If not your genes, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems can cause hair loss. Even long-lasting health conditions such as diabetes can affect your hair by reducing its volume. With age, hair not only starts to lose its colour, but the hairline also begins to recede. Tight hairstyles or chemical treatments may also contribute to problems. Hair loss can be due to many factors, and you may be ready to try different methods to grow your hair back. If you believe in taking the natural route, it may be worth it trying mulberry for hair growth. The interesting part is that the colourful berries can be used in different ways for hair health!

What is mulberry?

Mulberry is a tiny wild berry that is juicy and flavoursome. It is a fruit of the mulberry tree, scientifically known as Morus alba. Mulberries are rich in nutrients. It is especially high in antioxidants, vitamin C as well as important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.

How does mulberry help with hair growth?

Morus alba (mulberry) root bark extract may prevent infection and blocking of the scalp pores, promoting hair growth, according to a 2021 research published in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Vitamin E and a wide variety of carotenoid components are present in mulberry fruits. They function as powerful antioxidants to boost hair growth, says beauty veteran Dr Blossom Kochhar.

How to use mulberry for hair growth?

These sweet flavoured berries that are mostly available in black, red and white can be eaten as fresh fruits or can be dried and enjoyed as a snack. They can be turned into fresh juice too. It is not just for consumption though, as you can make it part of your hair care routine too. You can include mulberry in your hair care routine in the following ways:

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1. Mulberry hair mask

• Blend fresh or dried mulberries into a smooth paste.
• Mix the mulberry paste with natural ingredients such as yogurt or coconut milk to add moisture.
• Apply the DIY mask to your hair and scalp, leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes, and then rinse it off with water.

2. Mulberry hair rinse

• Prepare a mulberry-infused hair rinse by boiling mulberries in water.
• Let the mixture cool, strain it to remove any solid particles, and use the liquid as a final rinse after washing your hair with a shampoo.

3. Mulberry oil treatment

• Extract mulberry oil by infusing mulberries in carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
• Heat the oil mixture gently and strain out the mulberries.
• Apply the mulberry-infused oil to your hair and scalp, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

4. Mulberry and aloe vera hair gel

• Blend mulberries with aloe vera gel to create a nourishing and natural hair gel.
• Apply the mixture to your hair, but make sure to focus on the roots and tips.

You can consider incorporating mulberry into your hair care routine on a weekly to biweekly basis, says Dr Kochhar.

What are the side effects of mulberry on hair?

While mulberries can offer various benefits for hair, using too much or applying them inappropriately may lead to certain side effects.

• Too much application may lead to hair dryness. They may strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and potential breakage.
• Some people may be sensitive to certain compounds in mulberries, leading to scalp irritation or allergic reactions, says the expert.
• If mulberry oil or mulberry-infused treatments are applied too frequently, they may contribute to an overproduction of oil on the scalp, making the hair appear greasy.

Mulberry may help in hair growth, but don’t go overboard with it.