After years of trying to find solutions for hair care, we are finally turning towards nature’s solution. Modern research is now confirming that ancient traditions’ solutions are the most effective ones, and Ayurveda is one of the ancient sciences.
Why Ayurveda for Hair Growth?
We need nourishment and moisture to promote growth and strength. According to the hair care routine in Ayurveda, it includes both internal and external nourishment and cleansing. In Ayurveda, hair is considered a byproduct of bone tissue, much like nails and teeth, indicating a close relationship between these tissues. Hair is linked to the nervous and digestive systems, so disease in either can affect hair health. Ayurvedic hair care tips focus on topical treatment and healing them from the root.
All Your Hairs Need Is Understanding
In Ayurveda, hair types are categorized into three different doshas. According to the Ayurvedic view, disturbance of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is the main reason for common hair diseases. The type of doshas is determined by the characteristics of the person and hair.
1. Vatta-Type Hair:
Generally, Vata-type hair is thin, dry, and frizzy. They also have a tendency to tangle easily. Regularly oiling the hair will help nourish it.
2. Pitta-Type Hair:
Pitta-type hair is medium-to-thick, straight, and oily on the scalp. They are prone to thinning and premature greying. Use cooling oils like coconut or Brahmi oil, aloe vera, neem, and pitta-soothing diets.
3. Kapha-Type Hair:
Kapha-type hair is typically a thick, lustrous, and oily scalp. Their common concerns are dandruff and infections. Use light oils like jojoba and mustard. Exfoliate the scalp with essential oils and use clarifying shampoos.
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Growth-Promoting Hair Oils:
In Ayurveda, medicated oils (taila) are used to deeply penetrate hair follicles, balance doshas, and restore scalp health to promote hair development. A scientific study has claimed that oils make the scalp hydrated and nourish the hair. When we apply oil and massage it gently, the composition of the oil nourishes the hair follicles, reduces the inflammation, and improves the blood circulation. These oils promote thickness, decrease hair loss, and promote growth by traditional preparation methods of combining herbs and carrier oils. Applying oil is one effective way to promote Ayurvedic hair growth.
A few growth-promoting hair oils include:
1. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is the natural treatment commonly used for enhancing hair health and encouraging hair growth. It has a high content of medium-chain fatty acids, most notably lauric acid, which is documented to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Benefits of Coconut Oil:
- Stimulates Hairs
- Soothes scalp inflammation
- Fights scalp infections
‘‘Ancestors weren’t wrong—coconut oil is nature’s deepest conditioner.’’
2. Brahmi Oil:
Brahmi is among the most potent herbs for all, as it helps manage hair loss and various hair problems. Brahmi is well-known for its various advantages for hair wellness. Bacopa monnieri is the scientific name.
Benefits of Brahmi Oil:
- Thickens Hair
- Prevent Split Ends
- Reduces Hair Fall
- Prevent Premature Greying
- Calms the mind
3. Bhringraj Oil:
Among all of the oils in Ayurveda, Bhringraj is known as the king of herbs! Bhringraj leaves yield the most advantageous oil for promoting hair growth. It is a rich source of magnesium and vitamins D & E, which promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation and nurturing hair follicles.
Benefits of Bhringraj Oil:
- Reduce the hair damage
- Treats scalp irritation
- Helps to regrow hairs
- Reduce Dandruff
4. Peppermint Essential Oil:
Peppermint oil is very effective for scalp treatment. It boosts hair growth and stimulates circulation. It is also very well known for increasing the number of follicles in depth. It is well-known for its refreshing scent and cooling feeling, apart from hair growth. It is a multipurpose essential oil.
Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil:
- Increase the growth of hair
- Relieve Itchy Scalp
- Strengthens Hair Follicles
6 Ayurveda Tips for Hair Growth:
“Great Hair Doesn’t Happen by Chance—It Happens by Care!”
In Ayurveda, balancing the doshas, moisturizing the roots, and traditional rituals are all part of good hair care. It follows a holistic approach to focus on cleansing, nourishing, and protecting hair. There are 6 tips for Ayurvedic hair growth.
1. Oil Massage (Abhyanga)]
The oil massage (abhyanga) stimulates the flow of blood, prevents dryness, and strengthens the hair follicles.
How To Oil Massage:
Massage the scalp gently with warm oil in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes thrice a week.
Essential Oils:
- Coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil are beneficial for vata-type hair as they are excellent for nourishment.
- Oils like Brahmi oil and Hibiscus oil are good for pitta hair types.
- For kapha-type hair, use oils like peppermint oil, sandalwood oil, and jojoba oil.
2. Hair Masks (Lepa)
Herbal hair masks prevent hair falls, thicken the hair, and nourish it. In lepa, Ayurvedic herbs are mixed together to form a smooth paste that conditions the hair deeply.
How to Use Hair Masks:
Herbs like Amla, Brahmi, Neem, Aloe Vera, and Yogurt are mixed to form a paste. Apply the paste to your hair, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. You can use this method once or twice a week, depending on your hair type mentioned below.
- Yogurt + honey paste for Vata-type hairs
- Coconut oil + Aloe vera gel paste for Pitta types of hairs
- Amla and Shikakai mask: Mix both the powders in warm water to form a paste.
3. Balanced Diet (Ahara)
Along with topical care, internal care is crucial too. The food we take matters because hair is a byproduct of bone tissue. Adding proper nutrients and supplements to the diet helps our body to maintain the doshas. Avoid junk foods, excessive coffee, and carbonated sugary drinks.
Balanced Diet Consists:
- Sesame, dates, and spinach are among the foods rich in iron. Nuts and pulses are excellent sources of protein.
- Some research and studies show signs of hair regrowth by decreasing vitamin D and B deficiency.
- Protein is important for hair growth, as it provides strength to hairs. There is a study that concluded that deficiency of nutrients and proteins may cause hair loss.
4. Detoxing (Rasayana)
Rasayana is the process of detoxification by removing the toxins from the body, which block the hair follicles and disrupt the growth of hair. It purifies the blood, maintains our doshas, and revives our health from within. Drink at least 4 liters of water to keep your body hydrated.
Herbal Juices To Detox:
- Amla Juice: Make the pulp of amla and extract the juice from it. Dilute the juice in water as per your taste preference.
- Lemon Water: Cut the lemon in two halves and extract the juice from the slices. Add 2-3 spoons of juice in water and drink it every morning.
- Cucumber Smoothies: Grind the slices of cucumber and curry leaves to form smoothies. You can also add lemon juice if you like it.
Herbal Powder To Detox:
Herbal powder is one of the best ways to use for hair growth. You can make herbal powder at home by mixing dry amla, beetroot, curry leaves, and ginger. Grind all of these ingredients to form powder. Add 2 spoons of powder in warm water (approx. 250 mL) and drink it every day to see results.
5. Sleep Management (Nidra)
Sleep Management is included in Ayurvedic hair care tips, as restful sleep holds equal importance as a balanced diet and lifestyle for our health. Proper sleep refreshes the mind, which directly impacts the health of hair. Insufficient sleep may cause stress and lower the keratin production, which leads to hair fall.
6. Seasonal Hair care (Ritucharya)
Caring for hair is essential according to the seasons. In Ayurvedic hair growth tips, it is important to adjust the hair care routines as the season changes. By maintaining a routine with changing seasons, you can prevent imbalances, reduce hair damage, and promote hair growth.
Summer (Pitta Season):
Use cooling oils in the summer season and avoid using warm oils.
Monsoon (Kapha Season):
Use light oils and masks like neem and shikakai. Avoid washing hair with cold water to prevent greasiness.
Winter (Vata Season):
Use warm and heavy oils, which soften the hairs like sesame and almond. Herbal hair masks like honey and avocado condition hair deeply. Don’t wash your hair with cold water; it may result in frizzy hair.
Ayurveda Works!! When Used Wisely
Ayurvedic hair care tips are effective natural remedies, but incorrect application may result in irritation or aggravate the hair problems. Here are some points of precaution to keep in mind for Ayurvedic hair care tips:
- Never apply essential oils directly to hairs. Always dilute it with carrier oil.
- Overusing herbal hair masks and overwashing the hair may result in dry or frizzy hair. Use them according to the texture of your hair.
- Avoid applying the herbal paste directly over the open wounds; it may cause irritation or infection.
- Avoid intake of some herbs like fenugreek and neem in pregnancy. Only consume these herbs after consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.
So, when are you switching to Ayurveda for beautiful and lustrous hair?
Frequently Asked Questions
- For how long do I have to keep using Ayurvedic treatment?
Any treatment needs consistency. So, if you keep consistency in your treatment, it will show you results. But at least it will take 5-6 weeks to show some results and 3-4 months for proper visible change.
- Can Ayurveda completely treat baldness?
Ayurvedic tips for hair can reduce baldness, but they can’t completely cure it. But with regular use of Bhringraj oil and onion juice, it is a very effective way. It helps to regrow your hair by stimulating the hair follicles.
- Why does my scalp become drier after I start using herbal hair masks?
Temporary drying of the scalp is normal as it sheds dead skin for new skin generation. If it continues for 4 weeks, then consult the doctor and check for allergies.
- Does stress really affect the hairs?
Yes, stress does affect the hairs. Due to stress, it may lead to premature greying of hair and hair fall, as it imbalances the hormonal level of our body.
- Do Ayurvedic treatments have side effects?
Ayurvedic hair care tips are generally natural or plant-based, so it’s safe to use. But improper use and excessive application may result in some issues.