5 things you can add to mustard oil to turn it into the ultimate hair-growth potion

Mustard oil has always been that no-nonsense hero sitting in every Indian kitchen -strong, earthy, unapologetically potent. It’s the kind of oil our mothers and grandmothers trusted for everything from colds to cooking to those infamous weekend “tel champi” sessions. But if you thought mustard oil was powerful on its own, wait till you try it as a customised hair-growth elixir by infusing it with simple but magical ingredients. These add-ins won’t just boost growth; they’ll tackle dandruff, dryness, premature greying, and overall hair strength - basically, everything you hope for from a good hair oil.

Here’s your guide to transforming regular mustard oil into the best hair oil you’ll ever make at home.

If there’s one ingredient Indian households swear by for hair, it’s curry leaves. These humble green leaves are basically growth boosters in disguise. Rich in beta-carotene, amino acids, antioxidants, and iron, curry leaves strengthen hair follicles and prevent thinning from the roots up.

To infuse them into mustard oil, simply take a handful of washed and dried curry leaves, toss them into warm mustard oil, and heat until the leaves turn dark and crisp. Once cooled and strained, what you’re left with is a deeply nourishing blend that fights hair fall and promotes new growth. Use it twice a week, and you’ll start noticing your hair feeling fuller, shinier, and stronger - like it’s finally waking up from a long nap.

Fenugreek is probably the closest thing to a miracle ingredient for Indian hair. Packed with protein, mucilage, and nicotinic acid, methi seeds strengthen the roots, reduce breakage, and help with stubborn dandruff. They’re also excellent for soothing itchy scalps and improving overall hair texture.

To make methi-infused mustard oil, lightly crush two tablespoons of methi seeds and drop them into a small bowl of mustard oil. Warm the mix on low heat until the seeds swell a bit and release their colour. After cooling and straining, massage this oil into your scalp at least once a week. It leaves your scalp feeling fresh, nourished, and surprisingly calm. Plus, the oil gets a beautiful golden-brown tint and yes, that’s the good stuff.

In South India, hibiscus is not just a pretty flower, it’s a hair-care icon. Hibiscus has amino acids that promote keratin production, prevent premature greying, and make your hair shiny without weighing it down. When mixed with mustard oil, hibiscus helps balance the heat of the oil while intensifying its growth benefits.

Take 3–4 fresh hibiscus flowers (or 1 tablespoon of dried petals), add them to warm mustard oil, and let it simmer for a few minutes. The oil will slowly take on a reddish tint and a sweet herbal fragrance. Regular use of this blend keeps the hair soft, manageable, and visibly healthier. If your hair is always dry, frizzy, or rough, this mustard oil–hibiscus combo will feel like a mini spa treatment each time you use it.

Black seeds, or kalonji, are a powerhouse of antioxidants and fatty acids. In Unani and Ayurveda, they’re considered a remedy for strengthening weak follicles and encouraging regrowth in thinning areas. Kalonji is especially beneficial if you’re battling hair fall due to stress, lifestyle changes, or pollution, basically, the reality of living in any modern Indian metro.

To prepare this oil, take one tablespoon of kalonji seeds and crush them slightly. Add them to half a cup of mustard oil and heat the mixture gently for 5–6 minutes. The result is a potent, slightly peppery-smelling oil that nourishes the scalp deeply. Apply it 1–2 times a week, focusing on problem areas. Over time, you’ll notice reduced hair fall and improved thickness around the crown and hairline.

5. Onion Juice or Onion Extract

Onion has become the star ingredient in modern haircare, but Indian households have been using it for generations. The sulphur in onions boosts collagen production, which strengthens hair shafts and promotes faster growth. Onion also helps with scalp circulation, which means your roots receive more nutrients with every application.

To use onion with mustard oil, follow this foolproof method: grate one medium onion, extract its juice, and mix it with warm mustard oil in a 1:4 ratio. Make sure to warm the oil very gently, onion juice can burn quickly if overheated. Massage the blend into your scalp and leave it for at least one hour before washing. If you want something milder, you can sun-infuse chopped onions in mustard oil for a week for a less pungent but equally effective version.

Regardless of which ingredients you choose, here’s how to make the most of your DIY potion:

Warm the oil slightly before applying.

Massage your scalp for 5 minutes to improve blood circulation.

Leave it on for at least an hour, overnight if possible.

Use it twice a week for visible results.

Pair it with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo, and avoid hot water for rinsing.

Mustard oil is already a strong contender in the hair-care world, but with these powerful add-ins, it becomes nothing short of a miracle worker. Each ingredient brings its own benefit - strength, shine, thickness, or regrowth, making this customised blend a must-have for anyone dreaming of long, healthy, Indian-hair-commercial-worthy locks. Try a few combinations to see what your scalp loves most and enjoy the transformation, one champi at a time.