Hair Care Through Ayurveda

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.

What Is Normal And Abnormal Hair Fall?

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 falls exceeds 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.

What Is the Importance of Hair Care?

The lucrative hair care industry thrives on our collective concern for hair, yet many products contain harmful chemicals, offering only superficial and temporary solutions, often damaging hair and health. Ayurveda addresses hair issues by targeting underlying causes, emphasizing the role of digestive strength in nourishment while acknowledging various factors like genetics and stress.

What Are the Causes of Hairfall?

• 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.

What Are the Types of Hair According to Ayurveda?

• Vata-type hair is typically thin yet coarse, with varying textures of straight or curly strands. It grows rapidly but may be difficult to manage and style.

• Pitta-type hair, when healthy, is sleek, soft, and of moderate thickness, yet fine in texture, displaying a predictable nature.

• Healthy Kapha-type hair is usually thick, coarse, and strong, displaying waves and a lustrous, full appearance.

How to Improve Hair Quality Through Ayurveda?

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 hair loss and promote 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 regularly.

• 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 ground in a thin paste and applied to the hair and scalp. It should be cleaned with lukewarm water.

What Are the Steps Which Should Be Followed for Healthy Hair?

Daily Hair Care

• Cleanliness:

  • Wash hair every two days.

  • If a person live in a highly polluted area and there is more sweat, do it every alternate day.

  • Wash 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; 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 the hair healthy and promoting growth.

• Massage:

  • Regular head massage is essential for healthy hair and scalp.

  • Apply lukewarm essential oils like bhringraj (Eclipta prostrate), and gently massage the scalp with the 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 for nearly all hair types and textures as it contains organic herbal ingredients. However, if there is a presence of any side effect or allergy healthcare professionals should be consulted.