Lentils are one of the best foods for hair growth, says my mom!

Whether you are young or old, hair loss can happen to you at any age in life due to various reasons such as hormonal changes, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, stress, medical conditions or improper hair care practices. My hair loss is connected to stress, which is known to affect many people. Once I started losing more hair than usual, I started giving importance to healthy foods and looked for ways to reduce stress. I also made some changes in my hair care routine to combat hair loss. Concerned about my hair health, my mom suggested me to include lentils in my hair care regime. It did help to control hair loss to a great extent. Read on to know if you should also use lentils for hair growth.

What leads to hair loss?

Hair loss can be attributed to genes or medical conditions. But if one looks at lifestyle, diet may be one of the primary reasons driving it. The most common factor that contributes to hair loss is poor diet, points out beauty veteran Dr Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies. We do not often consume a diet that has all essential nutrients, especially protein and iron. The frequent use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments, and emotional stress can all contribute to hormonal imbalances, affecting hair health.

What are the best types of lentils for hair growth?

It is essential to identify the specific cause to determine the most effective solution. But you can also use lentils as a home remedy for hair growth.Here are three types of lentils for hair:

1. Green lentils (moong dal)

Rich in protein and iron, green lentils help in promoting hair growth by providing essential nutrients. They also contain biotin, a vitamin known for improving hair health, the expert tells Health Shots.

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2. Red lentils (masoor dal)

High in protein, zinc, and biotin, red lentils contribute to strengthening hair and preventing breakage. The iron content supports better oxygen supply to the hair follicles.

3. Black lentils (urad dal)

Urad dal is a good source of iron, protein, and folic acid, which aids in preventing hair loss. It also contains antioxidants that help maintain overall scalp health.

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How to use lentils for hair growth?

Eating lentils will have more benefits than applying them. While external application provides direct nourishment to the scalp, consuming lentils ensures the body gets the necessary nutrients internally. But remember, both are beneficial and can be complementary, says Dr Kochhar.

1. Lentil sprouts salad

Consuming sprouted lentils in salads ensures a direct intake of essential nutrients for hair health.

2. Red lentils hair mask

• Soak two tablespoons of red lentils in a bowl of water overnight.
• Blend the ingredients in a grinder and wait for them to turn into a paste.
• Mix one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of curd to the paste.
• Add 5 to 8 drops of pure almond oil to it.
• Mix, apply to the scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and rinse.

3. Red lentils and aloe vera hair mask

• Wash and soak 3 tablespoons of red lentils and one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a bowl for two hours.
• Add aloe vera gel and make a smooth and fine paste out of this.
• Transfer the paste to a bowl and add one tablespoon of castor oil and two vitamin E capsules to it.
• Mix everything well then use the red lentil and aloe vera hair mask.

4. Black lentils hair mask

• Soak 2 tablespoons of black lentils in a bowl of water overnight.
• Blend the soaked lentils in a grinder to make a smooth paste.
• Mix one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of yogurt to the lentil paste.
• Add 5 to 8 drops of pure coconut oil to the mixture.
• Blend everything together until you get a consistent paste then apply the hair mask to your hair

5. Green lentils hair mask

• Soak 2 tablespoons of green lentils in a bowl of water for at least 4 hours. Blend the soaked lentils to make a fine paste.
• Mix one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of plain yogurt into the lentil paste.
• Add 5 to 8 drops of olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth.
• Apply the hair mask to your hair, covering it from the roots to the ends.

Lentils not only promote hair growth, but also improve hair texture and reduce the risk of dandruff, says the expert.

You also need to ensure that you consume a diet which is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Do regular oil messages to stimulate blood circulation. If you don’t want more hair loss, avoid tight hairdos, harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat styling. You should also visit a trichologist to diagnose the original cause of your hair loss and get proper treatment.