5 Underrated Haircare Ingredients You Need to Try

Are you feeling stuck on your hair health journey? It’s frustrating when you’re doing all the “right” things—buying the top-rated products, following a routine—yet your hair isn’t thriving. Sometimes, the missing piece isn’t about doing more; it’s about using the right ingredients.

Hi, I’m Kendra, founder of one80Hair. I’m here to help women over 40 reclaim their hair health holistically—with a little help from the right ingredients, of course.

Today, I’m introducing you to five underrated ingredients that can supercharge your hair health. Whether you’re dealing with thinning, shedding, or a dry, irritated scalp, these ingredients are like hidden treasures waiting to help you reach your hair goals.

Plus, I’ll show you easy ways to add them to your routine without overhauling your life. Let’s dive into these ingredients and how they can work magic on your hair!

1. Nettle Leaf: A Scalp Nourisher and Growth Booster

How Nettle Helps Your Hair:
Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) is packed with hair-loving nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as minerals like iron, silica, and magnesium. This herb strengthens your hair, reduces shedding, and stimulates growth—all while soothing an irritated scalp.

For women over 40, nettle is a game-changer because it helps block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. As we age, hormone imbalances can impact hair health, and nettle works to balance that out naturally.

How to Use Nettle for Hair Health:

Quick Addition: Brew nettle tea and mix it into your shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in.
DIY Rinse: Make a nettle tea rinse to reduce shedding and soothe your scalp. Simply brew 1 tablespoon of dried nettle in 2 cups of hot water, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after washing your hair.

Why You’ll Love It:
If your hair is shedding more than usual or your scalp feels irritated, nettle can give you immediate relief and long-term benefits. It strengthens your hair strands, promotes growth, and fights dandruff—all without costing a fortune. Plus, incorporating nettle into your routine is simple and effective, making it perfect for busy women.

2. Pumpkin Seed Oil: The Hair Thickener

How Pumpkin Seed Oil Helps Your Hair:
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zinc, vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for all hair types, especially for thinning or fine hair. Like nettle, it blocks DHT to combat hair loss, but it also strengthens hair strands and hydrates your scalp, creating the perfect environment for healthy growth.

For women over 40, pumpkin seed oil is especially powerful because it addresses the common hormonal shifts that lead to thinning hair.

How to Use Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Health:

Simple Addition: Add a few drops to your favorite deep conditioner or mask for an extra boost.
DIY Scalp Treatment: Warm 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil and massage it into your scalp for 5-10 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight before shampooing.

Why You’ll Love It:
If thinning edges or a dry, itchy scalp are your struggles, pumpkin seed oil is your new best friend. It works quietly but effectively to restore volume, reduce shedding, and bring back the shine and softness you thought you’d lost.

3. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): The Strength Builder

How MSM Helps Your Hair:
MSM is a sulfur-rich compound that strengthens hair by promoting keratin production, the protein your hair is made of. It improves scalp circulation, reduces shedding, and creates a healthy environment for new growth.

As we age, our hair naturally thins and becomes more prone to breakage. MSM targets the root cause, fortifying hair from the inside out. It’s also anti-inflammatory, which helps soothe sensitive or dry scalps.

How to Use MSM for Hair Health:

Boost Your Products: Dissolve a pinch of MSM in water and add it to your favorite scalp serum or conditioner.
DIY Spray: Combine 1 teaspoon of MSM with distilled water, aloe vera juice, and a few drops of essential oil for a hydration spray you can use daily.

Why You’ll Love It:
If your hair feels weak or prone to breakage, MSM is a must-have. It helps strengthen strands, reduce shedding, and promote thicker, healthier hair over time. Bonus? You can also take it as a supplement for added internal support.

4. Rice Bran Oil: The Moisture Lock

How Rice Bran Oil Helps Your Hair:
Rice bran oil is a lightweight yet deeply nourishing oil that hydrates, strengthens, and protects your hair without weighing it down. It’s full of antioxidants, vitamins B and E, and essential fatty acids that improve elasticity and add shine.

For women over 40, rice bran oil is ideal because it combats dryness and brittleness—two issues that often come with age-related hair changes.

How to Use Rice Bran Oil for Hair Health:

Quick Addition: Mix 1 teaspoon into your regular conditioner for an extra dose of hydration.
DIY Hot Oil Treatment: Warm 2 tablespoons of rice bran oil and apply it from scalp to ends. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing for soft, manageable hair.

Why You’ll Love It:
If your hair is feeling dry, brittle, or just dull, rice bran oil is your go-to ingredient. It’s affordable, versatile, and works wonders for sealing in moisture and adding shine.

5. Brahmi: The Scalp Rejuvenator

How Brahmi Helps Your Hair:
Brahmi is a staple in Ayurvedic haircare, known for its ability to strengthen roots, reduce hair fall, and improve overall scalp health. It forms a protective layer around each strand, reducing breakage and split ends.

For women over 40, Brahmi is especially beneficial because it addresses scalp health—an often-overlooked foundation of hair growth. A healthy scalp means healthier, stronger hair.

How to Use Brahmi for Hair Health:

Quick Addition: Mix Brahmi powder into your shampoo or conditioner.
DIY Hair Mask: Combine Brahmi powder, hibiscus powder, and coconut milk into a paste. Apply it to your hair and scalp for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re dealing with scalp irritation, hair thinning, or breakage, Brahmi brings soothing relief while encouraging healthy growth. Plus, it pairs beautifully with other Ayurvedic ingredients like hibiscus or fenugreek for even more benefits.

Why These Ingredients Matter to Your Hair Health Journey

Your hair health journey is about more than just finding the “right” product—it’s about understanding what your hair needs and giving it the care it deserves. These five ingredients—Nettle Leaf, Pumpkin Seed Oil, MSM, Rice Bran Oil, and Brahmi—address the root causes of common issues like thinning, shedding, and dryness.

The best part? These ingredients are versatile, affordable, and easy to incorporate into your routine. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking to enhance your current products, these hidden gems will take your haircare game to the next level.

Ready to Transform Your Hair?

If you’re excited to try these ingredients, check out my One80 Botanical Collection—it has everything you need to get started with DIY haircare. And remember, consistency is key. Start small, stay patient, and watch your hair transform over time.

Let me know in the comments: Which ingredient are you most excited to try? Your hair transformation starts here—and I’m so excited to be a part of your journey!

🦋-Kendra

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Amazon Links to Ingredients:

👉 Nettle: https://amzn.to/4gdfWsE

👉 Pumpkin Seed Oil: https://amzn.to/4huwTAc

👉 MSM: https://amzn.to/4avjbL4

👉 Brahmi: https://amzn.to/4hatp60

👉 Rice Bran Oil: https://amzn.to/40LekC7

Links to One80 Products:

👉 the BALM: https://one80hair.wixsite.com/180hair...

👉 Spray & Go Mist: https://bit.ly/4fNdxVR ________________________________________

Want to try these ingredients in DIY recipes? Check out my DIY Kit.