Although people have loved honey for its sweetness and taste, how does it treat the hair? Honey gives hair shine and softness in addition to its nourishment and hydration effects. If used incorrectly, it could be one of those remedies that cause sticky build-up or make hair look weighed down.
As knowing the probable pros and cons will help you use honey to its full potential, let's look into some benefits honey has to offer.
Is Honey Good for Hair?
Yes, honey is exceptionally good for hair health. It works as a humectant, letting your hair lock in moisture to stay silky. Honey's antioxidant properties can nourish and protect against damage to the hair in general.
It contains some inherent enzymes that give it the potential to enhance shine which leaves your hair shiny and glossy. Also, this strengthens your hair strands to feel energized and silky, whether used as a conditioner or even a mask.
Here are the top 7 benefits of using honey for your hair-
1. Moisturizes Dry Hair
Honey moisturizes the hair because it draws moisture naturally from the surroundings to nourish dry hair. It deep moisturizes dry hair by preventing breakage and brittleness which is especially good at giving new life to damaged hair.
By applying it regularly, you will see how your hair stays softer, easier to manage, and hydrated for longer periods. The natural ingredients in honey will keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.
2. Soothes Scalp
The soothing effects of honey help to calm itchy and irritated scalp. It is good at reducing flakiness and dryness as an intense moisturizer. Honey seals in the moisture and forms a protective barrier that further stops any irritation on the scalp.
It has natural antimicrobial properties that might even help rid the scalp of dandruff and other issues caused by microbes. The regular application of honey can soothe the scalp while creating an environment for hair growth. That's the reason why is honey good for hair growth.
3. Reduces Hair Breakage
What is honey good for? The honey is good for curing hair breakage since it will keep your hair well moisturized. You won't experience dry conditions that allow breakage after using it. With the proper moisturizing of your hair, you can be assured that the hair will not easily break or snap.
It will help condition your hair from the roots to the tip, thus preventing possible breakage. Similarly, after regular use, it will make the hair look thick and healthy, which protects it from damaging and splitting.
4. Revives Dull Hair
Honey assists in restoring the liveliness of lifeless hair. Its enzymes feed every strand to produce a much healthier and more vibrant look. This smoothes out the cuticle of the hair, giving it shine by reflecting light.
Regular use of honey in hair also moisturizes dull and dry hair, restoring its softness and shine.
5. Prevents Hair Loss
Honey is regarded as one of the finest remedies against hair loss because it can support hair strands and nourish the scalp. This prevents hair loss by enhancing hair development and improving scalp health.
Massage your hair regularly with honey, which will promote blood supply to the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. Using honey in hair care also makes it fuller and thicker, reducing the tendency for hair loss.
6. Antibacterial Properties
Is honey good for your hair? Yes, due to its antibacterial properties, honey is an effective ingredient for hair and scalp care. Honey maintains scalp health by reducing the number of microorganisms that usually cause problems, ranging from simple dandruff to major infections.
After applying it to the head, it forms a protective barrier on the scalp that prevents the bacteria from developing further. This natural antibiotic also allows cuts or other irritations on the scalp to heal more quickly.
7. Enhances Curls
Honey hydrates the hair which helps to define the natural curl patterns, and gives you a more defined and lively look. It moisturizes curly hair by improving natural curls and makes the curls look shiny and less knotted.
This will glow the beauty of your curls by making them look bouncy and healthy all day long.
How to Apply Honey on Hair?
Honey can be added to your hair regimen, which can make your hair feel and look better. But how it's done depends on your specific needs. When used right, it is claimed to induce shinier, softer, and more manageable hair.
You can enhance honey's natural benefits in getting better hair care results by trying these very easy and effective ways of applying honey to your hair-
Honey and Lemon Juice Rinse
Blend half a lemon juice with two teaspoons of honey in one cup of water. After shampooing, apply this mixture and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse the hair with cold water to remove all the dust particles.
The lemon juice balances the amount of oil production in the scalp and honey moisturizes the hair.
Honey Hair Mask
Applying honey mask for hair can significantly improve the overall health of your hair. To make this, slightly warm the honey and spread it equally to damp hair, focusing on the ends and dry parts. Let the hair wear this honey mask for 20-30 minutes deeply.
Then, rinse it well with warm water and shampoo your hair as usual. This procedure will leave the hair soft, manageable, rehydrated, and shiny. It is also recommended that you wear this mask once a week for the best results.
Honey and Yogurt Conditioner
Integrate 2 tablespoons of yogurt with a spoonful of honey well. Honey combined with plain yogurt can make a softening and moisturizing conditioner. Apply this paste to the ends and scalp on moist hair. Leave for 15-20 minutes until the yogurt and honey condition enriches your locks.
Afterward, rinse with water first and then apply your regular shampoo. This will make the hair vibrant because the conditioner elevates shine and gloss.
Honey Leave-In Conditioner
You can even combine honey with some water as a simple leave-in conditioner. Mix one tablespoon of honey with about half a cup of water and whisk well before applying liberally to the scalp, excluding the roots if you have oily hair.
This adds much-needed moisturizing without weighting down the hair. Style as usual, and the honey in this leave-in conditioner will help keep your hair moisturized and shiny all day.
Honey and Coconut Oil Blend
Blend an equal amount of honey with warm coconut oil. Apply it evenly over moist hair and focus on the ends and any other dry spots. Afterward, leave them to condition your hair for 20-30 minutes.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water to achieve hydrated-looking hair, and then shampoo as usual. A mix of honey and coconut oil can combine the nourishing functionalities and moisturizing benefits into one powerful hair treatment.
Honey and Aloe Vera Gel Mixture
You can pamper your hair with this soothing and hydrating effect of honey and aloe vera gel mixture. Take equal amounts of honey and aloe vera gel and mix it properly. Now, apply it to damp hair focusing on the roots and ends, and let it remain in your hair for twenty minutes.
Aloe vera gel soothes and nourishes the scalp, while honey hydrates it. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then follow with your regular shampoo for soft, healthy, and lustrous hair.
Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment
The combination of honey and apple cider vinegar can be a fantastic hair treatment. Mix one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Apply this mixture after shampooing the hair and leave it for some minutes.
Now, rinse well with cold water. This treatment will balance the pH of your scalp, remove buildup, moisturize with honey, and give you a glossy look with apple cider vinegar.
Honey Hair Serum
Make a simple hair serum by mixing honey into a carrier oil such as argan or almond oil. Add a little to damp hair by mixing one tablespoon of honey with some drops of any carrier oil. Focus on the ends since the aim is to seal dryness and split ends.
This serum adds a healthy shine to your hair and locks moisture in. However, regular use might make your hair look greasy.
Honey and Egg Mask
To make the mask, just combine an egg and two teaspoons of honey together. Apply this to your hair focusing as much as possible on the ends and the scalp. While the egg gives protein to the strand to strengthen it, the honey aids in moisturizing it.
Leave for 20 to 30 minutes, which enables it to soak in properly. Then, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual for strength and luster in your hair.
Tips to Apply Honey on Hair
You should apply honey to your hair properly to reap all the benefits provided by it without its side effects. There are some simple tips you can do to protect your hair from future problems.
• Combine honey with other substances like water or oils, to make it spreadable and easily rinsed off.
• Avoid extreme application of honey hair treatments frequently because it would build up and cause excessive moisture.
• Always rinse your hair very well with lukewarm water and ensure all traces of honey are completely washed out.
• To avoid allergies or sensitivity reactions, test a small amount of honey on your scalp before applying the whole quantity.
• Note how your hair responds to the honey treatments and adjust the amount if there are bad side effects or changes in texture.
Types of Honey
Every type of honey comprises its own special blend of nutrients and properties, so all of them are associated with a number of benefits when used as a hair treatment.
You can choose one type in accordance with your specific hair needs and gain healthier and more charming hair. Here are the main types of honey for your hair-
• Raw Honey
This raw honey is an unpasteurized and raw form of honey that has maintained all its nutrients and enzymes. Vitamins in it are retained as opposed to commercial honey, which is normally boiled or pasteurized.
Raw honey is an excellent choice for hair treatment since it makes hair feel shinier, softer, and easier to handle. It is also full of antioxidants that protect your locks against environmental stressors for stronger and healthier hair strands.
• Manuka Honey
Manuka honey originated from New Zealand and is said to have come from manuka plants which contain high levels of methylglyoxal. It is known to have very strong antibacterial and healing properties.
This honey nourishes the hair with organic nutrients and enzymes, reducing its fragility and imparting. Thus, it is an excellent ingredient for dry, irritated, or even dandruff-prone hair.
• Clover Honey
Clover honey is extracted from clover plants and has a medium-flavored intensity. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and has organic moisturizing properties that make the hair soft and less tangled.
Because of its mild nature, this honey won't irritate sensitive scalps and ultimately leads to stronger and healthier hair growth.
• Orange Blossom Honey
It is collected from orange tree flowers and has a citrus-like scent, which is perfect for hair care. This type of honey carries lots of Vitamin C content that retains lifeless hair and renews the natural texture of the hair.
This is a natural conditioner which also makes the hair smooth and soft. Orange Blossom Honey goes a long way in keeping the scalp healthy without drying it out and enhances the shine of hair.
• Sidr Honey
This honey is extracted from the nectar of Sidr trees grown in countries like Yemen. It deeply nourishes the hair with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which make it strong and resilient.
Its antibacterial properties will soothe and reduce discomfort in the scalp. It also deeply hydrates for overall hair health, making the hair more manageable.
Does Hair Get Damaged by Honey?
While honey is regarded as nutritional gold, misuse of it sometimes leads to complications. To ensure that you get the full benefit for your hair and avoid any possible difficulties, it's essential to apply it cautiously.
Here are some of the factors you must avoid while using honey in the hair:
Improper Dilution: Honey and hair, a perfect combination for natural nourishment and moisture. But if the honey is applied to the hair without diluting can become very hard to wash out and might leave the hair sticky, thus building up bacteria in the hair and scalp.
Overuse: If honey treatments are overused, their high moisture content can make the hair feel greasy or heavy. For the best result, it is recommended to balance them with other ingredients.
Allergic reaction: Some people are allergic to honey, which may inflame their scalps or cause allergic reactions that adversely affect their hair.
Unclean Scalp: Honey's natural sugars do seem to attract bacteria if it's not rinsed properly and cause infection on the scalp. It may also induce other problems that might have bad effects on the hair.
Heat Sensitivity: Honey's natural properties will change when it is mixed with hot water. This will probably diminish its benefits or change the way it works for your hair.
Sticky Residue: Honey is sticky by nature, and sometimes, it isn't easy to wash out properly. So, it may leave a residue that makes the hair look thick and lifeless.
Irritation to the Scalp: Applying honey to sensitive or injured scalps will definitely cause irritation or a tingling feeling which also causes breakage or hair loss.
Interference with other Hair Treatments: Honey may cause unexpected reactions with some of the hair product treatments, such as silicone-based products, heavy oils, and chemical treatments
Long-Term Build-Up: If you use honey for a long time without washing the hair well, it can change the texture and become hard to handle.