In Ayurveda, bhringraj is also called Keshraj, often translated as "king of hair". Here is what bhringraj oil can and cannot do for hair fall, and how to use it.
What is bhringraj oil?
Bhringraj oil is a herbal hair oil made by cooking bhringraj, a small white-flowered plant known in science as Eclipta alba (or Eclipta prostrata), in a base oil. This slow-cooking method, Tail Pak Vidhi, draws the herb's oil-soluble compounds into the oil. Most bhringraj oils are blends, often with manjistha, amla or mulethi.
What are the benefits of bhringraj oil for hair?
The main benefits are a nourished scalp, softer and less brittle hair, and a regular massage habit. Some come from the herb, some from oiling itself.
- Nourishes a dry scalp: warm oil helps the scalp feel less dry and tight.
- Helps reduce breakage: smoother hair tangles and snaps less when combed or washed.
- Supports stronger-looking roots: bhringraj is traditionally used to care for hair roots; early lab studies are exploring why.
- Builds a massage habit: one small study links daily scalp massage with thicker strands.
Does bhringraj oil help with hair fall?
Bhringraj oil can support a routine that cuts down hair loss from breakage and rough handling, but it cannot fix hair fall that starts inside the body.
Losing up to about a hundred hairs a day is normal. Hair fall also rises after illness, crash diets or stress, and with low iron, thyroid or hormonal changes or genetics; oil does not change these. If hair fall is sudden, patchy or heavy, see a doctor first.
How should I use bhringraj oil?
Apply bhringraj oil two to three times a week, massage it into the scalp for a few minutes, and leave it on for at least an hour before washing.
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Warm it slightly | Stand the bottle in warm water for a minute; do not microwave it | Warm oil spreads more easily |
| 2. Part and apply | Apply to the scalp section by section with your fingertips | Gets oil to the roots, not just the lengths |
| 3. Massage | Small circles with fingertips (not nails) for 3 to 5 minutes | Relaxes the scalp |
| 4. Coat the ends | Run leftover oil through the lengths | Smooths dry ends that break easily |
| 5. Leave it on | At least 1 hour, or overnight if your scalp is comfortable | Softens hair before washing |
| 6. Wash gently | Mild shampoo; shampoo twice if hair still feels oily | Removes oil without harsh scrubbing |
If you want a ready blend, Saabhi Bhringraj Hair Oil pairs bhringraj with manjistha and twelve other herbs. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair and avoid tight hairstyles.
How long does bhringraj oil take to show results?
Give bhringraj oil two to three months of regular use before judging it. Softer hair can show within a few washes; less breakage takes longer.
Hair grows roughly a centimetre a month, so any routine needs months to show its full effect. Take a photo in the same light each month instead of counting hairs in the comb.
What does the research say?
Research on bhringraj and hair is early and mostly in animals. In mice, a whole-plant bhringraj extract applied to the skin moved hair follicles into the growth phase, depending on dose [1]. In rats, creams with bhringraj extracts shortened the time for hair to regrow on shaved skin compared with untreated animals [2].
On oiling in general, a laboratory study on hair strands found that coconut oil used before and after washing reduced protein loss, while sunflower and mineral oils did not [3]. A small study in nine healthy men found that four minutes of daily device-based scalp massage for 24 weeks increased hair thickness; it had no control group [4].
These studies used specific extracts, oils and methods. None tested any Saabhi product, animal results do not always apply to people, and none shows that bhringraj oil treats any hair-loss condition.
- Datta K et al. (2009). Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity. J Ethnopharmacol. Animal study (mice). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19481595/
- Roy RK et al. (2008). Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats. Arch Dermatol Res. Animal study (rats). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18478241/
- Rele AS et al. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. Laboratory study on hair fibres. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
- Koyama T et al. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. Small uncontrolled human study (n=9) plus cell study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26904154/
Who should be careful with bhringraj oil?
Most people can use bhringraj oil on the scalp, but patch test first and stop if you notice itching, redness or a rash.
Is there a ready-made bhringraj hair oil?
Saabhi Wellness makes science-backed functional wellness drinks and supplements for stress, detox, gut, sleep and daily energy, in convenient daily formats with ingredients dosed for results.
Saabhi Bhringraj Hair Oil is a hair fall control oil with bhringraj and manjistha as its key herbs. Each 10 ml is prepared by Tail Pak Vidhi with Bhringraj 40 g, plus Manjistha, Padmaka, Lodhra, Chandan, Shudh Gairika, Bala, Haridra, Daruharidra, Nagkesar, Priyangu, Mulahati, Kamal and Anantmool (0.312 g each). It is manufactured under AYUSH licence. Use it 2 to 3 times a week and leave it on for at least 1 hour before washing. It is a hair-care oil, not a treatment for any hair-loss condition.
Browse the hair and skin care range, or read about manjistha and bhringraj for hair.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main benefits of bhringraj oil?
Bhringraj oil is traditionally used to nourish the scalp and care for hair roots. Used with a gentle massage two to three times a week, it helps hair feel softer and helps reduce breakage from dryness. Research is mainly in animals so far.
Can bhringraj oil stop hair fall?
No oil can stop all hair fall. Bhringraj oil can support a routine that reduces breakage, but hair fall linked to low iron, thyroid or hormonal changes, genetics, illness or stress needs a doctor's assessment.
How often should I apply bhringraj oil?
Two to three times a week is enough for most people. Massage it into the scalp and wash it out with a mild shampoo after at least an hour.
Can I leave bhringraj oil on overnight?
Leave bhringraj oil on for at least one hour. Many people leave it overnight, which is fine if your scalp feels comfortable; if it itches or feels too oily, keep to one or two hours.
Bhringraj oil or onion oil: which should I choose?
Both are used in hair-fall routines. Bhringraj oil is a herbal Ayurvedic blend, while onion oil has a strong smell some people dislike. Choose the one you will use regularly, because consistency matters most.
