Exploring Ayurvedic Hair Care

Ayurveda (the “knowledge of life”) is a traditional Hindu system of medicine originating from the Vedic culture. The major belief is that the mind, body, soul and environment exists in a balance and once the balance is maintained, the body has the ability to heal itself. This balance can be achieved through a variety of non-toxic therapies like diet, herbal treatment and yogic breathing.

The Ayurvedic approach to hair incorporates topical treatment (herbs and oils), scalp massages, meditative breathing and proper diet to achieve the healthiest most luxurious head of hair you can possibly grow. The practice of Ayurveda is anything but simple, but introducing the use of herbs and oils to your hair care can certainly produce favourable results and best of all, it won’t break the bank.

Diet A poor diet manifests in several ways throughout the body: abnormal weight gain or loss; disease, both acute and chronic; and of course, unhealthy hair. Unhealthy hair is hair that’s breaking, thinning or falling excessively. Dandruff and premature greying and balding may also be symptoms of poor diet.

Environmental Environmental damage to the hair is classified as damage due to processes performed on the hair like chemical treatments or heat damage. It can also be the result of rough handling of the hair using combs and tight hair bands or rubber bands.

Mental Stress or mental imbalances also affect the hair by causing excessive falling of hair, even complete baldness in some areas.

Ayurvedic Herbs There are many herbs used in Ayurvedic hair care and they are readily available in shops that specialise in Indian goods or online.

Henna Henna comes in powder, seed, bark and as an extract in oil. It helps to detoxify the body, improves nail health, and when applied topically to the hair it strengthens the hair by sealing the cuticles and increases the lustre and silkiness of the hair strands.

Fenugreek Fenugreek/methi can be purchased in the form of seeds or powder as well as its leaves. The leaves can be used as a tea to improve digestion and to heal stomach disorders. The powder and seeds can be used infused in oils or as a tea to treat the hair. This herb is an excellent natural moisturiser.

It enables easy detangling of the hair. Massaging the scalp with fenugreek infused oils simulates the follicles and promotes rapid growth.

Amla/amalaki Amla/amalaki/Indian gooseberry is a fruit that literally means “sour”. This can be used as a tea (to drink or be applied topically) or infused in oil. Amla is antioxidant rich and provides excellent digestive support. Other benefits include its ability to balance blood sugar and rejuvenate the liver. Using amla gradually darkens the hair, including greys.

Shikakai Shikakai is known as the hair fruit. This herb is used as an alternative for shampoo. It does not lather like sulphate-based shampoos but it is effective as a gentle cleanser. This herb also balances the pH of the hair and so it seals the cuticle leaving the hair smooth and shiny. It also has astringent properties which promote a healthy scalp.

Other Ayurvedic herbs that are useful in hair care include hibiscus powder, brahmi, cassia obovata and neem, to name a few. A useful practice to incorporate with Ayurvedic herbs is scalp massage.

This can be done with the finger tips or one of the many scalp massagers available on the market.

The massage increases blood flow to the scalp, stimulating the follicles and further promoting hair growth.

The Ayurvedic approach to hair care is a great alternative for people who wish to avoid the excessive use of chemicals and harsh products on the hair and scalp. It is also safe to use on children and the elderly