Alum has become increasingly popular among women as a natural hair care option, becoming the preferred choice for many in their hair care routine. Alum represents a solution that is in line with the ongoing search for effective and natural options away from ready-made products with unknown ingredients, making it a focus of attention for those looking for beauty and renewal. The effectiveness, simplicity, and multiple benefits of alum for hair have made it an essential element in many hair care recipes, which has contributed to its widespread spread in societies that care about nature and self-care. In today's article, Dalili Medical, we will learn about the benefits of alum for hair, how to use it, and whether it has side effects.

**How ​​to use alum for hair**

 

Alum can be used for hair by grinding it into a fine powder and then mixing it with water or coconut oil to form a paste. This paste is applied to the scalp and hair, and left for 30 minutes to an hour, then the hair is washed with water and shampoo.

**Does alum prevent hair growth?**

 

In general, alum does not prevent hair growth, but rather contributes to enhancing and strengthening its growth. However, it should be used in moderation, as excessive use may lead to undesirable results.

**Does alum cause hair loss?**

 

Usually, alum does not cause hair loss; on the contrary, it helps strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. However, if you are allergic to it or use it excessively, it may irritate the skin, which may indirectly contribute to hair loss.

What is alum?

 

Alum is a mineral substance composed mainly of aluminum and potassium sulfate, and is used in various fields such as cleaning and medical treatment for excessive sweating, in addition to purifying water. Alum is also known for its natural benefits in the field of personal care, as it is used in hair and skin care recipes. It is characterized by its astringent and antiseptic properties, making it a popular choice and has a long history of traditional uses. Alum is generally considered a natural and safe substance, which enhances its popularity among individuals who prefer to use traditional methods.

**Chemical composition of alum**

Alum (potassium sulfate) consists of potassium, sulfur and oxygen atoms, and appears in the form of solid, transparent blocks.

**Types of alum**

1. **Potassium alum**: It consists of potassium and aluminum sulfate, and is used in the manufacture of baking powder and leather tanning.

2. **Sodium alum**: It is used in the preparation of baking powder.

3. **Ammonium alum**: It is used in the manufacture of porcelain, cement and glue, and is also used in water purification and the manufacture of some types of deodorants.

4. **Aluminum sulfate**: This type is used in the paper industry.

5. **Potassium chromium alum**: It is used in leather tanning.

Do you know the benefits of alum for hair?

 

Alum is considered one of the beneficial substances for hair, as it treats many problems that women face. Here are some of the most prominent benefits of alum for hair:

**Stimulating hair growth and increasing its density**Alum is a natural substance that contributes to accelerating hair growth and enhancing its density. It contains ingredients that stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which helps nourish hair follicles and stimulate them to grow faster and stronger. By using alum regularly, you can notice a clear positive effect on your hair and an increase in its density.

**Treating hair loss**Alum is considered an effective treatment for reducing hair loss, thanks to its astringent properties that enhance the strength of hair roots and prevent its weakness.

Alum has a positive effect on the scalp, which helps reduce hair loss, thus contributing to maintaining the density and health of your hair.

**Reducing dandruff**Dandruff is a common problem that many men and women suffer from, and it may cause them embarrassment and discomfort. Alum contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps reduce the appearance of dandruff on the scalp. Through regular use of alum, the scalp can be cleaned and oils balanced, which positively reflects on the appearance of the hair.

**Fighting head lice** In addition to its other benefits, alum is effective in combating head lice, as it contains natural ingredients that help eliminate lice and their eggs, which helps reduce the spread of this problem. Using alum as a natural treatment can be a safe and effective solution for those suffering from this annoying problem.

**Promoting scalp health** Scalp health is an essential element in overall hair health. Alum contributes to improving scalp health thanks to its cleansing and soothing properties, as it works to reduce irritation and inflammation, and also enhances blood circulation, which creates a healthy environment for hair growth.

**Reducing hair oiliness** If you suffer from the problem of oily hair, alum may be the ideal solution. Thanks to its astringent properties, alum helps reduce the secretion of excess oils, giving hair a cleaner and fresher appearance, and reducing the likelihood of dandruff or pimples. Alum can also help control excessive shine in hair, making it less oily and easier to style.

**How ​​to Use Alum for Hair**

 

Alum is a favorite choice for hair care, and is often used by mixing it with natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil. Here is how to prepare a mixture of alum and coconut oil.

**Alum Mixture with Coconut Oil for Hair**It is recommended to use this mixture once or twice a week for best results. If you are allergic to alum or any other ingredient, it is preferable to do a sensitivity test before use. And do not forget the importance of following a balanced diet to support the health of your hair.

**Ingredients:**

- 2 tablespoons of ground alum.

- 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil.

- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional).

**Method:**

. **Mixing:** In a small bowl, mix the ground alum with the coconut oil, and heatMix well until the ingredients are combined. If you want to enhance the effectiveness of the mixture, you can add lemon juice at this stage.

. **Heating:** If the coconut oil is solid, you can heat it slightly until it becomes liquid, taking care not to heat it excessively.

**Applying the mixture to the hair:** After mixing the ingredients, distribute the mixture on the scalp and hair, and start gently massaging the scalp using your fingertips, then distribute the mixture evenly throughout the hair.

**Waiting:** Leave the mixture on your hair for 30 minutes to an hour, and you can use a hair cap to cover the hair and maintain the temperature.

**Washing:** After the specified time has passed, wash your hair well with a suitable shampoo, and make sure to remove all traces of the mixture.

**Drying:** It is preferable to let the hair dry naturally in the open air instead of using a hair dryer, to maintain its health and good appearance.

**Alum recipe to get rid of head lice**

Some people use alum as an effective way to get rid of head lice. Here's how to use it:

**Ingredients:**

- A small amount of alum powder.

- A small amount of water.

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Mix the alum powder with water well until the mixture is homogeneous.

2. Distribute the mixture over all parts of the hair, massaging the scalp in circular motions.

3. Leave the alum on the hair for at least an hour and 15 minutes, then rinse the hair well with water.

4. Wash the hair using a shampoo suitable for your hair type.

This process can be repeated daily until all head lice are eliminated.

**Disadvantages of using alum**

Although alum is considered a beneficial substance and has many health and beauty benefits, excessive use of it may lead to negative effects on the person, causing him some annoying symptoms that we will review below:

- Alum may cause allergic symptoms such as skin redness, itching, blisters, and rashes.

- Some people feel severe tingling or pain when applying alum.

- Can cause dry skin and increased redness.

- Causes inflammation and irritation of the skin.

- Used to treat cracks in the feet and heels.

- Reduces darkening in the armpit area.

- May reach the fetus and affect it negatively.

- Causes swelling and puffiness of the skin.

- Contains aluminum ions that may lead to poisoning.

- Works to constrict the pores of the armpit, preventing the healthy disposal of sweat.

- May cause skin damage if used on children's skin.

- Some people suffer from itching when applied to the body.

- May lead to inflammation of the mucous membranes.

- The chemical compounds in it may increase the risk of cancer.