Hair care in Ayurveda

The Indian traditional system of health care believes in a holistic approach to health care and hair care is one of the vital parts of it. Ayurvedic research on hair growth is extensive and well structured. Ayurveda believes that just external application and precautions are not sufficient to keep it full of life, strength, luster, sheen, color, vitality and healthy life long. This issue is discussed in almost every classical text in detail which shows that our Rishis (sages) were also aware of the importance of this field.

According to Ayurveda, the hair is derived either as a by-product or produced as a breakdown product of Asthi (bone tissue). Any disturbance in this tissue metabolism, which very much depends on the digestive fire, can affect the health of the hair. To a certain extent, the quality of hair depends on the body constitution.

Causes of hair damage

Impaired Pitta dosha is said to be the foremost cause of damaged hair. Increased Pitta affects the quality of hair and causes thinning hair, early baldness, premature graying etc. Factors which impair Pitta dosha and in turn, invoke hair damage are

irregular diet and vitamin and mineral deficient diet,
excessive consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, fried and spicy food,
anxiety and stress
hormonal imbalances in men and women,
lack of sleep,
dandruff or fungal infections,
diseases like lupus or diabetes amongst other acute illness,
hot climatic conditions,
excessive smoking,
certain drugs,
sudden weight loss and
high fever.

Ayurvedic care principles

Applying oil to the hair daily is described as a necessity in Ayurvedic scriptures. The warm oil head and scalp massage, especially when done with oil infused with Keshya (hair-friendly) herbs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) or Japa (Hibiscus), nourishes the hair and scalp, alleviates dry scalp and enhances circulation. Coconut oil, sesame oil or mustard oil or certain medicated oils like Neelibhringadi oil, Kunthala kanthi oil, Kanjunnyadi oil, Bhringraja oil, Mahabhringraja oil and Brahmi-Amla oil are very useful for maintaining hair quality.
In case of dandruff, oils like Durdurapatradi oil, Durvadi oil etc are used. Always keep your hair and scalp clean to avoid clogged hair follicles and itching of scalp. Cleanse with a gentle herbal shampoo or soft home-made herbal based shampoo. Amla (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very good for washing the hair. Use lukewarm or fresh water to wash hair and follow with a natural conditioner like curd or egg white.
Internal use of Ayurvedic medicines like Thikthakam kashayam, Thikthakam ghritham as per medical advice are effective to correct the Pitta dosha and metabolism. Ayurvedic general tonics like Narasimha rasayanam, Chyavana prasam are effective for improving hair growth.
Undergo periodic internal cleansing to flush away Ama (toxins). Triphala(mixture of equal quantity of fruits of Amalaki – Emblica officinalis, Vibhitaka – Terminalia belerica and Harad – Terminalia chebula) is a very popular, gentle, non- habit forming cleanser that can be taken frequently to regulate the digestive system.
A high protein and an iron rich diet is recommended for hair loss. An adequate intake of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables should be included in the diet on a regular basis.
Sleep is essential for at least 8 hours a day, to promote healthy hair grow.
Drinking plenty of water and a good diet is important for a proper functioning of the body, thus leading to proper hair growth.
Deal with stress and sleeplessness effectively with yoga and exercise. Herbal tea enriched with any one or more of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandookparni (Centella asiatica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) supports natural ability to manage stress.

Herbs useful for Hair care

Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba)
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Soap nuts (Sapindus trifoliatus)
Shikakai (Acacia concinna)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Aloe vera
Methi (Trigonella foenum)

Treatments beneficial for hair care

Shiro Abhyanga

Shiro Abhyanga or head massage is a specialized therapy mainly focused to vital points (Marma) of head, Neck and shoulders. The head massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquility and promotes high levels of alertness and concentration.

During the Ayurvedic Head Massage, Ayurvedic oil will be kept for a suitable period on the head of an individual. This is called Moordha taila or application of the oil to Head. Herbal oils used in this therapy balance Doshas, aids in hair and scalp problems as well as strengthens hair roots and improves hair condition, thus making your hair healthy and lustrous.

Duration: 20 minutes

Benefits

Beneficial for Hair growth.
Relieve headaches and tension
Makes you feel refreshed and awake
Head feels lighter, mind feels clearer
Promotes sound sleep
Shirodhara

Shirodhara is usually the usage of specific oils poured continuously on the centre of the forehead, and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. In Sanskrit, ‘shirah’ means head and ‘dhaara’ means flow. The group of nerve endings on the forehead or the Ajna Chakra is responsible for our emotional states. This steady rhythmic pouring of oil allows the body to enter into a state of deep relaxation. Depending on the medium used for pouring (oil, buttermilk, milk or water), there are various types of Shirodhara.

Method – The person who has to undergo the Shirodhara treatment lies on a table. The Shirodhara vessel is a wide mouthed bowl with a small hole at the bottom and a wick is inserted through the hole. This vessel is hung over the head of the person such that the wick is about two inches above the forehead of the person. The vessel is filled with the required medium and is made to flow in a continuous stream through the wick on to the upper part of the forehead. A cloth or cotton pad is placed above the forehead to prevent the medium flowing to the eyes. The warm oil or other medium used, is collected, re-circulated, and the process continues for a certain duration as suggested by the practitioner. On completion of the flow of oil, the client is allowed to rest for a few minutes, before the residual oil is wiped from the hair. It is recommended to rest quietly for at least a few hours after this treatment.

Duration: 30 minutes

Benefits

Rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind,
relieves stress and strain related problems,
slows the aging process,
improves hair growth and quality,
improves memory,
is known to have a curative effect for paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, hypertension and other neurological malfunctions, and
bestows better vision, better hearing, clears nasal problems and calms the body and mind.

Shirolepa

It is a special procedure of application of medicated paste on the head. It is the traditional Ayurveda treatment of Kerala which is very effective in hair damage and various psychosomatic disorders. Basically it is a cooling treatment.

Method – The person is made to sit in an easy position. A gentle oil massage is given to head with specific medicated oil. An herbal paste is freshly prepared by cooking it with the buttermilk after carefully assessing the condition of the person. The paste is applied over the scalp in a layer of thickness of about 0.5 to 1 centimeter, leaving a small central portion. A medicated oil is filled in this groove. The paste is then covered with leaves (plantain or lotus leaf) and cloth leaving the groove open. At the end of the procedure the paste is removed; a gentle head massage is given.

Duration: 30 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the condition.

Benefits