Types Of Milk
Different types of milk offer unique benefits for your hair. Here are five types of milk:
- Cow Milk Cow milk is rich in protein and essential vitamins like vitamin D and calcium that help strengthen your hair and promote healthy growth (1)(2).
- Almond Milk Almond milk, with its light texture and nutty flavor, is a popular dairy alternative and also a great option for your hair. It contains zinc that helps nourishes the scalp, improves hair texture, and prevents hair loss (1)(3).
- Coconut Milk Coconut milk is known for its rich, creamy consistency and high-fat content. This makes it a fantastic natural conditioner, adding shine and softness to your hair. It’s packed with vitamins C and E, promoting a healthy scalp and hair growth (1)(4).
- Oat Milk Oat milk is an ideal choice for those with hair prone to dryness. It may help make your hair feel softer, smoother, and less frizzy. Each type of milk brings its own set of benefits, so choosing the right one can depend on your hair’s specific needs. Read on to learn more on the benefits of applying milk on your hair.
Benefits Of Applying Milk On The Hair
Milk is rich in proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants and is beneficial for health (5). It is often used in traditional recipes to keep the hair soft and smooth. While there is no scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of topical application of milk for the hair, anecdotal evidence claims that it conditions the hair and restores its natural shine. It may also reduce split ends, manage dryness, and provide hydration to stimulate hair growth and improve strength. Let’s check out the other benefits of washing your hair with milk.
1. Reduces Split Ends
Excessive exposure to UV rays can damage your hair, affect the hair color and shaft’s integrity, and cause protein loss (6) This may make your hair brittle and cause split ends. Applying milk and milk cream can moisturize the hair and minimize split ends.
2. Conditions The Hair
If you have dry and frizzy hair, you can wash your hair with milk. The cream in milk smoothens the hair cuticles, moisturizes the strands, nourishes the scalp with milk nutrients, and works as a deep conditioner to keep your hair manageable, soft, and smooth.
3. May Help Control Hair Loss
If you want to try applying milk to your hair and see if it works for your hair type, you can follow the methods discussed below.
4. May Offer A Straightened Look To The Hair
Milk does not help in straightening curly hair, but it may help improve its texture and reduce frizz. Though it is not scientifically proven, the proteins present in milk are said to also help nourish the scalp and hair, which may make it appear smoother.
5. May Help Reduce Dandruff
Milk and its products may help improve the health of the scalp and hair. They often serve as moisturizers, aiming to restore and enhance the scalp and hair (7). Thus, it may help soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff. However, more research is warranted in this regard. If you are wondering how to draw these benefits from milk and how to incorporate it in your hair care routine, check out the section below!
How To Apply Milk On Hair
Note: Use full cream milk or coconut milk for maximum hair benefits (if you are allergic to milk) You Will Need
200-300 ml of milk
Method You Will Need
200-300 ml of raw milk A spray bottle
Method
3) DIY Milk-Based Hair Masks
a). Milk + Egg Hair Mask Combining eggs with nutrient-rich milk creates a perfect hair mask for silky, lustrous tresses (8). What You Need
2 eggs ½ cup milk A few drops of lemon juice
Method b). Banana Milkshake Hair Mask Bananas and milk are incredibly moisturizing and can bring your dry hair back to life (9). You Will Need
1 ripe banana 1/2 cup milk
Method Deepthi, a blogger, tried using milk mixed with honey on her hair to improve her hair health. She was very happy with the outcome. She said, “I am quite happy with the results. My hair feels soft, smooth, healthy, and more hydrated than ever (i).” Can we apply milk to hair daily? Yes, you can apply milk as a pre-wash treatment for an hour daily for soft and smooth hair. Does milk cause gray hair? No, milk does not cause gray hair. Gray hair may be caused by vitamin deficiencies (10). Milk contains essential vitamins and minerals which may slow down the graying of your hair (11). Does milk increase dandruff? Milk is rich in vitamins and minerals that may hydrate the scalp which may keep dandruff at bay. Can we apply milk on oily hair? Milk is rich in fat which may make your oily hair look more greasy. You will have to shampoo well afterwards if you apply milk on your hair.
Illustration: Is Milk Good For Hair? Benefits And How To Apply
Learn how to apply milk to your scalp to cleanse hair follicles and give your hair a natural, healthy shine! Get tips on the best way to use milk for hair treatments in the video below.