Dealing with hair problems like dandruff, hair loss, thinning edges, dryness, and frizz can be frustrating, often leading you to try numerous products in search of a solution. However, before purchasing another hair product, consider trying out Ayurvedic herbs.
These herbs offer a natural and safer approach to hair care and maintenance compared to many store-bought products. The best part? You might already have some of these Ayurvedic herbs in your kitchen!
In this article, we’ll look into the concept of Ayurveda, its relevance to hair care, various Ayurvedic herbs you can use, and how to apply them to achieve the best results for your hair.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that uses natural herbs and remedies to promote overall well-being, including hair health. Originating from India, it has been used for more than 5,000 years to offer both preventive and curative benefits. It offers a holistic approach to health and wellness and seeks balance and harmony between the body, mind, and environment.
Incorporating ayurvedic herbs into your hair care regimen can lead to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant hair. It also prevents hair loss and serves as a remedy for various hair problems.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Hair Care
Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating an Ayurvedic hair care routine into your hair care regimen:
Promotes Hair Growth
One of the main reasons you’ll find people searching for ayurvedic remedies is to achieve faster hair growth – and they’re absolutely right. Ayurvedic solutions offer a natural way to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. For instance, Bhringraj, often called the “king of herbs” for hair, is renowned for its ability to stimulate growth and reduce hair loss.
Amla also works wonders for hair by stimulating hair follicles and enhancing blood circulation on the scalp. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which not only boost growth but also strengthen hair roots.
Prevents Hair Loss
Ayurveda offers a natural solution to hair fall through herbal oils and powders. One such remedy is amla oil derived from the Indian gooseberry. Brahmi, another ayurveda herb also offers a natural solution for promoting hair growth, thickening of hair, and preventing split ends.
Reduces Dandruff
Dandruff, which appears as thick, flaky patches on the scalp, is a persistent problem for many Naturalists. However, Ayurvedic remedies provide promising answers to those struggling with dandruff.
Two particularly effective treatments are Neem oil and fenugreek seeds. Massaging Neem oil into the scalp not only combats dandruff but also promotes overall scalp health. Fenugreek seeds can also be converted into a paste which gives a soothing effect, helping to alleviate irritation and combat dandruff.
Enhances Hair Texture
Over time, poor hair care practices—such as exposure to harsh weather, the use of strong products and chemicals, and excessive heat—can strip hair of its natural texture, making it dry and frizzy and even altering its color. Many people mistake this damaged texture for their natural hair.
I used to be in this category of people. Years of using harsh chemicals and relaxers had completely changed my hair’s original texture and color. However, switching to natural and safe hair care practices, including Ayurvedic herbs, revealed my true hair texture.
Nourishes The Hair
Ayurvedic oils offer a natural solution for providing deep nourishment to the hair and scalp. Unhealthy-looking hair can be revived through the use of simple natural oils. Coconut, castor, and sesame oil are three such oils that are particularly beneficial. Coconut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it highly nourishing for the hair and scalp. Also, because of its light nature, it can easily penetrate the hair shaft, making it easy for low porosity hair type to benefit maximally. Castor and sesame oil also provide amazing benefits.
Promotes Scalp Health
Healthy hair begins with a nourished scalp. Maintaining a healthy scalp is key to achieving healthy and long hair. Ayurvedic remedies can help promote scalp health, prevent dandruff, itching, and other scalp conditions, and stimulate the scalp to promote fast hair growth—all the good stuff starts with scalp care.
Conditions and Moisturizes Hair
Moisture is key to combating a hair issue like dryness. Ayurvedic remedies like aloe vera and hibiscus can be used to condition the hair, promoting its elasticity and strength and preventing dryness and breakage.
Strengthens Hair Roots
Strengthening hair roots is one of the most important aspects of Ayurvedic hair care. Strong hair roots are essential for healthy hair growth and can help to prevent hair fall and breakage. Ayurvedic treatments like regular oil massages can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles and strengthening the hair roots.
Prevents Premature Graying
Ingredients like Henna and Amla are well known for preserving hair color. They are packed with nutrients that prevent premature graying and keep hair youthful. Henna, unlike chemical-laden dyes, not only dyes the hair but also conditions it. So, if getting darker hair is what you want, you’ve got a safe way to go about it.
Natural and Chemical-Free
Ayurvedic herbs offer a holistic alternative to chemical-laden products, providing natural nourishment without the risk of harmful side effects.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Health
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem is known for its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly effective in preventing and treating scalp conditions such as dandruff, itching, dry scalp, and even lice infection.
Neem can be prepared for use through different methods. You may decide to extract Neem oil for scalp massages, dry it and blend it to powder to use as a hair mask, or combine it with other ingredients.
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair growth, prevents premature graying, and strengthens the scalp. Regular use of amla can add shine and volume to hair.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus is known for stimulating hair growth, conditioning hair, and preventing dryness and frizz. It also helps retain moisture in hair.
Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata)
Bhringraj, often referred to as false Daisy, is known for its benefits to hair growth and prevention of hair loss. It can be used in powdered form or mixed with oil to form a hair mask.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
This helps to strengthen hair roots, reduce hair fall, and promote overall scalp health. It also helps to calm the mind, reducing stress-related hair loss.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and nicotinic acid, which helps to strengthen hair, prevent dandruff, and promote hair growth.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing properties that helps to condition hair, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. The gel can be applied directly to the scalp or hair, it can also be mixed with other oils or conditioners for added benefits.
How to Use These Herbs in Hair Care
- Hair Oils: Infuse these herbs in a carrier oil (such as coconut, olive, or sesame oil) and use the oil to massage your scalp regularly. This nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair roots.
- Hair Masks: Mix powdered forms of these herbs with water, yogurt, or other natural ingredients to create a paste. Apply this paste to your scalp and hair, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
- Shampoos and Conditioners: Incorporate herbal powders or extracts into your regular shampoos and conditioners to enhance their benefits.
- Herbal Rinses: Boil these herbs in water to make a herbal rinse. After shampooing, pour the cooled herbal water over your hair and scalp as a final rinse.
DIY Recipes using Ayurvedic Herbs
Fenugreek Hair Mask
- Soak the fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight.
- In the morning, blend the soaked seeds with the same water to make a fine paste.
- Add yogurt and coconut oil to the paste and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, ensuring full coverage.
- Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo.
This can be used as a deep conditioner for your hair.
Aloe Vera Hair Mask
- Extract the Aloe Vera Gel and mix in a bowl
- Add coconut oil and honey to the gel and mix thoroughly until you have a smooth consistent paste
- Apply to your hair in sections, from the roots to the tips
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to avoid dripping
- Let it sit for 30 mins – 1 hour
- Rinse off with warm water Bhringraj Hair Oil
- Heat the oil in a pan over a low flame.
- Add the bhringraj leaves to the oil.
- Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the leaves turn dark.
- Turn off the heat and let the oil cool down.
- Strain the oil to remove the leaves.
- Store the oil in a clean, dry bottle.
- Apply the oil to your scalp and hair, leave it on for at least an hour or overnight, then wash off with a mild shampoo.
Hibiscus Hair Mask
- Wash the hibiscus flowers and leaves thoroughly.
- Blend the flowers and leaves with yogurt to make a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
Neem Oil
- Combine neem oil and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Warm the oil mixture slightly by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of hot water.
- Massage the warm oil into your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Wash with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Brahmi Hair Mask
- Mix brahmi powder and aloe vera gel in a bowl.
- Add water to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Amla Hair Mask
- Mix amla powder and yogurt in a bowl.
- Add honey for extra nourishment.
- Apply the mask to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Amla Tea
- Boil water and add amla powder.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain and let the tea cool.
- Use this amla tea as a final rinse after shampooing to enhance shine and manageability.
You can try many more recipes using these same ingredients and herbs. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and methods of application. Before long, you will have the perfect Ayurvedic treatment for your hair type.
