Ayurveda, often referred to as the Science of Life, offers a holistic approach to overall well-being, including hair health. With its roots dating back thousands of years, Ayurveda provides an abundance of wisdom and remedies that can transform your hair and elevate your self-care routine.
Join us as we delve into the 3 Ayurvedic haircare practices, exploring the power of natural ingredients, unique rituals, and personalized care.
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Know Your Hair Type
Hair type and health are determined by the dominance of one or two of the three vital energies in Ayurveda - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Our bodily activities are regulated by these tri-doshas, and each person is a unique combination of these energies.
Vata Hair Type: If your Prakriti is dominated by Vata, then your hair type will also fall under the Vata category. Maintaining a balanced Vata dosha requires nourishing your hair follicles with the right nutrients. Typically, Vata hair is characterized by its thinness, straightness, and high porosity. However, an imbalance in the Vata dosha can lead to dryness of both your scalp and hair, as well as a significant decrease in sebum production. Ultimately, this imbalance can result in the untimely demise of your hair - manifesting as dry, frizzy strands, split ends, and hair loss.
Pitta Hair Type: If your Prakriti is dominated by Pitta, then you possess a Pitta hair type. The metabolic functioning of your hair, as well as the regulation of pigments and hair proteins, are under the control of Pitta. Typically, a well-maintained Pitta hair type is characterized by medium thickness and a wavy texture. However, when Pitta is imbalanced, various issues such as premature greying, bacterial accumulation leading to clogged follicles, scalp inflammation, redness, and hair loss can arise.
Kapha Hair Type: If your Prakriti is dominated by Kapha, your hair type will be Kapha as well. The energy of Kapha is accountable for both the structure and lubrication of your hair. When Kapha is in a healthy state, your hair will appear thick, shiny, and curly. However, any disruption in the balance of Kapha will cause excessive sebum production on your scalp, resulting in greasy dandruff, an itchy scalp, hair loss, and other related issues.
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Dosha-specific Herbs For Hair Oils/Shampoos
Ensure that your essential hair essentials, such as hair oil and shampoo, incorporate Ayurvedic herbs that effectively regulate your heightened dosha levels. Opting for unsuitable hair commodities could further deteriorate the state of your hair and disrupt the equilibrium of your doshas.
Vata Soothing Herbs: Common Vata pacifying herbs include Palandu (onion), Gunja (Rosepea), Yashtimadhu (Licorice), Devdar (Cedar), Krishna Tila (black sesame), Saireyaka (Barleria Prionitis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), etc.
Pitta Soothing Herbs: Common Pitta pacifying herbs includeYashtimadhu (Licorice), Japa (Hibiscus), Kamala (Nelumbo Nucifera), Nimba (Neem), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Karanja (Pongamia Pinnata), etc.
Kapha Soothing Herbs: Common Kapha soothing herbs include Gunja (Rosepea), Grapeseed, Kushta (Saussurea Costus), Methika (Fenugreek), Karpoora (Camphor), Jyotishmathi (Celastrus paniculatus), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), etc.
Oiling Hair Regularly
Ayurveda states that the scalp consists of several energy-relieving points referred to as 'Marmas'. By applying oil to your scalp and hair, you can effectively eliminate any excessive or aggravating doshas that have accumulated in your head through these marmas, thereby rejuvenating your overall well-being.
Ayurveda hence suggests regularly applying oil to your hair, which can be done 2-3 times per week. Adjust the frequency of oiling based on your specific hair type. Those with the Kapha hair type can oil less frequently, while the Vata hair type requires more oiling compared to Pitta and Kapha.
Pro-Tip: To obtain optimal outcomes, engage in ancestral Ayurvedic rituals that entail applying oil to your hair no less than 20 minutes prior to cleansing. For heightened benefits, gently massage your scalp and hair with tepid oil during the evening, and proceed to cleanse your hair the subsequent day. This serves as an extraordinary remedy that naturally nourishes and nurtures your scalp and hair.
