harsh shampoos, hard water, rough towel drying, skipping conditioner, and underlying dryness of the scalp and hair shaft.
Hair habits such as excessive washing, frequent styling, rough towel drying, or even neglecting conditioning can make hair more prone to frizz and flyaways in the long run (Image: Pexels)
Can ghee help reduce frizz?
Both Dr Singh and Bhan agree that ghee can help temporarily improve the appearance of frizzy hair by coating the hair, making it feel softer and more manageable. Ghee is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin A, which help soften dry hair and reduce surface-level frizz. “When applied twice a week for a month, it may benefit people with very dry or coarse hair textures who do not have dandruff or an active scalp condition,” Dr Singh notes.
As per the hair experts, the ghee should only be applied for a short time period, somewhat between 30-60 minutes. If you apply it for longer, it may lead to clogged pores or draw dirt. “Leaving it overnight is not advised because it can clog pores, draw dirt, and make cleaning challenging,” Bhan notes while suggesting to use a mild shampoo to completely remove it.
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According to Dr Singh, most people without dandruff may notice some improvement in softness and frizz control within two to three weeks of regular use. It should be stopped if there is no benefit or if the scalp feels heavy or itchy.
To make your remedy even more effective, you can also add aloe vera gel and coconut oil to your ghee when using sparingly on dry hair lengths. “For dry hair lengths, this combination might be more effective. On the other hand, these mixtures can feel heavy and clog scalp pores, and people with oily or acne-prone scalps should exercise caution,” says Bhan, while suggesting a patch test before adding ghee to your regular hair care routine.
However, the technique is not for everyone, and those with dandruff should totally avoid ghee on hair, as it can worsen scalp issues. “Ghee should be seen as a nourishing add-on rather than a solution, as it improves appearance but doesn’t address the root cause of frizz,” says Dr Singh. Heaviness, buildup, itching, and increased flaking may follow after applying ghee on dandruff-ridden hair.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
