How to make desi winter oil to promote hair growth

Winter might be great for cosy sweaters and endless cups of chai, but it’s definitely not kind to our hair. The cold air steals moisture, the scalp becomes dry, and hair fall increases for almost everyone. This is exactly why Indian households swear by a good “garam oil champi” in the winter months. And honestly, nothing beats a homemade desi winter oil packed with Ayurveda-inspired ingredients that your nani or dadi probably used all their lives.

If you want longer, stronger, shinier hair this winter, here’s a simple, effective, and deeply nourishing winter hair oil recipe you can make at home with ingredients already sitting in your kitchen. And the best part? There’s no harsh chemical, no complicated process, just pure goodness.

Your regular coconut oil is great, but winter demands a little extra. Cold temperatures:

Slow down hair growth

Cause dandruff due to dryness

Make hair brittle

Reduce natural scalp oils

Lead to breakage and frizz

A proper winter oil must be warm, thick, and rich with nutrients. This is why Indian traditional recipes combine coconut, mustard, castor, fenugreek, curry leaves, and sometimes even onions or amla. Each ingredient works on a different hair problem, but together, they create a powerful hair-growth potion.Source: Canva

This recipe makes one medium bottle of winter oil:

½ cup coconut oil

½ cup mustard oil

3 tablespoons castor oil

1 tablespoon methi (fenugreek) seeds

10–12 curry leaves

1 small onion, sliced (optional but highly recommended for hair growth)

A handful of dried amla pieces (or 1 tablespoon amla powder)

2–3 pieces of kalonji (black seeds)

A small piece of aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought)

These ingredients aren’t random - each one has a purpose. Coconut oil penetrates deeply to nourish strands. Mustard oil warms up the scalp and improves blood circulation. Castor oil thickens hair. Methi prevents hair fall. Curry leaves help with new baby hair growth. Onion triggers follicle activation. Amla boosts shine and reduces premature greying.(Image Credits: Pinterest)

1. Heat your base oils

Take a thick-bottomed pan and pour in the coconut oil, mustard oil, and castor oil. Keep the flame low because oils burn easily, and burnt oil loses its benefits.

2. Add the methi seeds and curry leaves

Once the oils become slightly warm, add methi seeds. They will take 2–3 minutes to start releasing their aroma. Next, drop the curry leaves, they might crackle a bit, which is normal.

3. Add onions (optional but extremely effective)

Add the sliced onions and let them cook slowly until they turn golden brown. This step ensures the onion nutrients seep into the oil without leaving the raw smell behind.

4. Add amla and kalonji

Once the onions change colour, add the amla pieces and kalonji seeds. Stir gently so nothing sticks to the bottom.

5. Add aloe vera

Add a small piece of aloe vera gel. It will bubble slightly, so keep the flame low and let it simmer.

6. Let it infuse

Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes. You’ll notice the colour deepening that’s exactly what you want. Switch off the flame and let the oil cool naturally.

7. Strain and store

When the oil reaches room temperature, strain it into a clean, dry glass bottle. It’s now ready to use.

This oil is thick, rich, and extremely nourishing, ideal for winter champis.

Warm it before applying

Just heat a small amount, not too hot, just lukewarm.

Massage your scalp for 10 minutes

Use circular motions and get the oil properly into your roots. Winter hair fall often decreases just with better scalp circulation.

Leave it on for at least 1–2 hours

Overnight works best, but even 2 hours is enough for the nutrients to work.

Wash with a mild shampoo

Because the oil is heavy, you may need two washes - don’t worry, it's worth it.

Use it twice a week for visible changes

Within three weeks, you’ll notice:

Reduced hair fall

Softer, shinier hair

Stronger roots

Baby hair growth along your hairline

Less dandruff and dryness

When the oil reaches room temperature, strain it into a clean, dry glass bottle. It’s now ready to use.

How to use this desi winter oil for best results

This oil is thick, rich, and extremely nourishing, ideal for winter champis.

Warm it before applying

Just heat a small amount, not too hot, just lukewarm.

Massage your scalp for 10 minutes

Use circular motions and get the oil properly into your roots. Winter hair fall often decreases just with better scalp circulation.

Leave it on for at least 1–2 hours

Overnight works best, but even 2 hours is enough for the nutrients to work.

Wash with a mild shampoo

Because the oil is heavy, you may need two washes - don’t worry, it's worth it.

Use it twice a week for visible changes

Within three weeks, you’ll notice:

Reduced hair fall

Softer, shinier hair

Stronger roots

Baby hair growth along your hairline

Less dandruff and dryness

The blend of oils and herbs targets multiple hair issues at once:

Castor oil promotes thick, dense growth.

Mustard oil improves scalp circulation and warmth.

Coconut oil nourishes hair from the inside.

Methi strengthens roots and reduces shedding.

Curry leaves are known for activating dormant follicles.

Onion boosts keratin production and wakes up weak roots.

Amla adds shine and reduces greying.

Aloe vera soothes dryness and irritation.

Unlike store-bought oils that are often diluted or contain fragrances, this one is pure and potent.

A few tips to maximise hair growth this winter

Don’t wash hair with hot water - warm is enough.

Avoid leaving hair open in harsh cold winds.

Use a satin pillowcase to prevent friction damage.

Eat seasonal foods like sesame, ghee, jaggery, and nuts for scalp nutrition.

Stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty in winter.

A good desi winter oil is more than just a beauty ritual - it’s comfort, culture, and care wrapped into one bottle. With consistent use, this homemade Ayurvedic-inspired blend can transform your hair, making it softer, stronger, and visibly longer. So this winter, skip the expensive serums and return to the wisdom of Indian haircare that has worked for generations.

Winter brings a drop in temperature and moisture, which directly affects your scalp and hair, making them drier, rougher, and more prone to breakage. A separate winter hair oil becomes essential because your hair’s needs change with the season, lightweight summer oils simply don’t provide enough nourishment or protection. Cold winds strip natural oils from the scalp, leading to flakiness, itching, and dullness, while indoor heating makes strands brittle. A richer, more hydrating winter-specific oil helps lock in moisture, strengthen the hair shaft, reduce frizz, and create a protective barrier against harsh weather. In short, switching to a winter-appropriate hair oil keeps your hair healthy, soft, and resilient even when the season is unforgiving.