Published on Jan 29, 2015 and last reviewed on Dec 27, 2022 - 5 min read
Abstract
Ayurveda does miracles in hair fall and maintaining healthy hair and scalp. This article discusses the causes of hair fall and the steps to prevent hair loss.
Introduction:
Ayurveda is a traditional medicine that treats various diseases through a combination of diet and herbal methods. It is one of the oldest approaches to the holistic healing system. The treatment usually aims toward the root of the specific problem. Good hair growth and scalp health can be improved with the help of Ayurveda. It not only increases growth but also helps to keep hair texture smooth and shiny. According to the ayurveda, hair fall is a symptom of various diseases and metabolic disturbances due to an imbalance of dhatus (tissue) and doshas (energy). Ayurveda aims to manage hair care by treating the root cause of hair damage. There are various therapies, such as Shamana therapy and Shodhana therapy, which help improve hair growth and lifestyle modifications.
If there is a fall of more than 100 hair strands per day, it is considered abnormal hair fall, and less than that is considered normal. However, more than 200 to 250 hair strands will fall after shampooing, which is normal. However, if the hair fall exceeds to more than 250 strands per day, it is considered abnormal. There are various causes of abnormal hair fall, such as underlying medical conditions, stress, and poor diet.
Lack of nutrition and iron deficiency.
Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism, increased levels of androgen, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Scalp infection.
The adverse effects of a few drugs after chemotherapy, surgery, and pregnancy.
Polluted water.
Mental stress and stress to the hair by repeated hair coloring, straightening, curling, etc.
Ayurveda considers the vitiation of pitta dosha as the cause of hair fall and premature gray hair. Increased intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, pickles, deep fried, spicy, and fermented foods, excessive anger, and stress cause increased pitta in the body.
Hormonal Imbalance.
Eat healthy and nutritious food rich in copper, iron, and calcium.
Avoid aerated drinks and junk foods.
Increase the intake of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, amla, pomegranate, dry grapes, dates, almonds, and spinach.
Dietary supplements also prevent hair loss.
Excessive chemical-based oil and shampoo should be avoided to prevent premature gray hair and hair damage.
Following are a few key ingredients of ayurveda which help improve hair quality.
Bhringraj - Bhringraj is an Indian herb enriched with vitamins, minerals, and iron. It is one of the natural ingredients that help prevent hairloss and promotes hair growth. It increases the blood flow of the scalp and nourishes the hair naturally. It promotes hair growth by activating the hair follicle and root. Bhringraj can be used in oil form by mixing it with coconut or sesame oil and applying it on a regular basis.
Brahmi - Brahmi is an ayurvedic ingredient that prevents hair loss and thinning. It contains an alkaloid that helps strengthen hair by activating the protein. It reduces the dryness of the scalp and hair strand damage by providing moisture. Brahmi reduces the stress hormone known as cortisol which causes stress-induced hair fall. Massaging the scalp with Brahmi oil creates a calming effect.
Amla - Amla is a good source of vitamin C that benefits hair and skin. It contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which make the hair strong. It also reduces dandruff from the scalp and dissolves the grease from the hair follicle. Massaging the scalp with amla oil boosts blood circulation and natural hair growth.
Shikakai - Shikakai is a natural alternative to hair shampoo as it has natural scalp cleansing properties. It is enriched with antioxidants which provide nourishment and growth of hair.
Fenugreek - Fenugreek, also known as methi seeds, is an ayurvedic ingredient that prevents hair fall and dandruff. The seeds should be grinded in thin paste and applied on hair and scalp. It should be cleaned with lukewarm water.
Daily Hair Care
Cleanliness:
Wash your hair every two days.
If you live in a highly polluted area and there is more perspiration, do it every alternate day.
Wash your comb and hairbrush regularly. Never share others' comb and hair brushes.
Use lukewarm or room-temperature water for hair washing. Never use hot water.
Proper Combing:
Always use blunt-toothed combs.
Gently comb the hair and scalp daily.
Never do vigorous brushing, as it stretches the hair, causing breakage and split ends.
Combining the scalp is an effective way to relax as it increases blood circulation and spreads the natural oil evenly over the hair strands, keeping your hair healthy and promoting growth.
Massage:
Regular head massage is essential for healthy hair and scalp.
Apply lukewarm essential oils like bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata), and gently massage the scalp with your fingertips.
Make sure the scalp is rotated under the fingertips with mild pressure placing the thumbs behind the ears.
Never do vigorous rubbing as it causes unnecessary hair fall.
Head massage ensures good blood circulation and hair growth, relieves stress, and induces good sleep.
Shampooing:
Always use herbal shampoo diluted in water to wash the hair or prepare homemade shampoo with shikakai, reetha, aloe vera, tulasi, methi, triphala, yashtimadhu, etc. which removes the dirt, and dandruff, without irritating the scalp, retains natural oil, does conditioning and promotes hair growth.
Harsh chemical-based shampoo strips the protein layer and natural oil from the scalp and hair, making them dry and dull.
Mental Relaxation:
Overcome stress through yoga and meditation and sleep well.
Reduce Unwanted Stress on the Hair:
Reduce stress by avoiding tight hairstyles, ponytails, unnecessary hair coloring, straightening, curling, and repeated combing.
Use natural hair dyes.
Hair Treatments:
There are various therapies (like Shiro abhyanga, Shirodhara, Shiro leap, Nasya, etc.), medicaments, hair growth supplements (like Triphala, swam all, etc.), hair oils in ayurveda for the prevention of hair fall, premature gray hair, dandruff and to get lengthy, thick, lustrous hair.
Conclusion:
All herbal oils, shampoos, and supplements are unsuitable for everyone. It is good to choose natural remedies and herbal products and incorporate ayurveda in the hair care regime. Ayurvedic Treatment is suitable nearly all hair types and texture as it contains organic herbal ingredients. However if there is presence of any side effect or allergy healthcare professional should be consulted.
In Ayurveda, Brahmi is considered a wonder herb for thickening and hair growth. It is traditional herbal oil used for treating the thinning of the hair follicles that causes hair loss. It contains an alkaloid that activates a protein in the body that helps in strengthening the hair naturally.
Methi seeds or fenugreek are considered to be the best ayurvedic medicine as it contains vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, folic acid, and proteins. It contains a protein called nicotinic acid, which is effective against dandruff and hair fall. It also promotes hair growth through ayurvedic growth.
The hair can be made healthy by oiling the scalp from the roots to the tip. Shikakai (Senegalia rugata) and reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) are popular herbs in Ayurveda that encourage hair growth and prevent hair fall. Ayurvedic methods do not contain chemicals, as they are natural methods.
Ayurveda has the power to regrow or cure thinning hair. According to Ayurveda pitta, dosha is responsible for hair loss. Pitta or fire is considered the major factor that helps in skin regeneration and hair growth. An imbalance in the levels of pitta dosha can lead to early or premature greying of hair.
Abnormal hair loss can be experienced by someone who loses more than the normal number of hair strands. For example, thinning and balding of hair are associated with abnormal hair loss. Blood tests and scalp biopsies can be performed to detect abnormal hair loss.
Abnormal hair loss leads to gradual thinning of hair on the top of the head that gives the appearance of bald spots or a patchy appearance on the scalp and full body. Hair loss of more than 100 hair strands per day or 700 hair per week is considered excessive or abnormal hair loss. It usually signifies signs of underlying health issues.
Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss affecting more than 30 million women and 50 million men in the United States. Female and male pattern hair loss are other types of common hair loss. Sometimes abnormal hair loss can be hereditary and managed by surgery or medications.
When a person starts losing excessive hair, more than 100 strands of hair per day is a matter of concern. The sudden hair loss without any significant reason can make the patient worried. Extra hair brush or shower drain may also contribute to sudden hair loss, making the patient anxious.
A complete blood count (CBC) test can detect hair loss that may occur due to underlying factors such as hormonal imbalance, diabetes, thyroid disease, or vitamin deficiency. Blood tests can be useful in detecting hair loss at the earliest stage.
Intake of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E to improve hair growth. Scalp massage with essential oils is necessary to maintain hair strength. It is very important to keep oneself hydrated to reduce hair fall.
Hair fall or pulling of hair can lead to hair follicle damage, but the new hair eventually grows from the follicle. Most hair strands grow at a rate of about 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm daily. The hair tends to grow back within a few weeks or months if the person has no underlying condition.
Oiling can increase the amount of hair fall instead of preventing hair fall. This is because oiling leads to the accumulation of oil and dust on the scalp that blocks the hair follicle and increases hair fall. It can also further lead to other health conditions like acne.
The hair density of a person usually depends upon the genetics of the person. A healthy diet rich in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients can improve the texture and density of the hair. In addition, the consumption of food rich in antioxidants, zinc, and folic acid can be useful for better hair health.
Regular hair cuts can help improve the texture or density of a person’s hair. Hair cuts can be useful when the hair is damaged or prone to breakage. In addition, regularly trimmed hair can lead to less brittleness and low chances of hair split end.
Loss of hair can lead to decrease hair density. The hair density can be low since birth due to genetics. Some underlying medical conditions can also be responsible for low hair density.
Last reviewed at:
27 Dec 2022 - 5 min read
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Ayurveda Specialist
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