Head Scarves For Hair Loss
May 13, 2020
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If you’ve never heard of neem, let alone using drops of neem oil for hair, you’d be forgiven. I didn’t know it was a thing, either – not until I visited Bali a few years ago and came across a herbalist that stocked all things neem. Teas, toothpastes, shampoos and supplements – she had it all.
I left the store with a bag of neem tea leaves. And while it didn’t make the tastiest brew, it definitely tasted… erm… healthy!
But, as I soon found out, the bitter leaves of this tea can make a very sweet solution for hair. In fact, neem oil (and the tree it’s extracted from) has a whole bunch of health benefits, so much so than in traditional Indian medicine it’s referred to as “the village pharmacy”.
I’ll be exploring many of these benefits in this post. But if you’re cold-pressed for time (hee hee), here are the top neem products on the market…
Coming up:
Emma’s ‘not a doctor’ disclaimer
Hi there, I’m an alopecian, I’m not a doctor! Any advice I give is based on my own research and personal experiences. This site is however reader-supported. When you buy through external links, I may earn a tiny affiliate commission. Learn more here.
The evergreen Neem Tree – known as Azadirachta Indica – hails from India (although some say it’s from Myanmar), where it’s considered to be sacred; a symbol of good health and protection.
According to India Times online, neem’s Sanskrit name – Arista – means something that is “perfect, imperishable and complete”. In Hindu texts (namely the Vedas), it’s called Sarva Rogha Nivarini, which means “one that cures all ailments and ills” or the slightly catchier, “heal-all tree”.
The different parts of the neem tree – the leaves, twigs, bark and fruit – are used for a range of applications: from the purely cosmetic, such as fading scars, to the medicinal, such as boosting immunity and treating fevers or inflammation.
But it’s the fruit and the seeds that are pressed to bring forth some of that sweet (although not so sweet-smelling!) oil.
Basically, the Neem Tree rocks.
But for the purpose of this post, I won’t be looking at all the many benefits of the neem tree. Instead, I’ll focus on the benefits of neem oil: the moisturizing, golden-yellow oil that’s extracted from the tree’s small oval fruits, or “nuts” (which look a lot like olives).
An oil that ayurvedic healers, beauty stylists and hairdressers alike swear by.
LA Says: Specifically, I’ll be talking about how neem oil for hair. How this particular natural remedy could help with hair loss… and maybe even encourage some hair growth along the way. Woohoo!
Although the yellowish liquid has been used in Eastern ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it took quite a while for the West to catch up. But now it’s finding its place among other natural gifts, like aloe vera and coconut oil, as quite the cosmetic gem – in fact, neem was one of the most Googled skincare ingredients of 2018!
Now, plenty of oils offer moisturizing and conditioning qualities. They’re oily, after all. It comes with the territory.
But neem oil can also bring the following benefits to your scalp:
Neem oil temporarily seals your hair follicles, acting as a protective barrier to damaging environmental factors (like pollution and UV rays).
LA Says: Ordinarily, I’d advocate the use of products that rid the scalp of excess oil and sebum (which can clog the follicles and lead to hair loss). So I’m not fully sure whether I want something to form an excess layer of oil on my scalp. Which is why I think the use of neem oil should be limited to an hour or two, making sure to rinse with a good cleanser afterwards.
The oil is rich in Vitamin E, fatty acids and calcium. Meaning that even when applied topically, your hair and scalp still benefits from all the nutrients of this great “diet”!
LA Says: FYI, Vitamin E is also an amazing antioxidant for maintaining healthy skin, plus for helping cells to regenerate quickly. Creating a healthier scalp that’s free from dandruff, dryness and itchiness. This nourished foundation leads to healthy hair growth, so stronger locks can sprout forth. Win-win.
The active ingredient in neem oil is called “nimbidin”, which, previous studies show, can suppress inflammation. And since alopecia is triggered by an inflammatory autoimmune response, any measures you can take to reduce this angry reaction are a good idea!
Plus, if you’ve got other scalp conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis, you can use neem oil to treat that irritation, too.
Oh, and speaking of irritating things… if you’re prone to dandruff, you’ll be happy to know that neem oil is reported to prevent it. Why? Well, because neem has antifungal properties – and dandruff often stems from the yeast-like fungus “malassezia”. Gross.
LA Says: I want to mention here that one study actually reports a patient developing dermatitis after using the oil. So if you notice any adverse effects, please discontinue use immediately.
So, are you keen to try some neem?! Thanks for your patience so far. We’ve covered a lot already. 🙂
Now it’s time to check out the neem oils that customers love the most.
LA Says: Before we get into the reviews, let me warn you: Neem oil is fairly potent stuff. Believe me, it doesn’t smell pretty – with an aroma that’s somewhere between garlic and sulphur. Gross.
But hey… If it works, it works, right?! And you can always mix it with a carrier like jojoba. So let’s dive in!
This Indian organic oil is actually a blend of neem oil and wild-crafted neem oil. And while the first part is USDA-certified, apparently the second isn’t – they use an independent body called OMRI to verify that it’s free from pesticides or harmful levels of metals.
Oleavine uses this mixture to get the maximum benefits from both the younger-farmed and longer-lived neem trees. Whether that makes a difference is anyone’s guess.
What the reviews say: Customers use this oil for plenty of things – not just for healthy hair and softer skin but as a repellent for a pest-free garden and flea-free pets!
(Now, that indicates just how strong neem oil is… so Oleavine recommends using a tablespoon in a gallon of water for garden spraying or diluting it with your favourite carrier oil, plus a few drops of lavender, peppermint or rosemary essential oil, if applying to your scalp).
In general, customers seem to love this product – one even says that they’ve “never had a cosmetic product that was so effective!” The main criticism is about the smell. But forewarned is forearmed, right?!
Read more reviews here.
This 100% natural neem oil can be used for dry skin, fine lines and even uneven skin pigmentation. But one of its main applications, according to the manufacturer, is to “help hair grow strong and long”. To “alleviate dryness and itchiness while keeping your hair moisturised and healthy year long”.
Big claims, but what do customers think?
What the reviews say: This is one of the most popular neem oil products on the market, which customers say is “a little more refined” than its competitors.
Now, usually I’d prefer as natural a product as possible but the benefits of this brand’s offering is that the oil is clear rather than yellow, it’s less “gritty” and less pungent, too! Reviewers describe it as having a “strong nutty smell” – which seems much less offensive than the other products on this list!
Check out a few more customer reviews here.
This baby is 100% pure, unrefined, cold-pressed neem oil – no additives, no synthetics, no artificial ingredients. Available in bottles from 4oz to 1 gallon, the pure Indian organic product also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Like the other oils on this list, it’s really good value – especially if you buy a bigger bottle – and it can be used in lots of ways.
What the reviews say: Customers have found it great for growing hair and thickening eyebrows in addition to a dozen other applications. In fact, it seems to be the most popular neem oil treatment on Amazon to specifically target hair growth… at least, that’s what I’m getting from all those positive reviews!
See some more customer reviews here.
Another high-flyer in the neem world, this oil is recommended for hair, skin, scalp health… and home gardening! Rich in Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, it’s another entirely natural oil with no synthetics added to improve its smell. Oh well.
Aromine also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee – so besides smelling more than a little “earthy” for a few weeks, you don’t have anything to lose by trialing it!
What the reviews say: Most customers use this oil for their plants or for a pet shampoo (!!) However, those who use it for face serums or hair masks seem to love it, too. As always, the negative reviews focus on the smell – but that only confirms that it’s the real deal!
Plus, this particular product is said to smell “like roasted garlic”. Hey, there’s wors
See some more user reviews here.
Now usually, I wouldn’t be a massive fan of anything with “artisan” in the title. Pretentious, much?! But I’ll overlook my reservations because a) the brand spells it a little differently and b) they make a range of oils that people love!
I’m tempted to try their castor oil, their grapeseed oil and their almond oil for hair growth, too. But first, let’s focus on the neem one – voted “Amazon’s Choice” and available in a 16oz bottle, it’s one of the best-value products on this list.
What the reviews say: There are fairly mixed Amazon reviews for Artizen’s various hair oils. But the neem ones seem to be pretty good. Customers say it left their hair “feeling silky and smooth”, improved their dry scalp and liked that the bottle lasted for ages.
The more negative comments revolve around the smell (surprise, surprise!) Although actually, one customer mentions that it’s “a lot milder” than other neem oil products. Yay!
See a few customer reviews here.
Of course, if after reading all those reports about how damn smelly neem can be, you might not want to try the pure oil. In which case, it might be a good idea to start with a neem-based product instead, like the following:
Yep, you can buy neem pills, too! There are neem supplements on the market for hair thinning and other hair problems. Although it’s worth noting that these haven’t been FDA approved – so make sure you order from a retailer that you trust!
The average recommended dose of neem or neem leaf is 1,300 milligrams (mg) per day – usually split between two doses. Popular brands include:
Just like any pure essential oil for topical use, I’d recommend diluting your neem oil with a carrier – like coconut oil or almond oil – before rubbing it in. (Psst… that’ll improve the smell, too!)
Add around 12 drops of pure neem oil for every ounce of the carrier one.
LA Says: Don’t forget to do a patch test for 24 hours – just in case of an allergic reaction. Even the natural approach can cause irritation for highly sensitive scalps!
Another important point to remember is that water repels oil. So there’s no point in applying an oil-based treatment like neem to wet hair as it won’t be as effective.
Instead, apply it to your dry hair and massage it all over your scalp. Leave it to work its magic for 1–2 hours and then rinse it out with your favourite shampoo.
Some people leave neem on overnight but this might cause a little skin irritation – better to start off with a few hours, just in case.
LA Says: If you don’t like an overly oily feeling in your hair, you can of course apply neem oil to wet hair instead. You could also add a few drops to your favourite shampoo or conditioner… or try one of the neem-based alternatives that I mention above!
Still not sure how to use your neem oil? Well, here’s a quick recipe that you can try out once or twice a week to boost hair growth. You’re welcome. 😉
You’ll need:
Here’s what to do:
In terms of where to snap up your neem oil, I’d recommend going directly to the source. So if you have any stores that stock ayurvedic medicine or Indian herbal supplies in your area, ask them if they stock neem oil.
Walmart and iHerb.com also carry various neem products.
Alternatively, you can order any of the products I mention above from Amazon. They’re all really good value, too!
LA Says: Note that if you’ve bought a cold-pressed, unrefined and organic neem oil that’s in its natural state (which I’d advise you do), it should be yellowish in colour. And it will most likely become solid at room temperature, just like coconut oil. If this happens, just hold it between your hands or pop the bottle into a bowl of warm water for a few minutes until it forms a liquid again.
Like I said, neem can be quite potent. So if you’re not used to it, you may experience a little irritation at first. Not to mention that smell I mentioned – you might want to alternate it with something that doesn’t offend the nostrils so much! I’d start with once or twice a week and see how you get on.
Yes – just make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil or to mix a few drops into your skin/haircare product first.
Unfortunately, no. Unlike many other natural botanical oils – like coconut or almond – neem oil cannot be used for cooking. And you shouldn’t ingest it either – neem oil is for topical use only. But you can use neem oil for a range of other cosmetic purposes by adding it to your favourite hand cream, moisturizer or body cream. Yay!
I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that neem can do – for a more detailed explanation about its background, medicinal properties and ingredients, check out this great post.
Even if you’re not into ayurveda or Indian traditional medicine, I’d still highly recommend trying neem oil for your hair. Many people I came across in Bali and in Sri Lanka raved about it, too – and they had incredible heads of hair, the silken stuff of an alopecian’s dreams!
From my own use of the tea, and my research into the oil, I can’t really find any bad side effects – other than the smell, of course. 😉 Still, unlike many other hair growth treatments, neem oil doesn’t seem to cause headaches, scalp irritation, or increased hair fall. And if it works for hair growth then hey, I’m willing to handle the smell!
I’m going to be snapping up a supply of neem oil from wherever I can find it here in Vietnam. Fingers crossed!
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Alopecian. Yoga Teacher. Copywriter. Here to share information, offer support and show people the adventures that can lie in hair loss. I’m proud to have alopecia and I want to help others embrace their baldness, too!
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I’m Emma. I’ve had alopecia for 24 years and I’m here to inform/hopefully empower people like me! Read my full story here. But I’m not a doctor, so any advice here is based on my own research and experience. I’m also in a few affiliate programs – see my disclaimer page for more. Or contact me here. Also, why not join a thousand fellow alopecians and get my-semi regular hair about life with irregular hair?
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6 Responses
You can order organic neem oil on iherb. I use it for toenail fungus, acne and sometimes scalp to add shine to hair (but it just smells too awful to leave in my hair so I don’t do it often). I got on this page because I have an alopecian friend and wanted to recommend it to her. However, understandably she is quite sensitive about it so don’t want to recommend it without first finding someone else with alopecia who it has worked for. Have you applied neem oil directly to your scalp? Leave it in? Has it worked?
Hi Jeanette,
Thanks so much for writing in, and for your feedback about using neem. Yes, you can also buy certain brands on iHerb and all the ones I mention in this post on Amazon. For your friend, I’d recommend using Milania as it’s good for sensitive scalps and she can do a test patch first to make sure everything’s ok. I would recommend that she also dilute it as I advise in this post (with a carrier like coconut or almond oil) or get creative with essential oils for more of a hair mask. Add 12 drops of neem oil for every ounce of the carrier, plus a few drops of the essential oil. Leave it in for 1-2 hours then rinse with cool water. Tip: I’ve used neem with peppermint essential oil and it’s brilliant! I’ve also used it with castor, which is a little thicker but it depends on whether your friend can source it and which she prefers. If she wants to trial out other neem products rather than going straight for the oil, she could try a neem shampoo bar. I get mine locally here in Vietnam but this one looks great and also has plenty of other ingredients to nourish the hair and scalp!
Nothing has really worked for me long-term as I still have alopecia. Nioxin did in the past, but then I stopped using it as I wanted to go for more natural products. Although the castor & peppermint combo did make my eyebrow come back!! Anyway, please feel free to pass on my advice to your friend and to share my website with her, also. I hope she finds it helpful!
Have a lovely day,
Emma (Lady Alopecia)
Hi..just found yor site. Ive got andro alopacia. Having treatment but getting scalp reaction. Just wanted to reach out re Neem. Not sure it is available in Australia.
Hi Heather, thanks so much for your comment and I’m really sorry to hear about your AA. What treatment are you on at the moment, may I ask? It sounds like, if you’re having a scalp reaction, a more natural approach would be good. Have you tried to source those brands I mention in my post? It seems like you should defintiely be able to get the Milania one and the Arizen one I recommend through Amazon. If not, I found this brand that are based in Australia – I haven’t used them personally though, so I can’t vouch for how good they are. I’ve been using a need shampoo bar on my hair recently and it’s great – no brand name, just locally made in Vietnam. So if you can’t find any online, maybe check in your local health store or farmer’s market! Hope that helps xx
Thank you for your time and dedication in bringing Neem to the light🌱
And thank you for your lovely feedback! I’ve been using a natural Neem soap for the past few weeks actually, I love it! 🙂