Let your hair down!

These herbs can be used in a variety of masks, glosses and teas applied directly to the hair.

When starting an ayurvedic regimen, it is best to gradually introduce these herbs because they are quite potent and can make the hair feel brittle from “over-strengthening”. The combination of these herbs with the products that you already own is an excellent way to gradually introduce your hair to this type of care.

Gloss A gloss can be described as an infused moisturising conditioner. It allows you to introduce ayurvedic herbs to your hair care but prevents the brittleness that can sometimes accompany the use of the herbs. The base ingredient of a gloss is a moisturising deep conditioner.

To this you can add any herbs that will benefit your particular hair concerns.

Along with your moisturising deep conditioner and your herbs, aloe juice (made by blending the gel inside an aloe leaf) can be added to provide extra moisture and conditioning for your hair.

Once made, your hair gloss can be stored in a covered container in your refrigerator. The gloss can be used weekly as a conditioning treatment by applying after shampoo and wearing a steam cap for 20 minutes. The gloss must be thoroughly rinsed from the hair afterward.

Hair Tea Steeping the herbs of your choice with green tea in hot (not boiling) water makes a hair tea.

Once cooled, the tea should be strained with cheesecloth and stored in your refrigerator in a spray bottle. This tea can be applied every two to three days followed by any leave in conditioner. As an option, a few drops of any essential oil can be added to the tea. For one cup of hot water, add one green tea bag and no more than ten teaspoons of herbs.

Hair Oil Making ayurvedic hair oil is similar to making hair tea. Place approximately one cup of any oils you enjoy using on your hair in a glass jar and gently warm the oil using a hot water bath. Once warmed add any combination of herbs and allow to sit for several hours or even up to three days then strain with cheesecloth.

This oil should be stored away from sunlight.

The oil can be used after spraying your hair with the hair tea to seal in the moisture of the tea or as a hot oil treatment.

Henna Mask A henna mask is the most intensive treatment and for that reason should only be done every four to six weeks. It is made by mixing henna, oil and fresh aloe juice into a paste. The mask should be left to rest for a few hours to allow the pigment of the henna to be released. After shampooing the hair, apply the mask and cover it with a plastic cap and allow it to sit for two to four hours. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioner. As an option, Greek yogurt or a protein conditioner can be added so that the mask is infused with protein which also strengthens hair.

Some ayurvedic herbs and their benefits are listed below.

Amla Amla can be used to combat excessive hair shedding, this including post-partum shedding.

Henna Henna is a good strengthener. It penetrates and binds to the hair, sealing any areas that are damaged or weak. It also seals the cuticles leaving the hair smoother and more lustrous. The act of binding to the hair is what causes henna to colour hair.

Cassia Cassia is similar to henna except that it does not colour hair unless the hair is blonde (naturally) or grey. It deposits a slight yellow tint on these lightly coloured hairs. It is also very moisturizing.

Fenugreek Fenugreek is a good moisturiser. It also adds ‘slip’ to the hair, reducing the occurrence of tangles in the hair.

Neem Neem promotes a healthier scalp. It can be used to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.

It also stimulates the hair follicle resulting in faster hair growth.

You do not have to throw out your hair care products to incorporate Ayurveda into your hair care regimen. Any herbs and oils that you enjoy can be added to your favourite products to increase the benefits to your hair. Most of the herbs mentioned can be found locally at a puja store or Indian trade expo, but they are also readily available online.

Note: Hair that has been colour treated should not be treated with henna or cassia since the resulting colour is unpredictable and would depend on how the henna or cassia interacts with the dye