When our founder, Jena, partnered up with her close friend, the amazing Dara Kaye to develop Agent Nateur’s first-ever strengthening treatment oil holi (locks), Dara brought a bunch of powerful, plant-based ayurvedic ingredients to the table that she thought would be great in the product. Jena knew instantly that the antioxidant-rich, multi-disciplinary, luxurious ‘Bhringraj oil’- was going to be a key part of the formulation for holi (locks).

What actually is Bhringraj oil and what is it used for?

Bhringraj, an ayurvedic herb, that is derived from the sunflower family.

For decades now, Bhringraj oil has been Ayurveda’s ever-reliable cure-all solution for hair problems in India. It is a true, plant-based medicinal wonder - also being able to be ingested or consumed by mouth for a whole host of health conditions (fatty liver, UTIs and cystitis and even more serious conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and Alzheimer’s).

What it has really become known for today though are the revolutionary benefits it can bring to the head, hair health and scalp.

The hair benefits are pretty extensive - it promotes the appearance of hair growth, softens and strengthens the strands and follicles, and adds shine to your mane as well as preventing the look of thinning hair, dandruff and (possibly) graying.

How does it do that?
 
1. Volume, volume with a side of soft and shine - High in Vitamin E and packed with flavonoids, phytosterols, and coumestans, the oil is packed full of natural compounds that work together to nourish dense and voluminous hair follicles. As well as this, bhringraj also helps to contribute to soft and shiny hair too.

2. Hair growth stimulation - one of the key drivers of why Jena & Dara created the holi (locks) product was to help alleviate the appearance of hair thinning, male and female pattern balding and the challenge of hair loss so, by mixing bhringraj oil with four patented, scientifically active and clinically proven thicker looking hair  ingredients, as well as a suite of other ayurvedic oils known for hair nourishment and fuller hair - we knew we were super powering this hair growth and treatment product in the best way possible.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that the topical use of the Eclipta alba extract (present in the bhringraj oil) by massaging into the scalp stimulates the growth of hair follicles - and another study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research seconded these findings.

The science behind how this works involves vasodilation. Bhringraj helps to improve the circulation of blood throughout the scalp and helps get more blood to the hair roots to help with stimulation.

As well as working at the scalp level, applying bhringraj extract topically also stimulates hair follicles and lengthens the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. A 2018 study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research, actually suggested that bhringraj is more effective than the pharma medication minoxidil at promoting hair growth and treating male pattern baldness. 

3. Scalp health - as well as hair health, scalp health is something that Bhringraj oil helps with. Bhringraj is known to possess antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce scalp problems - particularly dandruff.

It is also known to be anti-inflammatory and so can help with things like psoriasis or other skin irritations on the scalp, as well as improving circulation to the scalp, which can also help and assist with hair growth.

4. It can keep greying at bay - there are a ton of reasons why you or someone close to you might be going grey (which is actually a loss of the dark pigment, melanin, in your hair). Whether it’s unexpected or high levels of emotional trauma, high levels of oxidative stress, your genetic disposition or simply natural aging - a study published in the Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery has suggested that bhringraj oil has hair darkening properties that can offset the loss of melanin over time. This is an added bonus of incorporating bhringraj into your hair health.

Bhringraj and bhringraj oil is a critically important part of our holi (locks) formulation and is insanely underrated in western society. You heard about it here first!

It is highly beneficial for hair health, with amazing rejuvenating and natural properties.

Bhringraj oil is a critical part of the holi (locks) journey to helping you nurture thicker, more lustrous and luxurious looking hair.

Is holi (locks) right for me?

If you’re looking to deeply repair your mane, then yes!

We advise you to use holi (locks) for 3 - 6 months, applying 3-4 times a week from scalp to mid-section of the hair (although you can go down to the ends of your hair if you want to).

Remember, it is a treatment oil. It is not made for styling or blow-drying but on top of all of the benefits it has treatment-wise, it also really does give an incredible shine and Jena swears it makes her waves really soft and deeply moisturized.

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA.  WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.