Ayurveda for hair is something I haven’t tried for myself yet, but I’ve been reading some and figured I’d compile the information I have so far.
Basically, Ayurveda is not just for hair – it means “the way of life” and is a type of all-encompassing Indian medicinal science. But, some of it can be used for your hair. For example, in the case of hair loss, Ayurvedic practices can be used to diagnose the cause, and then recommend a treatment. This will probably include changing a poor diet or cutting down on stress. But there are some Ayurvedic herbs out there that can help as well. And it’s not just for hair loss, but also for cleansing hair gently, and encouraging curl patterns, among other things. Below I’ll outline a few common ones!
This post is humongous so the herbs and plants are organised alphabetically, followed by a few suggestions for methods of how to mix several of the plants together and use them. Below is an index of their order. Under the index I have also grouped the plants in accordance to their properties, such as “cleansing”, “hair growth/hair fall remedy”, “oily scalp” etc., so you can check out which property you’re most interested in, and then refer to the index to find the specific plants.
Herbs/plants
1. Aloe Vera
2. Amla (Amalaki/Indian Gooseberry)
3. Aromatic Jatamansi (Muskroot/Indian Spikenard)
4. Ashwagandha (Indian Winter Cherry)
5. Baheda/Bahera
6. Bhringraj (The King Of Herbs/Bringraj/Bringaraj/False Daisy)
7. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
8. Cassia Obovata (”Neutral Henna”)
9. Methi (Fenugreek)
10. Neem
11. Ritha (Reetha/Soap Nuts)
12. Shikakai (Fruit for Hair)
Methods
1. Hot Oil Massage
2. Shampoo/Conditioner Paste
0. Sources
Properties:
Cleansing: (1.) Aloe Vera; (2.) Amla; (5.) Baheda; (11.) Ritha; (12.) Shikakai
Conditioner: (1.) Aloe Vera; (2.) Amla; (5.) Baheda; (6.) Bhringraj; (7.) Brahmi; (8.) Cassia Obovata; (11.) Ritha; (12.) Shikakai
Scalp problem relievers: (1.) Aloe Vera; (2.) Amla; (4.) Ashwagandha; (7.) Brahmi; (9.) Methi; (10.) Neem; (11.) Ritha; (12.) Shikakai
Lice: (10.) Neem; (12.) Shikakai
Oily scalp: (2.) Amla; (10.) Neem
Hair growth/hair fall remedy: (1.) Aloe Vera; (2.) Amla; (3.) Aromatic Jatamansi; (4.) Ashwagandha; (5.) Baheda; (6.) Bhringraj; (7.) Brahmi; (9.) Methi; (10.) Neem; (11.) Ritha; (12.) Shikakai
Greying remedy: (1.) Aloe Vera; (2.) Amla; (4.) Ashwagandha; (5.) Baheda; (6.) Bhringraj; (10.) Neem; (12.) Shikakai
Curl enhancer: (2.) Amla
Hair strengthener: (5.) Baheda; (7.) Brahmi; (8.) Cassia Obovata; (Henna – see Lesson 5)
Hair dye: (2.) Amla; (6.) Bhringraj; (8.) Cassia Obovata; (Henna, indigo, and katam - see Lesson 5)
1. Aloe Vera
The gel of the Aloe Vera plant is a humectant nourishes and moisturises your scalp and hair. It helps prevent/remedy hair fall and stimulates hair growth. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, and some minerals, which are antioxidants that combat free radicals. Free radicals are agents that cause aging of hair, such as loss of colour and thinning.
Aloe Vera gel also has enzymes, fatty acids, hormones, and sugars that reduce inflammation in skin and help wound healing. A few anthraquinines (say that fast three times!) have both pain killing (analgesic), antibacterial, and antiviral properties, while a couple of fatty acids are antiseptic and analgesic. One type of sugar has antiallergic properties, and aloe vera also contains salicylic acid, which is a well known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, often used in treatment of acne.
Lignin facilitates penetration of other substances, much like alcohol, but is a good non-drying alternative. Finally, aloe vera contains saponins (“soaps”) at about 3%, which are cleansing and antiseptic.
All in all, applied topically it is cleansing, antibacterial and antiviral, nourishing, protective, pain killing, antiallergic, and increases the benefit of other products/ingredients used at the same time. It’s good for people with various scalp problems – from itchiness and dandruff, to hair fall and greying hair. (Source 1, Aloe Vera Article 1, Aloe Vera Article 2)
Recipes containing aloe vera
Scalp paste:
½ cup Aloe Vera gel (120 ml or 1 dl, 1 tbsp, and 1 tsp)
3 tbsp Coconut Oil
2 tbsp Honey
Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is.
Stroke it onto your scalp and hair, and let it sit for half an hour. This is good for both the skin of your scalp and your hair strands. (Source 1)
Scalp and hair deep treatment:
Add pure aloe vera gel to your scalp, hair, or both, and let sit for 15 minutes or more (even overnight!). You can also mix with castor oil, which has similar properties for hair fall. (Source 3)
2. Amla/Amalaki/Indian Gooseberry
Amla is good to prevent/remedy hair fall, as well as irritated scalps and dandruff. It fights bacteria, inflammations, and microbes, and tighten up pores so that new bacteria and dirt have a harder time getting lodged there and causing new problems. It increases blood flow to the scalp, which stimulates hair growth. It conditions hair, is rich in antioixants that prevent hair fall and greying, and is cleansing and balances oily scalps. It sometimes can have curl enhancing properties, and can also be used to in conjunction with shikakai (no. 12) to dye a light brown colour. However, since there are no bleaching properties in amla, this colour will only show on light hair.
Recipes containing amla
Conditioner and scalp treatment:
5-6 tbsp Amla powder
5-6 tbsp water
Amounts depend on the amount of hair. Mix 50% water and 50% amla together into a smooth mixture. Apply this to both scalp and hair. Let sit for 30 minutes. (Source 1)
Hair dye:
Mix shikakai and amla with water and apply to hair (Source 2)
Hair oil:
There are several ready made amla hair oils sold out there, but you can also make your own by infusing amla powder into your oil of choice. Leave for a week/few weeks, and then strain the mixture to get rid of the powder.
Anti-dandruff:
Combine amla with coconut oil to combat dandruff (Source 3)
Hair rinse:
Add 1 tbsp amla to 1 cup (230 ml: 2dl + 2 tbsp) water. Let it sit overnight, then boil it in the morning. Let is cool, strain, and use it as a hair rinse. (Source 3)
3. Aromatic Jatamansi/Muskroot/Indian Spikenard
Jatamansi boosts hair growth. It can be both applied topically, or taken orally in a capsule.
Recipes containing jatamansi
Hair oil:
5-6 drops Jatamansi essential oil
2-3 tbsp carrier oil of your choice – I would suggest coconut or a light vegetable oil
Mix the oils and massage your scalp with the mixture for 15 minutes. Then apply tp the lengths of your hair as well and let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Ashwagandha/Indian Winter Cherry
Ashwagandha is the top remedy for hair fall in Aryurveda. It controls the cortisol levels in the scalp, a stress hormone that can be the cause of hair loss. It also has antioxidants and stimulates melanin production, which helps hair growth and prevents greying. Aschwgandha is helpful against dandruff and psoriasis. It can be applied topically or taken orally in 6mg capsules daily.
Recipes containing ashwagandha
3 tbsp ashwagandha powder
3 tbsp amla powder
6 tbsp water
Mix ingredients into a smooth mixture. More water can be added to make it less thick. Apply to scalp and hair and let sit for 30 min. (Source 1)
5. Baheda/bahera
Baheda is foremost a hair strengthener, but it also boosts hair growth, prevents greying through antioxidant properties, and cleanses and conditions. (Source 2)
Recipes containing Baheda
Scalp oil:
Massage your scalp with baheda oil (Baheda Article 1)
Scalp curd:
3 tsp baheda powder
1/2 cup curd
Massage into your scalp and let sit for 30 min (Baheda Article 2)
6. Bhringraj/The King Of Herbs/Bringraj/Bringaraj/False Daisy
Bhringraj boosts hair growth by increasing blood circulation in the scalp and remedies hair fall and greying. It is conditioning and may darken light hair. (Source 2)
Recipes containing bhringraj
Hair paste:
A handful bhringraj leaves or 5-6 tbsp bhringraj powder
Water
Optional: amla
Add water to the bhringraj little by little while mixing, until you have a smooth mixture. Apply to scalp and hair and let sit for 20 min. (Source 1)
Hair oil for scalp:
Ready made bhringraj oil is also sold here and there, or you canmake it by adding powdered leaves to an oil and let soak for a few days until the colour changes.
Hair yoghurt:
Mix yoghurt and bhringraj leaves and apply to scalp. (Source 3)
7. Brahmi/Bacopa monnieri
Brahmi is a hair strengthener and boosts hair growth by stimulating the follicles. It reduces dandruff and scalp itchiness. It conditions the hair, makes it thicker, and prevents split ends. (Source 1, Source 2)
Recipes containing brahmi
Hair yoghurt:
2 tbsp brahmi powder
2 tbsp amla powder
2 tbsp ashwagandha powder
½ cup yogurt
Hair rinse:
Boil brahmi and neem leaves for 10 minutes. Let it sit overnight, strain and use as a rinse the next morning. (Source 1)
Hair rinse 2:
Boil water. Mix brahmi, neem, ashwagandha and bhringraj powder into the water and leave overnight with a lid on. Strain and use as a hair rinse. (Source 3)
Hair paste:
Mix brahmi, amla, and bhringraj with warm water, into a smooth paste. Let sit for an hour before applying to hair. Wait until it dries, then wash. (Source 3)
8. Cassia Obovata/”Neutral henna”
This one got a little action before in Lesson 5. Unlike henna, which is pimarily a colourant and secondly a conditioner, Cassia's colour doesn't last long and can be used multiple times for conditioning. So, here Cassia is again. Cassia is most often used mixed with henna, indigo, and katam (see Lesson 5) to dilute the hair dye. It has a bright yellow colour and can leave light hair with a yellow tinge. This washes out in a month or so. It conditions hair, makes it stronger, thicker, and shinier.
Recipes containing cassia
Hair dye:
Cassia with henna – see
Deep conditioner:
Mix with amla, and chamomile tea into a smooth paste to add a warm tinge to light hair (Source 2)
Methi can be used to boost hair growth, remedy hair fall, dandruff, and itchiness. (Source 1, Source 2)
Recipes containing methi
Scalp paste
2 tbsp methi
3 tbsp water
Fry the methi in a pan and grind into a powder.
Mix the powder and water into a smooth paste and apply to your scalp. Let sit for 20 minutes. (Source 1)
10. Neem
Neem improved blood circulation in the scalp and boosts hair growth. It is helpful against greying, and is also a good remedy for dandruff, lice (!), eczema, psosiasis, and an oily scalp. (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3)
Recipes containing neem
Hair rinse:
A handful of neem leaves
2 cups water
Boil the leaves in the water for 15 minutes, let is cool, then strain the mixture.Boil the neem leaves in water for 15 minutes and then set it aside to cool, then rinse your hair in it. (Source 1, Source 3)
Hair paste:
Mix neem powder with enough water to make a smooth paste. Apply to scalp and hair and let sit for 30 min. (Source 1, Source 3)
Hair oil:
11. Ritha/Reetha/Soap Nuts
Ritha has historically been used as a type of shampoo and conditioner. It is antibacterial and regular use boosts hair growth, texture, and volume. It’s very mild and won’t strip the natural oils from your hair, which may or may not be the look you’re going for. (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3)
Recipes containing ritha
Cleanser:
A handful of soap nuts
water
Soak the soap nuts overnight in warm water. Boil the soap nuts and water for 15 minutes, let it cool, and strain the mixture. Wet your hair and pour half of the liquid over your hair. Massage thoroughly and rinse. Pour the other half of the liquid, massage, and rinse. The second time, the liquid will lather slightly. (Source 1, Source 3)
Moisturising cleanser:
Soak nuts, amla, and shikakai overnight, boil, and strain. Pour over your head and massage twice. (Source 3)
Hair mask:
12. Shikakai/Fruit for Hair
Shikakai lathers with water and can be used as a shampoo. It has antioxidants and is antibacterial, so it prevents greying, hair fall, and scalp problems such as dandruff and itchiness, and even lice. It’s doesn’t clear all natural oils from the hair so it also acts as a conditioner and gives volume. It may darken light hair. (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3)
Recipes with shikakai
Cleanser:
6 tbsp shikakai powder
2 cups water.
Mix the ingredients and pour half over your head. Massage thoroughly. Repeat with the second half. (Source 1)
Hair pack:
Lice remedy:
Method 1. Hot Oil Massage
A great way to treat your hair is a hot oil massage. Choose your ingredients of choice, either from the ones mentioned here or other herbs you take an interest in. Under a few sections here are recipes for how to make an oil by infusing a herb – check the section for neem, for example (number 10). You don’t have to choose just one herb, you can infuse as many as you want in your carrier oil.
A hot oil massage using either coconut, maha bhringraj, amla, arnica, sesame seed, almond or Brahmi oil helps improve circulation, rejuvenates your hair follicles, which leads to better blood circulation to the roots. You can expect increased volume and length within a span of 6 months.
When your herbal oil is all infused, strained, and ready for use, to do a hot oil massage you heat your herbal oil until it is slightly warm. No more than a few seconds in the microwave, or give the container a hot water bath. Then you massage your scalp with your oil thoroughly – 15 minutes or so. Then you apply the oil to your entire hair and tuck it into a shower cap. The heat from your body will be contained in the shower cap, and will help the oil to penetrate the hair shaft. Leave it as long as you like, but 30 minutes is a good tip. (Source 1)
Method 2. Mixing your herbal powders with floral waters to make shampoo paste
Generally, the cleansing powders are either boiled and strained, and then poured over the head, or mixed into a paste-consistency and applied to the scalp. Either way requires water. A fun tip I picked up online was to mix your cleansing powders with floral water for added fragrance and benefit from the essential oils. I’ve written a little bit about rose water and orange blossom water already, so check that post out if you’re interested.
You can also mix with various teas, such as chamomile tea for blondes, or perhaps peppermint tea for people with scalp problems. (Source 2)
Sources:
Source 1:
Source 2:
Source 3:
Additional sources:
- Aloe Vera:
Article 1:
Article 2:
- Baheda:
Article 1:
Article 2:
