Food

10 Beauty Benefits of Papaya That Will Make Your Skin Shine

9. Nourishes Hair Papaya is also highly beneficial for hair care. It can be used to prevent dandruff and hair loss, provide moisture, softness and volume,… Elizabeth Lilian - August 9, 2017

9. Nourishes Hair

Papaya is also highly beneficial for hair care. It can be used to prevent dandruff and hair loss, provide moisture, softness and volume, as well as promote hair growth and strength. Papaya acts as a natural shampoo as it can remove oils and dirt that build up on the hair, and the natural proteins help to reduce split ends.

There are many different hair masks you can make that incorporate papaya for strong, healthy hair. Mix one cup of chopped papaya with one tablespoon of yogurt or egg, and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Combine all the ingredients until it reaches a smooth consistency, then apply to damp hair. Massage it into the scalp and all the way down the lengths, then cover with a shower cap for at least 20 minutes. The longer you leave it, the softer your hair will be. Afterward, rinse your hair thoroughly and follow it up with a deep moisturizing conditioner.

The leaf from the papaya tree can be used for hair care too. Take some fresh papaya leaves and place them in the sun until they dry out, then crush them into a powder. Infuse the powder in warm water for a few minutes, then pour the water into a spray bottle. Use it as a conditioner after you wash your hair by simply spraying it on.

You can also mix one cup of papaya with one ripe banana and one tablespoon of coconut or olive oil. Combine and apply to damp hair, again covering with a shower cap. Rinse and enjoy silky smooth strands. Eating lots of papaya will also help your hair grow healthy and strong.

10. Controls Dandruff

Dandruff is a common condition (also known as scurf) that affects the scalp, causing the skin to become dry and flaky. Dandruff is usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which makes the skin cells clump into flakes and shed more frequently than normal. Dandruff can also be accompanied by itching and crusting, and while it’s not serious or contagious, it can be embarrassing.

Dandruff is caused by things like poor hygiene, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, pregnancy, Parkinson’s disease, lack of nutrients and even stress. Dandruff can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal shampoos that contain ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide and salicylic acid.

If you’re experiencing dandruff, avoid using heavy conditioners and oils as they can promote the growth of fungus and cause further build-up. The exfoliating components of papaya make it a perfect natural treatment for dandruff, as it can help slough off dead skin cells. The rich amounts of vitamin C also nourish the scalp, and vitamin A can help maintain healthy skin cells.

To make a papaya hair mask, blend one ripe papaya with ¼ cup of olive or coconut oil and ½ a tablespoon of honey. Mix well and apply to the hair, massaging into the scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, but the longer you leave it, the better the results. Wash the mask out with cold water and follow it up with shampoo. Include lots of fresh papaya in your diet as well for optimum hair health.

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