Illustration: Ayurvedic Approach to Hair Care
Ayurveda and hair care are frequently combined entities in the Indian cosmetics market. Most of the time it turns out to be just a marketing tactic. The proven effectiveness of the ayurvedic approach to hair care and the popularity of ayurveda are the reason behind these marketing attempts. In reality, only a few of them are actually following the ayurvedic path.
Table of Contents
5 Steps of Ayurvedic Approach to Hair Care
You already have lots of hair care tips in capsule forms. Today let’s take a more basic route. Ayurveda, the word itself, imparts an additional layer of reliability on a health care products especially hair care products. However, the actual ayurvedic approach to hair care proceeds in five major steps:
- Balancing the doshas
- Nourishing from within
- External nourishment
- Hair care practices
- Herbal support
Balancing the Doshas
To the core, ayurveda emphasises on balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) for overall well-being. Hair care is also no different. Excess of each of three doshas can cause various problems.
Vata dosha is dry and airy in nature. With excess vata dosha, your hair is prone to dryness, frizz and split ends. Pitta dosha is hot and oily in nature. With excess pitta dosha, you may experience premature hair greying, hair thinning and dandruff. Kapha dosha is oily and heavy in nature. Excess kapha dosha can cause oily scalp, slow growth and hair fall.
Always try to identify your dominant dosha and tailor your hair care routine accordingly. Consulting an ayurvedic doctor for this is the best way to find out the dominant dosha in you.
Nourishing from Within
As ayurveda is a holistic health care system, internal nourishment is equally important. Same is applicable for the ayurvedic approach to hair care as well. Dietary control is required for healthy hair. Including hair-friendly foods like fenugreek seeds, black sesame seeds, amla, leafy vegetables etc will help. Also, consumption of a moderate amount of ghee helps in internal lubrication and overall hair health.
External Nourishment
No ayurvedic hair care advertisement is complete with a shot of applying oil on the scalp. Yes, not just the advertisement, ayurvedic hair care is also incomplete with external nourishment. Two things are important here:
- Choosing the oil: Choose the oil based on your dosha. Coconut oil is generally good for most hair types. For vata, sesame oil or Bhringraj oil are recommended. Pitta benefits from coconut oil or neem oil. Kapha hair benefits from lighter oils like jojoba or almond oil. PurePrana Bhringraj hair care oil is tested to have great results in balancing the doshas. It’s a highly recommended one.
- Massaging style: Warm the oil and gently massage your scalp in circular motions before washing. This improves circulation and nourishes hair follicles.
Hair Care Practices
Even with the above steps in place, you need to develop a discipline in hair care practices like washing, shampooing and heat styling.
Hair washing may not be a simple affair as you think. Wash your hair based on your dosha and hair type. Vata may need less frequent washing, while Pitta benefits from regular cleansing. Kapha hair requires moderate washing.
Shampooing is fine as long as you are not overdoing it. Use mild, natural shampoos or opt for a traditional hair wash with chickpea flour and yoghurt.
Heat styling is a risky routine for hair. Do it only when it’s super-necessary. Excessive heat styling damages hair. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible and use heat protectant sprays when necessary.
Herbal Hair Care
Apart from the daily routines, you may require extra herbal treatment other than oils. According to the season and weather, you may need to use either hair packs or hair infusions. Create natural hair packs with herbs like amla, hibiscus, fenugreek and shikakai. These herbs cleanse, strengthen and promote hair growth. Also, rinse your hair with cooled herbal infusions like rosemary or nettle tea for added shine and nourishment. PurePrana herbal formula would be a great product I can suggest in this regard.
Choose Ayurveda. Choose Natural.
Hair care is something most people think they know about. However, without a good hair care routine along with good quality hair supplements, proper hair care is not possible. Just like knowing your skin type, knowing your hair type is also important. Ayurvedic approach to hair care provides you holistically healthy hair with some additional benefits. Choose ayurveda to nourish your hair the natural-most way. And when you do that make sure to choose your hair products wisely.
