10 Amazing Benefits of Honey for Hair and Skin

April 11, 2022

Referred to as Madhu in classical Ayurvedic texts, honey is one of the most important ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine. The ingredient is commonly used in a wide range of internal and external applications and is most popular as a natural sweetener that can also soothe throat irritation, coughs and colds. Ayurveda harnesses the power and benefits of honey by using it as a medium for the administration of Ayurvedic Churnas and other mixtures. The inclusion of honey can make them more palatable and also reduce the side effects of certain medications.

However, honey isn’t just valuable as a functional food or for internal medicine, but also as a topical application to treat various skin and hair conditions and to simply promote healthy hair and skin growth. In this article we will talk about the benefits of honey on the skin, the benefits of honey on hair, DIY beauty treatments with honey, the side effects of honey beauty care, and much more. Let’s read:

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What is honey? ^[1]

Honey is a viscous, golden-coloured liquid obtained from honey bees. Honey bees produce honey from the nectar they gather from flowers. Honey is flavourful and extremely sweet. This natural substance called ‘honey’ has a long history of consumption by humans and is widely used as a sweetener and flavoring agent in multiple foods and beverages. Honey has multiple therapeutic properties that benefit your health in multiple ways. But, did you also know that honey can make you look beautiful? Yes, honey has a host of beauty benefits as well. It can enhance the texture of your skin and improve the quality of your hair.

What are the honey skin benefits?

Promotes Wound Healing:

This is the most widely recognized of all benefits of honey for skin care, having been used since ancient times in cultures across the world, especially in Ayurveda. This traditional use is supported by modern studies that demonstrated that wound healing with honey can lower the risk of secondary infections thanks to honey’s antimicrobial properties. [1]

Relieves Skin Inflammation:

Inflammatory skin conditions including acne and psoriasis are among the most common problems that cause redness, itching, irritation, burning, and other skin blemishes. With its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, honey can help to provide quick relief from most of these skin conditions. [2]

Protects Against Effects Of Aging:

Honey is one of the richest natural ingredients with powerful antioxidants that protect against free radical damage, which is the main trigger for aging. [1] The regular application of honey can therefore promote healthy glowing skin, reducing the risk of wrinkle formation and preserving its natural elasticity.

Reduces Acne:

One of the most popular benefits of honey on face skincare is on account of its ability to on acne. The antimicrobial action of honey can heal the lesions, bumps, pits, and dents on the skin by destroying the acne-causing bacteria.[2]

Lightens Skin Blemishes:

Although researchers have limited evidence of skin-lightening effects, these benefits are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts from observations over millennia. Its known exfoliant effects can help to reduce dead skin cell buildup, reducing dullness and giving your skin a natural glow. [2]

What are the benefits of honey for hair?

Promotes Hair Growth:

Honey is known to promote cell growth, which is what makes it so effective for wound healing. As the scalp is made up of epithelial skin cells that contain ducts and follicles for hair growth, the application of honey can help promote the growth of these skin cells. [8]

Natural Hair Conditioning:

Conditioners are used to preserve moisture within the hair and provide nourishment including vitamins and minerals. Honey works just as effectively as a conditioner, trapping moisture and also providing nourishment with its blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of honey softens and detangles the hair, removing the frizz. That makes the hair more manageable and easier to comb. [3]

Fights Hair Breakage:

The benefits of honey on hair are also protective, helping to reduce breakage, which can significantly affect hair quality. While essential proteins like keratin are most critical for preserving hair structure and strength, it should be noted that honey contains some amount of protein that offers benefits along with the presence of its vitamins and minerals. [9]

Promotes Scalp Health:

Healthy hair growth is not possible without a healthy scalp and scalp health can be compromised because of the build-up of dirt, grease and residue from cosmetic hair products. Honey can help cleanse the scalp and is also known to provide relief from scalp conditions such as dandruff and dermatitis, thereby promoting healthy hair growth. [5]

Treats Hair Loss:

Inflammatory skin conditions that affect the scalp, such as scalp psoriasis and eczema are common causes of hair loss and thinning. Honey’s potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help to relieve and also reduce the severity of such conditions, protecting your hair. [4]

DIY Honey Beauty Treatments

1. Honey skin cleansing face pack

Honey is a gentle and natural cleanser for your skin. Experience the honey-on-face benefits by combining one tablespoon of organic honey with two tablespoons of ground almonds and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently massage your skin with this mixture and rinse off with warm water. This will clean your skin thoroughly and open up the clogged skin pores. [7]

2. Honey skin smoothening pack

Combine 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Add in 1/4^th teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage the dry and rough areas of your skin like the elbows, heels, etc. with this natural skin-smoothening pack. [7]

3. Scalp Itch Reliever

Mix 1/2 cup honey, 2 ripe bananas, and 1/2 cup olive oil in a blender for an itch-relief mask. Blend until smooth, following application instructions. For longer hair, consider adding more olive oil to reduce stickiness. Cover with a shower cap, leave on for 10 minutes, then shampoo thoroughly.

4. Hair Strengthening Mask

Whisk 2 tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. coconut oil, and 1 large egg. Heat and mix the honey and oil, then add the egg after cooling. Apply and leave for 15–20 minutes before shampooing with lukewarm or cool water to remove. Egg protein fortifies hair, while coconut oil adds moisture and softness.

Precautions to take while using honey on skin and hair

Allergic Reactions: Check for allergies to honey or oils used in masks or packs (e.g., olive or coconut oil) before application to prevent adverse reactions.
Microwave Precautions: Avoid overheating the honey and oil mix in the microwave. Do not test its temperature directly with your fingers to prevent burns.
Avoid Hot Mixtures: Do not apply a hot honey mask/pack to your hair or scalp or your skin, as it may cause burns. Wait for the mixture to cool down to a comfortably warm temperature before use.
Temperature Awareness: Ensure the mixture is just slightly warm before applying it to the hair, scalp, or skin to prevent any risk of burns or discomfort.

Some useful tips

1. Use it in a spritz bottle for better coverage:

Blend honey into warm water and apply it using a spray bottle or by pouring it over your hair after shampooing. Don’t rinse. Add essential oils for extra benefits and fragrance.

2. Maximize the impact of honey on skin through tapping:

Honey tapping is a kind of skin treatment in which after applying raw honey on the skin, you need to use your fingers to knead and pat the skin. This can give you firmer skin with a strengthened lymphatic system.

3. Cover the head with a plastic cap for greater effect:

Mix honey and olive oil, apply section by section, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then shampoo, rinse, and style for nourished hair.

4. Use with banana and coconut oil for enhanced effect:

Mash banana, and mix with coconut oil and honey using a blender or hand mixer for a smooth consistency. Apply as a deep conditioner, cover with a cap and towel, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly for rejuvenated hair.

5. Make sure to apply honey on dry skin:

If your purpose is to moisturize your skin, you must make sure to apply the honey only when the skin surface is absolutely clean and dry. This will help the honey to penetrate deep into the skin and show its moisturizing effects in the deeper layers as well.

Side Effects of Honey on Hair

1. Stickiness and Messiness: Honey’s thick consistency makes application challenging, causing it to stick to fingers and hair, creating a messy process.

2. Potential Allergic Reactions: Some individuals might experience redness, itching, or scalp irritation due to allergic reactions to honey.

3. Difficulty Rinsing Out: Honey residue can persist if not rinsed thoroughly, affecting hair cleanliness.

4. Attraction of Insects: The sweet and sticky nature of honey may draw insects like bees or flies, particularly when outdoors.

5. Risk of Hair Damage: Improper or frequent use of honey can lead to dryness and brittleness, which can lead to hair damage.

Side Effects of Honey on Skin

Some people may be allergic to honey and may develop severe skin rashes and hives on coming in contact with honey. So, it is always advised to do a patch test before applying honey to the skin. [6]
Checking the temperature of the honey before applying is important. If the honey is too warm and if your skin is too sensitive it may cause skin burns.

FAQs

1. How long should you leave honey on the skin?

After applying, you can leave honey on the skin for at least 20 minutes. But for specific skin treatments with honey, honey may be left on the skin for an hour too. However, before opting for honey as a skin care product it is best to consult a skin expert or a dermatologist.

2. Can I mix honey into my moisturizing cream?

Yes, you can. Adding a few tablespoons of honey to the cream can amp up the cream’s ability to moisturize the skin. Honey goes well with Shea butter moisturizing creams. Using such creams in combination with honey can do wonders for your skin.

3. Is it advisable to apply honey directly to hair?

Honey can be incorporated daily into your hair routine by adding it to shampoo, conditioner, or hair oil. Alternatively, use a honey hair mask weekly for 10-15 minutes. Pair it with nourishing oils like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil for added moisture and benefits to your hair.

4. What is the ideal honey-to-hair ratio?

For a recommended honey and olive oil conditioner, experts suggest blending 1/2 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of olive oil. If necessary, gently warm the mixture in the microwave for 15 seconds. Apply a small quantity to damp hair, using your fingers to distribute it evenly from roots to tips for optimal nourishment.

5. Does honey offer hydration to hair and scalp?

Yes, honey’s natural moisturizing properties make it an excellent hydrator for both the scalp and hair. It effectively nourishes the scalp’s skin and rejuvenates the hair, providing essential hydration.

Conclusion

The multifaceted benefits of honey for hair care and skin care are evident in its ability to deeply moisturize, repair damage, and promote overall hair and skin health. From locking in moisture to restoring vitality, honey’s versatility enriches both hair treatments and skin treatments. Its inherent properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, not only soothe the scalp and skin but also aid in combating various hair and skin concerns. Therefore, honey undoubtedly is an invaluable ingredient for nurturing and revitalizing your beauty.

Disclaimer

This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.