Importance of Ayurvedic Hair Care Routine
Ayurveda says hair needs nourishment and moisture to promote growth and strength.
Ayurvedic scriptures consider hair as a subpart of bone tissue. So your hair health is an indirect indicator of your bone health too.
An Ayurvedic hair care routine focuses not only on scalp health but also combines internal and external cleansing and nourishment.
Start eating healthy; oiling your hair regularly with coconut or almond oil is essential.
Ayurvedic perspective on hair health
According to Ayurveda, hair health depends on harmony between the mind and body. Stress, anxiety, and health issues can manifest as lackluster locks.
To boost hair health the natural way:
- Focus on self-care.
- Try meditation or yoga to reduce stress.
- Get enough sleep every night so your body can repair the damage.
- Include a balanced diet with enough protein from eggs or lentils, iron from leafy greens, and healthy fats like coconut oil.
Oiling your hair regularly with coconut or sesame oil nourishes the roots and strands.
Gently massage your scalp with oil to increase blood flow, then leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing.
Shampoo less frequently, around 2-3 times a week. When you do shampoo, look for a gentle, sulfate-free formula. You can use mild shampoos made out of hibiscus and soap nuts.
A weekly scalp scrub will remove dead skin and unclog hair follicles. You can scrub with triphala, coconut oil, and lemon juice.
Limit heat styling, which can dry out hair. Let your hair air dry when possible, or use the relaxed setting on your blow dryer.
Returning to basics will transform your hair into naturally strong, shiny, and voluminous.
Ayurveda teaches that beauty starts from within, so take time for self-care, and your hair will thrive.
Different types of hair, according to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, there are three main hair types: vata, pitta, and kapha.
Your body type and Vata, pitta, and kapha balance determine your hair type.
Vata hair
It is typically dry, thin, and brittle. Your hair needs moisture and nourishment if you have a Vata body type.
Use coconut or sesame oil. Limit the use of heat tools which can cause further dryness.
Pitta hair
It tends to be delicate, silky, and prone to premature graying or thinning. Choose cooling coconut milk, aloe vera, or Brahmi-based products for pitta hair. Limit sun exposure which aggravates pitta.
Kapha hair
It is usually thick, oily, and prone to dandruff.
For Kapha hair, use lighter oils like jojoba and clarifying natural shampoos. Increase scalp stimulation with a massage using essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or rosemary.
Limit the use of heavy, oily products.
Knowing your ayurvedic hair type helps you choose products and routines that suit your hair’s needs, resulting in firmer, shinier, and more balanced hair.
An ayurvedic hair care approach and a healthy diet and lifestyle can give you the beautiful, lustrous hair you’ve always wanted.
Common hair diseases
Common hair diseases like dandruff, hair fall, premature graying, and split ends can often be prevented or managed through an Ayurvedic hair care routine.
Dandruff
Dandruff, characterized by flaky scalp skin, can be caused by excess oiliness or dryness.
To reduce dandruff, apply coconut or neem oil to the scalp and wash hair with a mild shampoo 2-3 times a week.
You can also apply a paste from neem leaves to the scalp.
Hair fall
It’s common to lose 50 to 100 hair strands every day.
It’s time to reflect on the last three to six months of your life if you observe a sudden and noticeable rise in your everyday hair loss.
Numerous reasons, including stress, hormone imbalance, and using unsuitable products, can cause hair loss.
Finding the root of your hair loss will make it simpler to deal with the issue effectively.
You may stop hair loss by eating more protein-rich meals, switching to a gentle shampoo, rubbing hot oils into your scalp, drinking enough water, and working out frequently.
Avoiding heated styling equipment is also beneficial.
Dryness
Your hair is asking you to eat protein If it is feeling rough.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and vitamin B5, can help rehydrate dry hair.
Your hair texture may occasionally indicate other underlying problems, including menopause, side effects from birth control, pregnancy, or hormone imbalance.
Hyperthyroidism and anemia are the other reasons for dryness.
You should handle dry hair with the utmost love and attention.
Try to cut back on activities that weaken your hair, such as heat styling, chemical treatments, pollution, sun and chlorination exposure.
Oiling and hair masks help soften your strands, replenish moisture, repair damage, and make your hair lustrous and manageable.
Split Ends
Hair ends that do not receive scalp oil tend to dry out and split as time passes.
Cut your hair to protect it from split hair.
Even if you’re letting your hair grow out, you must make frequent cuts to keep it looking good.
If you don’t clip your hair, split ends gradually go up the shaft.
To repair the damage, you will eventually need to trim more hair.
Avoid heat since it exacerbates split ends, but if you must, buy a high-quality heat protectant and keep the ends away from heat.
Applying a little oil to your limitations may nurture them and lessen the look of split ends.
Do not overbrush or shampoo, as this might exacerbate split ends.
Premature Graying
It is a condition where the hair starts graying at an early age.
Stress, genetics, smoking, decrease In melanin production, etc., maybe the reason.
A diet rich in vitamin B5, copper, iron, etc, may help prevent this condition. Also, intake of triphala daily with honey and ghee and nasya with Anu taila is proven effective.
Intake of rasayana or rejuvenating drugs is beneficial.
Ayurvedic routine for hair care
Daily Hair Care Routine
- Daily moisturizing
- Nasya
- Combing with a wide-toothed comb
- The diet should be taken care of
- Adequate sleep
- Exercise or relaxation techniques
Weekly Hair Care Routine
- Trim your hair every 15 days, says Ayurveda
- Apply warm oils on the scalp and hair and massage gently twice or thrice
- Wash your hair with medicated water
Monthly Hair Care Routine
- Rejuvenating hair masks like protein masks can be applied.
- Hair wash with medicated water
- Trim hair regularly
Ayurvedic treatments for healthy hair
Ayurvedic treatments revolve around using natural ingredients to nourish hair and scalp. Here are some popular treatments you can try:
- Shiro abhyanga or oil massage:Apply warm coconut, almond, or amla oil to massage your scalp and hair. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing hair. This nourishes hair follicles and promotes growth.
- Nasya:Nasal instillation with anu taila or any other medicated oil or simply ghee or sesame oil is proven beneficial for hair growth and other hair care problems.
- Shirovasti:Medicated procedures like shirovasti are beneficial for scalp disorders
- Shirolepa:Applying medicated paste over the scalp and hair helps replenish hair strands and prevent various scalp and hair problems.
Eight Natural Tips for healthy hair
To keep your hair healthy and robust according to Ayurveda, follow these tips:
- Oil your hair using coconut, sesame, or amla oil. Massage the oil into your scalp and hair, then leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing as usual. Oiling nourishes hair follicles and promotes growth.
- Wash your hair based on your dosha. For vata and pitta doshas, wash 2-3 times a week. For kapha dosha, wash daily or every other day. Shampoo removes excess oil and dirt while conditioning moisturizes.
- Include a balanced diet with enough protein, iron, and omega-3s which promote hair health. Incorporate Ayurvedic superfoods like coconut, Brahmi, ashwagandha, and turmeric. What you eat impacts your hair, skin, and nails.
- Limit heat tools like blow dryers and straighteners, which can damage hair. When you do use them, apply a heat-protectant product. Too much heat causes breakage, split ends, and frizz.
- Increase circulation with scalp massages using essential oils like rosemary, lavender, or peppermint. Use gentle, circular motions and apply firm pressure. Scalp massage reduces stress and stimulates hair follicles.
- Rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water to close hair cuticles. Cold water tightens pores in the scalp and boosts shine. Avoid boiling water which can strip hair and dry out the scalp.
- Trim split ends every 15 days. Even small breaks can continue up the hair shaft if left uncut. Trimming removes only the damaged ends, allowing the rest of the hair to remain healthy.
- Limit stress through yoga, meditation, or exercise. Too much stress hormone cortisol can negatively impact hair growth and increase shedding or temporary hair loss. Managing stress leads to healthier hair overall.
Diet
A healthy diet is critical to growing robust and lush hair, according to Ayurveda.
- Focus on eating foods that nourish the hair and promote hair growth. Some recommendations:
- Protein: Plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, beans, and lentils. Protein gives the building blocks of hair growth.
- Iron: Iron carries oxygen to hair follicles and promotes growth. Eat red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and dark leafy greens.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty acids moisturize the scalp and hair. Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are high in omega-3s.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C Acts as an antioxidant and aids iron absorption. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and strawberries are excellent sources.
- Biotin: This B vitamin promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss. Eat more eggs, salmon, and avocados.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated. Moisturized hair is healthy hair.
- Limit sugar and refined carbs: These spike insulin and promote inflammation which can hamper hair growth.
Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet with all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and astringent.
Eating according to the seasons will keep your doshas balanced and promote overall health, including hair health.
Focusing on hair-nourishing foods, scalp massage, herbal hair oils, and limiting stress will give you the mane you’ve always dreamed of.
Exercise
Exercise is vital for healthy hair in Ayurveda.
Regular cardio exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga gets your blood flowing. Exercise increases circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles and scalp.
Sweating also helps detoxify your body and stimulate hair growth.
Practice these yoga asanas to promote hair growth and help in reducing hair fall, and improve health.
- Kapalabhati
- Adho Mukha Svanasana
- Sarvangasana
- Balasana
- Sarvangasana
- Vajrasana
- Uttanasana
- Matsyasana
Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is critical to promoting hair growth and strength from an Ayurvedic perspective.
Getting adequate rest, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet is integral to an Ayurvedic hair care routine.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm and increase stress hormones, like cortisol, that negatively impact hair health.
Try relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation before bed to unwind.
Include a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, which promote hair growth.
Focus on whole foods like lentils, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to moisturize hair from within.
Exercise regularly to increase blood flow to hair follicles. Even taking a 30-minute walk a few times a week can help. Yoga or lightweight training are other good options.
Manage stress through exercise, meditation, yoga, or journaling.
Heavy stress can cause hair loss and damage. Take occasional breaks to recharge and do something you enjoy.
Limit heat styling and use a heat protectant product when you do use hot tools. Too much heat can dry out hair and cause breakage over time.
Let your hair air dry when possible.
Get a scalp massage with warm coconut or castor oil once a week to stimulate hair follicles. Apply the oil 30 minutes before washing hair for best results.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a natural way to get strong, shiny, and gorgeous hair with Ayurveda.
You don’t need expensive salon treatments or harsh chemicals to have a good hair day every day.
With simple ingredients from your kitchen and a few minutes daily to practice self-care, you’ll be well on your way to hair health and happiness. Give Ayurvedic hair care a shot – your hair will thank you, and you’ll feel better knowing you’re nourishing your body and mind naturally and holistically.
When you see the results, you’ll never return to commercial shampoos and conditioners again.
