You may recall “curds and whey” from your childhood, but there’s more to curd than old nursery rhymes. Curd itself is made from curdled milk and combined with plant acids, which is in turn more acidic than other milk products like yogurt. Nutritionally speaking, curd is a good source of protein and calcium, while also providing potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A. While curd can be incorporated into a balanced diet to get the nutrients you need for healthy hair, some people also apply curd directly to the scalp. This is done to treat scalp conditions like dandruff more directly, as well as to help soften and strengthen the cuticle. While more studies are needed to back the efficacy of curd for hair health, there are some potential benefits to consider discussing with a dermatologist.
Possible benefits of curd for hair
While certain nutrients in curd may help promote overall hair health, the concrete links between curd and its benefits for hair aren’t so clear. Still, there are those who say curd has the following purported benefits.
Dandruff control
It’s said that hair health starts at the scalp, and for good reason — this is where your hair forms within the follicles underneath your skin. Dandruff is one scalp issue that can eventually affect your hair health.
Some claim that curd is a natural anti-dandruff product due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You may also see curd touted as being antimicrobial to help treat scalp infections.
Hair growth
Besides a healthy scalp, your hair relies on strength to remain intact so it can grow properly. To that end, some believe curd may help promote hair growth.
It’s thought that B vitamins are partially credited here, as they can promote stronger hair growth at a faster rate. Biotin (vitamin B-7) in particular is credited with the promotion of hair growth, along with other ingredients found in milk products, such as zinc.
Hair softening
Perhaps one of the more credible claims surrounding curd and hair health is the product’s ability to soften and moisturize your hair. You may also notice reduced frizz.
While no studies have linked curd with treating hair damage, another milk product, yogurtTrusted Source, has been used as a traditional Middle Eastern remedy for both damage and to increase growth.
While curd could potentially moisturize your hair and increase overall manageability, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects, including:
- allergic reactions, especially if you have a milk allergy
- greasy hair and scalp
- unpleasant smell
To test your skin, do a patch test of curd on your inner elbow and wait 30 minutes to see if the skin becomes inflamed before applying it to your scalp.
How to apply curd on hair
The key to reaping the purported benefits of curd is to combine it with other known healthy hair ingredients.
Curd hair mask
Perhaps the most reported way to use curd in your hair is in a hair mask. The curd is combined with other natural ingredients, such as honey, olive oil, or aloe vera.
Other plant-based oils have the potential to work with curd to moisturize your hair, including:
Fatty ingredients, such as eggs, mayonnaise, and avocados may also help reduce frizz.
Once you have your mask mixed together, apply it evenly to your hair. Place a shower cap on your head and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Rinse out before continuing with your shampoo and conditioner routine.
Curd scalp treatment
If you’re looking to treat dandruff and other scalp issues, you can combine curd with a small amount of plant acids. Possible combinations include curd and lemon, or curd and apple cider vinegar. Apply directly to the scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out.
It’s also important to note that traditional curd is prepared with lemon juice or vinegar, making the product acidic already. Check the ingredient label carefully when buying prepared curd.
Where to get curd
When making your own hair mask, consider looking for curd at a local health food store.
Curd shouldn’t be confused with yogurt. Both are made with milk, but yogurt is partially made with the help of healthy bacteria. Also, while plain yogurt may also be used in your hair as a mask, it doesn’t contain the lactic acid that curd has.
How to Apply Curd on Hair
1. Apply your hair mask from your roots to the ends of your hair. To use curd on your hair, scoop up the mask with a spoon or your fingers, and rub it over your hair starting at the roots and working toward the ends. Cover the front, back, and sides with your mask so all of your hair is thoroughly saturated.[6]
- Be careful not to oversaturate your hair. While you want all of the follicles coated in the mask, using too much can make your hair greasy.
- Although you can use your hands to apply the mask, it’s best to use a color brush, which allows you to evenly apply it.
2. Cover your head with a shower cap. Stretch the edge of the shower cap around your head so all of the hair is inside. This way, your hair is covered as it processes.[7]
- The extra heat generated from inside the plastic shower cap also helps your hair absorb the curd. Additionally, the shower cap will prevent your mask from drying out. If it dries, it won’t provide as many benefits.
3. Let your mask sit for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. After about 30 minutes, the curd and added ingredients should deeply penetrate your hair. For maximum absorption, let your hair process for about 1 hour.[8]
- As you wait, you can read a book, flip through a magazine, or watch TV, for example.
- If you’d like, set a timer on your phone or kitchen clock to easily keep track of how long the mask is on your hair.
4. Rinse out the mask thoroughly in cool water. When you are ready to wash out the mask, take off your shower cap, and rinse your hair thoroughly in cool water.[9]
- Use cool water for best results. Cool water works best to keep the hair follicle closed, which is helpful after you nourish your hair. You can use warm water if you prefer.
5. Cleanse your hair with shampoo. Once the majority of the mask is out of your hair, use a dime-size or quarter-size amount of shampoo to cleanse your hair. Massage your scalp, and work the shampoo from the roots to the end of your hair. Then, rinse out the shampoo thoroughly.[10]
- If you have dry hair, you can apply conditioner and rinse it out afterwards, though this is not required.
6. Apply your curd hair mask once every 1-2 weeks for healthy, shiny hair. Use your curd hair mask at least once every 15 days. For best results, you can use the mask once or twice a week.[11]
- Regularly using a curd hair mask may promote hair growth, increase hair thickness, and improve overall hair health.
Takeaway
Curd contains nutrients that could potentially help scalp conditions and moisturize and strengthen your hair. Still, these benefits are anecdotal at best, as there are no available long-term studies on the use of curds for scalp and hair health.
Talk to a dermatologist if you have any ongoing scalp and hair health concerns.
