Milk for hair: Is it healthy or harmful?

People generally spend a lot of money on hair treatments that don’t give them the quality of hair they desire. Nowadays, hair treatments are believed to be the most effective way to keep your hair healthy. If these treatments are burning a hole in your pocket, you can try natural or kitchen ingredients that can restore and enhance the beauty and shine of your hair. If you are searching for a natural remedy that can help strengthen your hair, try incorporating milk into your hair care routine. Yes, using milk on your hair helps control dryness and minimise split ends. Additionally, milk may improve hair texture, smoothen hair, and reduce frizz. Here are the benefits of using milk for hair and how to use it.

How is milk good for hair?

Milk contains proteins, mainly casein, and whey. These proteins help in thickening and strengthening hair. It also contains vitamin D which helps in the growth of new hair follicles. Milk is also a rich source of calcium, which helps in preventing hair loss and promotes hair growth. Plus, milk contains other vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin E, and potassium which makes hair soft and shiny. This helps in getting rid of dry and frizzy hair strands, explains cosmetologist and trichologist Dr Priti Mahire.

Also Read: Treat dry and damaged hair to this nourishing DIY coconut milk hair mask

What are the benefits of milk for hair?

Here are some of the potential benefits of using milk for hair.

1. Helps reduce dandruff

Milk and its components may aid in the health of the scalp and hair. They frequently act as moisturisers, aiming to rejuvenate and improve the scalp and hair, found a 2017 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal. Thus, it might aid in calming the scalp and reducing dandruff. However, further study is necessary in this area.

2. Conditions hair

You can use milk as a hair wash if you have frizzy, dry hair. Milk cream smoothens the hair cuticles, moisturises the strands, nourishes the scalp with milk nutrients, and serves as a deep conditioner to maintain your hair manageable, silky, and smooth.

3. Reduces split ends

Excessive UV exposure can harm your hair by affecting its colour and shaft integrity, as well as causing protein loss, according to a 2008 study published in PubMed Journal. Split ends and brittle hair may result from this. Split ends can be reduced and hair can be moisturised by applying milk and milk cream.

4. Rich in antioxidant properties

Milk has Vitamin C which boosts collagen production and since vitamin C is filled with antioxidant properties, it protects the hair from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, says the expert.

5. Straightens hair

While milk won’t straighten curly hair, it might aid with improving texture and reducing frizz. The proteins in milk are also said to help feed the scalp and hair, giving the appearance of smoother hair, however, this has not been scientifically confirmed.

How to use milk for hair?

Here are some easy and effective hair masks you can try at home using milk for smooth and shiny hair.

1. Milk wash

Ingredients:

• Milk

How to use:

• You can use plain milk.
• Wash your hair with shampoo, and rinse with water.
• Rinse the hair with plain milk and leave it for 5 minutes.
• Now, rinse with normal water.

2. Milk and egg hair mask

Ingredients:

• Milk- 1 cup
• Eggs -1

Process:

• Take one cup of milk.
• Add one egg yolk to it.
• Mix it well till it becomes frothy.
• Apply this hair mask to your hair.
• Keep it for half an hour, and shampoo your hair.

3. Milk and honey hair mask

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of raw milk
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Process:

• Take one cup of raw milk.
• Add two tablespoons of honey and mix well.
• Apply this mixture to hair.
• Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

4. Milk and banana hair mask

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk
• 1 ripe banana

Process:

• Take one cup of raw milk.
• Mash one ripe banana and mix these well together.
• Apply this hair mask to your hair and leave it for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Wash it with a mild shampoo.

Also Read: 4 DIY coconut milk hacks to make your hair soft as silk

5. Milk, honey, strawberry, and banana mask

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk
• Two tablespoons of honey
• Few strawberries
• One ripe mashed banana

Process:

• Take one cup of raw milk.
• Add two tablespoons of honey, a few strawberries, and one ripe mashed banana, mix all these well together.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and keep it for 20 to 30 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Are there any side effects of using milk on hair?

There are no side effects of using milk on hair as such but be mindful of the ingredients you are putting in your hair mask. Also, consult your doctor before using it.

Applying milk or its cream may help nourish and hydrate your hair, reducing the chance of dryness and split ends. As a result, apply this natural and affordable solution to feed and pamper your hair.