Ayurveda for Hair Care: A Truly Natural Approach to Hair Health
We all know that having healthy hair isn’t just about looks.
Smooth and silk hair represents something more—confidence and inner peace. To feel like the real you.
In this article, we’ll summarize the key principles of Ayurveda for hair care. We’ll also discuss how to improve scalp health by using a natural, Ayurveda hair care regimen.
Ayurveda hair care regimen.
The Secrets of Natural, Healthy Hair
What is Ayurveda Hair Care?
In ayurvedic medicine, the path to healthy hair starts with defining your natural hair type.
We first need to think about doshas — the three forms of energy in the body and mind. These three doshas are Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.
When discussing Ayurveda for hair care, the dominant energy in your body will impact the characteristics of your hair.
Here are the three Ayurveda hair types:
Kapha-Dominant Hair: Thick, coarse, and wavy or curly. An imbalance in the Kapha energy can cause greasiness due to sebum overproduction. Unpleasant symptoms can include hair fall and an itchy scalp.
Pitta-Dominant Hair: Moderate in thickness, but soft and predictable to manage. Pitta imbalances can lead to early greying of hair, bacterial overload in the follicles, and redness or soreness.
Vata-Dominant Hair: Naturally fine and thin. Imbalances in Vata can bring about low sebum production, causing hair loss, frizziness, and split ends.
The question “what is ayurvedic hair care?” is best answered with one word: balance.
Ayurveda does not say that one hair type is better than another. We should celebrate what we’re born with!
Instead, we work with what we’ve got to protect our dominant form of natural energy and achieve balance.
Our energy can move out of balance when our health or inner sense of wellbeing is disturbed.
Ayurveda for hair care addresses these imbalances through the use of several approaches.
Such approaches include oils, herbal products, and avoidance of harsh elements — which we’ll talk about in more detail later in the article.
“I Want My Hair to Be Silky, Soft, and Thick” — Ayurvedic Hair Care Products
This is a common wish we hear from clients at our Ayurvedic Healing clinic.
Your dominant dosha energy will play a role in the natural qualities of your hair. However, attractive hair is achievable with the right approach.
Seek ayurvedic hair care products that match your hair type.
Once you know your dominant hair type (see the section above), look for oils, shampoos, and other remedies with herbs that soothe your dosha.
Kapha Dosha Herbs:
Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
Gunja (Rosepea)
Jyotishmathi (Celastrus Paniculatus)
Methika (Fenugreek)
Pitta Dosha Herbs:
Japa (Hibiscus)
Kamala (Nelumbo Nucifera)
Nimba (Neem)
Yashtimadhu (Licorice)
Vata Dosha Herbs:
Devdar (Cedar)
Krishna Tila (Black sesame)
Palandu (Onion)
Saireyaka (Barleria Prionitis)
There are also herbs that balance Tridosha — the three biological energies as a collective.
Such herbs are available on the Ayurvedic Healing store if you want to check them out:
Amalaki (Indian gooseberry)
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
Kumari (Aloe Vera)
How to Improve Scalp Health
If you’d like to find out how to improve your scalp health and discover some scalp health tips, this section is for you.
Benefits of Oiling Hair
Make the most of Ayurveda for hair care with the 5000-year old, ancient Indian technique of hair oiling.
The benefits of oiling hair are best compared to the growth of a tree.
A tree’s roots need water to retain moisture, which aids growth. Hair needs enough moisture to function too.
Ayurvedic medicine realizes the importance of the scalp for overall health.
The scalp is a key energy point in the body where stress accumulates. We call these energy points “marmas.” A useful scalp health tip is to apply oil 1-3 times a week. There is a range of hair oils on the market for you to choose from.
The benefits of oiling hair can be experienced by all hair types.
But bear in mind, Vata-dominant hair requires more frequent oiling than Pitta or Kapha-dominant hair.
All you need to do is pour some oil into a bowl and dip your fingers in with one hand.
Use the other hand to part the hair, which gives better access to the scalp.
Continue to move around different parts of the head until as much of the scalp is covered as possible.
Then, massage some of the oil into the hair itself.
Allow the oil to soak in for 20-30 minutes before you wash or shower.
To further improve scalp health, you may leave the oil to sit overnight. If you do, please make sure you have a towel to protect your bedding).
Here’s are the 6 steps to get the benefits of oiling hair:
Pour hair oil into a bowl.
Dip the fingers of one hand into the oil, and use the other hand to part the hair.
Apply the oil to as much of the scalp as you can manage.
Once the scalp is covered, apply the oil to your hair.
Leave for at least 20 minutes to soak.
Wash your hair.
As you can see, Ayurveda for hair care doesn’t need to be complicated!
You should find that your hair retains more moisture and looks healthier as you keep up the habit.
The Importance of Healthy Eating & Lifestyle
Foods for Strong Hair
Our hair health is a result of how well our cells are functioning.
This is why optimizing your nutrition and lifestyle is so vital.
When you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins your hair needs, it’s much more likely to look luscious.
Many people turn to Ayurveda for hair loss treatment. An essential part of this treatment is healthy eating, which can promote hair growth.
Here are a few food options to get the most important vitamins and minerals for your hair:
Zinc: Beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds
Iron: Organic eggs, dried fruits, spinach
Vitamin A: Carrots, broccoli, kale
B-Vitamins: Almonds, leafy greens, whole grains
Vitamin C: Raspberries, strawberries, mango
Vitamin D: Whole milk, fresh yogurt
Vitamin E: Avocado, hazelnuts, pine nuts
Protein: Dhal, lentils, organic eggs
Oil With Herbs
Another great way to support your hair is by consuming herbal oils.
We view herbs as part of a balanced diet in ayurvedic medicine.
You can buy ready-made oils at the grocery store or have fun making your own at home. Homemade oils are usually cheaper too.
To start, choose your herbs of choice — the dried form is easier. A few nutrient-packed herbs are basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme (but there are many!)
Ensure you have a glass bottle to store the oil in.
Then, gather a few sprigs of the herb and rinse them in water if necessary. Place the herbs at the bottom of the bottle.
Light oils such as canola oil are best for this, but you may also use extra virgin olive oil.
Heat the oil in a saucepan on low heat. Once warmed, pour the oil into the bottle so that they cover the herbs.
Protect the oil with a lid or cork and leave the mixture to settle for one week. A cool place in your kitchen away from sunlight is ideal.
Lifestyle Tips for Healthier Hair
Along with food, lifestyle is a health priority in Ayurveda for hair care. Time in nature is always recommended. But again, balance is key here.
The Sun
Sunshine is the best source of vitamin-D.
Be mindful not to spend too long in the sun, though, as this poses risks to your skin health.
The Sea
Bathe or swim in saline water to encourage relaxation.
Seawater contains salt crystals, which can improve the “body” of your hair. Magnesium and other nutrients are absorbed through the scalp.
Vata-dominant hair types should be aware that saline can cause extra dryness. For Kapha-dominant hair types, the salt content helps to remove excess sebum and grease.
The Air
Pay attention to the quality of the air around you.
An environment with dry air will draw the moisture out of your body, which increases the likelihood of dehydration.
We recommend that you stay clear of polluted environments, wherever possible. Recent research discovered a link between air pollution and hair loss.
For our final tip on how to improve scalp health, we advise you to avoid harsh chemicals in hair products.
Harmful ingredients to watch out for include alcohol, dimethicone, parabens, and triclosan. Please refer to this article for the full list.
Be wary of using chemical hair straighteners and permanent hair dyes. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found they lead to an increased breast cancer risk amongst women.
Conclusion
We hope that you have enjoyed our article on the key principles of Ayurveda for hair care and growth.
Understandably, many people worry about shedding their hair during times of stress.
We hear from clients who come to our clinic in a state of fear. They feel self-conscious and think that they will lose all their hair soon.
Ayurveda’s approach to hair health is a holistic and natural one, utilizing ancient traditions passed on through the generations.
Feel free to read through any of the sections above on hair types, benefits of hair oiling, diet recommendations, and scalp health tips to re-familiarize yourself.
Would you like to contact our clinic?
You can do so by clicking on this page.
Our Product Recommendations:
Healthy Hair Kit: Specially designed for rich, thick, healthy and shiny hair
Vital Hair: A combination of hair-promoting, Ayurvedic herbs. The herbs included are Amalaki, Bacopa Monnieri, Bhringraj, Chamomile, Guduchi, and Rosemary.
Thanks for reading!
Ayurvedic Healing
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (831) 462.3776
Author: Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, Director of Ayurvedic Healing
Co-author: Declan Davey, Health Copywriter
