According to Ayurveda, the hair is a byproduct of the bone tissue, as are the nails and teeth, making all these tissues intimately connected. The hair is also linked to the nervous system and the gut, so if the health of any of these tissues deteriorates, the hair is likely to be affected.
Health of hair reflects your constitution—your unique ratio of vata, pitta, and kapha. And because we each have all three doshas in our constitutions, it is common for our hair to express a combination of different doshic characteristics. In other words, it is rare to find someone with exclusively vata-type hair, pitta-type hair, or kapha-type hair. You will rather find at least two doshas in your hair, and possibly all three.
- Healthy Vata-Type Hairis relatively thin, but often a bit coarse, dry, curly, slightly straight or a combination, grows quickly, and can be a bit tangled—potentially making it more challenging to style.
- Healthy Pitta-Type Hairis straight, soft, silky and of moderate thickness, but very fine.
- Healthy Kapha-Type Hairis typically wavy, lustrous, full, strong, coarse, and thick.
- the Ayurvedic approach is not about trying to alter the fundamentals of your hair, but rather keeping them healthy and balanced. While most of us stand to benefit from Ayurveda’s rich hair care traditions, we must also learn to celebrate our unique natural beauty along the way.
Few common reasons for hair loss to consider
- Chronic health problems like anemia, thyroid, Hormonal imbalance, low bone density, menopause.
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
- Medications, such as blood thinners, high doses of vitamin A, and steroids that some men take to help build muscle, called anabolic steroids
- Scalp infections, dandruff
- Improper diet & lifestyle, like very spicy, oily readymade meal, hot water hair bath, using high in chemical hair products like shampoo, hair dye etc
- Stress, Anxiety, anger
Ayurvedic herbs have been used for centuries to promote hair health and treat various hair-related issues. These natural remedies are known to be effective in preventing hair fall, promoting hair growth, and improving the overall health and appearance of your hair.
One of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs for hair health is amla or Indian gooseberry. This powerful herb is rich in vitamin C, which helps to strengthen hair follicles and prevent breakage. Amla also contains antioxidants, which protect hair from damage caused by free radicals. Regular use of amla can improve the thickness and texture of your hair, leaving it looking healthy and shiny.
Another Ayurvedic herb that is known for its hair benefits is Bhringraj. This herb has been used for centuries to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Bhringraj contains compounds that improve blood circulation to the scalp, which stimulates hair growth. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce scalp irritation and dandruff.
Shikakai is another Ayurvedic herb that is commonly used for hair health. This herb contains saponins, which act as a natural cleanser for hair. Shikakai is a gentle alternative to traditional shampoos, which can strip hair of its natural oils. Regular use of shikakai can improve the strength and thickness of hair and leave it feeling soft and silky.
Other Ayurvedic herbs that are beneficial for hair health include henna, neem, and brahmi. Henna is a natural dye that can be used to colour hair without damaging it. Neem is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help to prevent scalp infections. Brahmi is a herb that has been used to improve memory and concentration, but it also has benefits for hair health. Brahmi can improve the thickness and texture of hair and prevent split ends.
Aloe vera is cooling and soothing plant also contains vitamin A, C, and E. which contributes to promote healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Also contains Vitamin B12 and folic acid which helps to reducing hair fall. Aloe vera gel can be applied to hair scalp directly before washing hair.
In conclusion, Ayurvedic herbs are a natural and effective way to promote hair health. Incorporating these herbs into your hair care routine can improve the strength, thickness, and texture of your hair, and prevent hair fall and breakage.