Beautiful, thick and healthy hair – I think this is every woman’s dream, right? And it’s no wonder how much time we spend to make that dream come true. Women from India accomplished that goal – thick, strong long hair that is often tied into thick braids and adorned with jewelry. Hair used by the most famous hairdressers in the world for their client’s extensions. But what’s their secret? Is it really just genetics?
The answer lies in Ayurveda and beauty rituals. According to Ayurveda, hair is an indicator of overall health and any problems with it are indicators of imbalance in the body. It is not enough to nourish your hair “externally”, but you also need to maintain a balanced diet, rich in fresh vegetables, fruits and spices like turmeric, black pepper.
First, it is important to determine what your dominant dosha is according to Ayurveda. For example, if your hair is very thin and prone to split ends, you belong to the VATA type, if you’ve come early to the graying game and prone to dandruff, you are a PITTA type, oily hair is a KAPHA type.
Oil Hair And Scalp Massage
Oil hair and scalp massage is the most important ritual in Ayurvedic hair care. It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area, boosts hair growth, prevents dandruff and improves the texture of your hair making it soft and shiny. A warm oil massage is more effective than a cold oil massage, so pour some oil into a bowl and warm it up a bit. The oil should be warm, but comfortable to the touch. Massage it into the scalp, spreading evenly through hair strands. Leave the oil on for at least 30-60 minutes.
For VATA type, sesame oil is ideal,for PITTA coconut oil and for KAPHA type olive oil.
Apply once or twice a week, you will see the effect after 3-4 procedures.
Ayurveda Hair Care Plants
BHRINGRAJ
Bhringraj is in the sunflower family and grows best in moist places such as India and Thailand. The herb has a long reputation as a hair tonic – it prevents hair fall, premature greying, stimulates hair growth, prevents baldness and premature greying. Bhringraj is rich in proteins, and contains vitamin E, vitamin D, Iron, magnesium, polypeptides.
- Soul Tree Nourishing Hair Oil
I have already wrote about Soul Tree products, but this time I have tried their hair care line. First product that I have tried is Nourishing Hair Oil. The product has a great blend of aryuvedic ingredients – 7 oils and 8 herbs, which are suppose to promote hair growth, prevent premature greying, reduce hair fall etc.
I was really suprissed with this oil! It is not too oily like coconut and not too thick like castor oil. It smells fruity and rich, not too overpowering. This oil is best to apply before washing your hair. All you need to do is gently massage it into your hair and scalp and leave it for at least 30 minutes. And then rinse hair with mild shampoos and luke warm water. I have thick hair that constantly gets tangled and after using this oil I really see the improvement. It did make my hair feel nourished, smooth and it reduced my frizz and made my hair manageable.
AMLA
Amla is a small leafy tree that grows throughout India and bears an edible fruit which looks like gooseberry. This plant has been used in India for millennia and is also called “the elixir for longevity”. Amla strengthens the immune system, protects and strengthens the heart and blood vessels, is a natural antioxidant, contains up to 20 times more vitamin C than citrus fruits, rejuvenates the body and is excellent in hair care.
Namely, apart from preventing greying of hair, Amla also strengthens the hair follicle, regenerates and intensively hydrates the damaged hair and prevents the loss of protein from the hair.
On the website TVORNICA ZDRAVE HRANE I have found a great recipe for amle hair mask. All you need is 100g of amla powder and 300ml hot water. Mix it up and let it set for 15 minutes. Apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it for at least 30 minutes and then rinse with mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
SHIKAKAI
Made from shikakai fruit, shikakai powder has been used in India for centuries as hair wash & hair conditioner. It is rich in vitamins C, A, D, E and K which have a strong antioxidant effect on the scalp, and due to its low pH (4.5-5.0) it allows normal scalp function and does not remove the protective layer from the hair.
Shikakai prevents hair loss, contributes to firmness and elasticity of hair, protects the scalp and skin from fungal infections, delays the appearance of gray hairs, prevents and eliminates dandruff.
SHIKAKAI SHAMPOO RECIPE
Mix the water with 20g of powder until it forms runny mixture. Let itstand for 30 minutes. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp. Rinse it withwater.
I already used Shikakai powder for washing my hair and although the results were really great, applying it to my hair was a slow and messy process. The mixture should be made 30 minutes before washing the hair, because it has to sit for ingredients to achieve effectivness, and it is also quite watery, which makes it harder to apply to the hair.
- Soul Tree Triphala Hair Restoration Shampoo and Hibiscus Hair Conditioner
I always strive to use natural products that are free from harmful ingredients and that have not been tested on animals. Shampoos and conditioners free of silicone, parabens and artificial fragrances. I’ve tried a lot, women are always on the lookout for something new, aren’t we? Haha. This time I had the opportunity to try Ayurveda Soul Tree Triphala Hair Restoration Shampoo and Hibiscus Hair Conditioner. Both products contain SHIKAKAI powder and many other nutrients.
My hair type is oily scalp and dry ends, so I am always on the lookout for shampoos that will nourish my hair while not drying and irritating my scalp. And this one makes my hair soft and little bouncy! The consistency of the shampoo is slightly thick and it cleanses without lathering too much because of the absense of sulpahtes. It smellls fresh and herbal and it’s free from parabens, silicones and sulphates. Best of all, the frizz in my hair reduced in the first wash already! I think this shampoo is a pefect choice if you wash your hair daily.
The conditioner is prepared with hibiscus, extra virgin coconut oil and organic Shikakai. It comes in 100ml tube. This conditioner really is a cherry on top as it makes my hair really soft and silky. It’s very moisturizing and not too oily.
I recommend you to watch super interesting documentary Hair India. It’s about a journey of a young Indian woman’s hair, donated to the Temple to be then converted into exquisite hair extensions in Italy.
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Pratite nas:
Lora
March 6, 2020Great post and photo. 🙂
Tia Teilli
April 25, 2020Thank you Lora