As featured on: Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/easiest-ayurvedic-hair-care-regime/articleshow/92901358.cms
Ayurveda’s holistic approach to hair care comes in handy.
Kesha, the Sanskrit word for Hair, is a by-product of the Asthi Dhatu, which is the Calcium and Protein aspect of the body. Whenever our body undergoes any external, internal or environmental stressors, it affects our overall functioning, and this causes an imbalance of Tridoshas. Many factors can trigger hair issues such as hair loss, hair breakage or fall, dryness, dullness and greying of the Hair.
Even factors like seasonal changes, overtly spicy, sour, fermented, salty and preservative-laden food may trigger hair fall. Therefore, Ayurveda’s holistic approach to hair care comes in handy to tackle this concern. Shreedha Singh, Co- Founder T.A.C – TheAyurveda Co explains simple Ayurvedic tips to care for your hair.
To achieve healthy Hair, one must focus on-
Healthy Diet
Holistic Lifestyle
Ayurvedic Haircare regime
Kesha Herbs are specialised Ayurvedic herbs that help boost hair growth & healthy scalp and prevent hair fall. Some essential Ayurvedic herbs for Hair are Bhringraj, Shikakai, Sesame, Coconut, Amla & Methi. It is important to ensure incorporation of these herbs in your haircare regime and identify products which contain these.
Shiroabhyangam
Selfcare is an integral part of the Ayurvedic lifestyle, where Shiroabhyangam is a head massage ritual that helps take care of the Hair, relaxes the mind and body and ensures nourishment to the scalp.
Method:
1) Take a Kansa bowl & warm the oil using the double boiler method, which helps activate the herbs and deeper penetration of oil in the Hair follicles.
2) Apply the oil by sectioning your hair and then massage the scalp with kneading finger movements to boost blood circulation and relax the scalp.
3) Leave this oil on for at least 45 mins before Hair wash with a sulphate & paraben-free Shampoo.
Do-it-yourself Hair Mask
For conditioning, thick & healthy hair, indulge yourself in a DIY hair mask from your kitchen. Mix ½ cup of aloe vera gel with 1 tbsp of castor oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave overnight and wash off the following day. You can also use the pulp of fresh hibiscus leaves crushed with methi seeds, apply for 15-20 mins, and wash as usual. For tackling scalp woes like dandruff and seasonal infection, make an infusion with Neem leaves and strain this water. Use this as the last rinse in your hair wash.
To protect the Hair, we must ensure a balance of tridoshas in our body, as any external or internal triggers stimulate hair fall. Here are a few hair care tips mentioned in Ayurvedic texts:
Never wash your hair with hot water; cold or normal temperature water is recommended to ensure the Hair's health and strong roots.
Try to avoid the use of heat appliances for drying or styling the hair. Always best to allow the Hair to dry naturally,
Never comb the hair when wet, as they are at the weakest during this time. Instead, wait until dry and then use a wooden comb to detangle as it reduces the static and distributes the oil secreted equally.
Always oil your Hair before head bath with an Ayurvedic Hair oil.
Keep your scalp clean and healthy by washing your Hair with anti-bacterial herbal infusions.
