Hair care according to Ayurveda begins with oiling the hair. Considering that our hair is not strong enough, has dry ends, and the scalp is sensitive, we also started this Ayurvedic ritual. We concluded that our hair additional care is missing. We admit, we really love this ritual!
This practice has been used in India for centuries and is recommended in Ayurvedic medicine. The secret to healthy, shiny hair starts with deep conditioning with hair oil. Oil hair care has now spread beyond Ayurvedic practices all over the world and is used by many to maintain the health and vibrancy of their hair. And even for reduction of hair loss.
You could say that hair oils have become a trend, just like turmeric, which the Western world once didn't even know existed. Hair oils have become the superfood or hair elixir of the East. The more Ayurvedic the oil, the better.
What is Ayurvedic hair oil and what are its benefits?
According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas (life-giving energies) that flow through all people – Vata, Pitta i Kapha. An excess of any of them throws the functioning of the whole body out of balance, but their consequences can be seen especially in the way in which affect our hair.
According to Ayurveda, the scalp consists of several points that release energy called marme. Lubricating the hair with oil, therefore, it is considered a tool for rejuvenation. Scalp lubrication it helps to draw out all the excess doshas that accumulate in the head, the seat of all decisions, thinking and stress – which restores the balance. When the balance is restored, the negative effects of excessive dosha that we all experience, such as premature graying, hair loss, coarse hair and dandruff are automatically resolved.
Ayurvedic oils they are made from natural ingredients, such as herbs, leaves, flowers and spices to combat common hair problems like premature graying, dandruff, thin and weak hair, hair loss, split ends and hair breakage, lack of hydration and the overall condition of your hair. This approach originates from the system of ancient Indian medicine which focuses on a holistic approach to health management. Ayurvedic oils are a natural therapy for the scalp and hair.
In addition to rejuvenation, hair oiling according to Ayurveda it also has the additional benefits of strengthening hair roots and hair care, stimulating new hair growth, softening and conditioning hair, protecting hair from the strong influence of the sun and increasing circulation in the head and neck area.
Some of the herbs found in Ayurvedic hair oils:
- Coconut oil
- Fenugreek seeds
- Hibiscus flowers
- Amla fruit
- Neem leaves
- Marshmallow root
- Bhringraj
How to use hair oil and how often?
Massage has always been an integral part of the Ayurvedic hair oiling ritual. It helps the oils to they penetrate the skin and reach deep into the dermis to nourish the hair from the roots. If the scalp is dry and lacks nutrients, hair growth will be slow and the hair will be weak. Therefore, hair health begins with scalp health.
For scalp massage you can use your fingers, a comb or a Gua Sha tool for massaging the scalp as part of a hair care ritual. The massage disturbs the lower level of the skin to increase blood flow and stimulate the follicles by activating the tiny muscles that contract and thus cause the hair to grow. This contraction causes the sebaceous glands to secrete the oil and sebum needed to nourish the hair roots, helping it grow more, healthier and thicker.
Hair oil is used before washing hair. You can leave it on for 20 minutes or longer and leave it on for best results over night.
- Start by massaging your scalp by applying oil to your scalp and massaging with your fingertips in a circular motion.
- Apply the rest of the oil on your palms to the length of your hair.
- Wrap your hair with a towel, or tie it, and leave it overnight.
- Wash your hair with shampoo the next day. Apply conditioner after shampooing.
Ayurveda suggests oiling the hair once a week, and thus washing your hair once a week. In case your hair is extremely dry or has a lot of dandruff, you can use hair oil two or three times a week, but no more.
What a Certified Hair and Scalp Expert Says About Hair Oils
Oils play an important role in protecting hair from regular shooting. Regular hair lubrication reduces follicle damage and hair drying. Oils protect follicles from surfactants by filling the gap between cuticle cells.
Dr. Khushboo Garodia, Certified Hair and Scalp Specialist, believes that the oil helps in the health of the scalp. By gently massaging the scalp, it helps with exfoliation, which sometimes helps reduce hair loss. He explains that oils contain fatty acids that help replace lipids in the hair. They are lost due to chemical treatments, styling or even pollution. He states that lipids play a very important role in keeping hair looking healthy. They help to maintain the shine of the hair. According to Garodia, oil helps in strengthening the hair shaft, especially in the case of curly and dry hair. It is most useful when the oil is left in the hair overnight.
Which hair oil should you use?
Hair oils differ in ingredients and vitamins. The needs of your hair determine which oil you should use. The first step in choosing a hair oil is to understand what kind of hair you have, according to your Ayurvedic constitution. Avoid hair oils that contain silicone.
First of all, if you use the oil on the scalp, try the oil on a small part of the scalp in case of allergies.
Oils that your hair needs can be:
- Coconut
- Sesame
- Almond
- Neem
- Argan
- Moringa
- Bhringraj
- Amla
We have already mentioned the use of oils according to the doshas. The doshas are vata (wind), pitta (fire) and kapha (water and earth).
Vata dominant hair - it's hair thin, curly and dry, prone to cracking peaks. If your hair is dominated by Vata, almond or sesame oil it can be very nourishing for the hair and helps to reduce the stiffness of the scalp.
Pitta dominant hair – a mixture oily and dry hair, hair loss tendency to sit down too early. If your Pitta is dominant, coconut oil is an ideal choice due to its pitta-soothing properties; Argan oil is a close substitute.
Kapha dominant hair – fat, thick, long and curly hair. If you are Kapha dominant, it is best to choose sesame or olive oil. Ako se borite protiv dandruff, two-week oil and wash treatment with neem oil it can work wonders.
For best results it is important to remember that Ayurveda is a holistic way of life. This means regular oiling of the hair, combined with herbs such as amalaki and bhringraj.
Which Ayurvedic herbs to choose for a specific hair or scalp problem?
Tulsi is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, and helps hair by stimulating blood circulation in order to encourage himself hair growth.
Bhringaraj is known in Ayurveda as the king of hair. Bhringaraj is believed to prolong the length of the anagen phase – giving our hair a chance to grow faster, making it stronger and preventing hair loss.
Amla has a high concentration of vitamin E, known for supports healthy circulation and improves cell regeneration to support scalp health. Research has shown that topical application of Amla oil increases hair growth. Amla kosi gives strength, shine and smoothness.
Neem is full of antioxidants and vitamins, research has shown that anti-inflammatory Neem conditions the scalp to reduce dandruff. When massaged into the scalp, Neem nourishes the follicles at the root for healthy hair.
Rosemary stimulates blood circulation in the scalp in order to stimulated hair growth and reduced hair loss. It is also used to prevent premature graying and dandruff.
Rose is intensive hydration with restorative care. It nourishes the hair and repairs it structural damage.
Triphala is an Ayurvedic successful trio, consisting of the fruits Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki. It is rich in antioxidants and is considered rejuvenator.
Moringa supplies the hair and scalp with vitamins and minerals and stimulates hair growth.
Brahmi is full of flavonoids and is therefore popular herb in Ayurveda. Plant nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair.
Fenugreek (Methi or fenugreek) soothes the scalp and reduces inflammation, prevents sitting and strengthens the hair.
Hibiscus stimulates new hair growth, strengthens hair and prevents breakage and restores elasticity hair.
Our experiences
To strengthen the hair, we chose Amla hair oil. Amla makes our hair stronger and nourished and soft. An excellent selection of combination of methika, bhringraj and coconut herbs in hair oil that makes our hair silky, soft and shiny. Deeply nourishes and stimulates hair growth. During the summer we have a problem with a sensitive itchy scalp and our salvation is neem oil which we apply only on the scalp. While on the rest of the hair we apply Soul Tree hair oil containing methika, bhringraj and coconut. If necessary, after washing your hair, apply Soul Tree oil or coconut oil to your dry ends.
Sources:
www.seniority.in/blog/hair-oiling-know-which-oil-is-best-for-hair-and-benefits-of-oiling-hair/
www.healthline.com/health/hair-oiling-benefits-oil-and-how-to#benefits
theswaddle.com/hair-oil-ayurveda-benefits/
www.earthtoyou.co/blog/2021/2/11/the-secret-science-to-healthy-hair-growth-ayurvedic-hair-oiling
www.forestessentialsindia.com/blog/five-hair-growth-oil-by-ayurveda.html
wholeelise.com/blog/ayurvedic-hair-oil/
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