For the past two years, I have been including ayurvedic herbs in my hair regimen and have seen changes in my hair growth and I would like to share this with you. Ayurvedic herbs have been used in hair care in India for many years and has been gaining popularity among the natural hair community recently.
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
But what does Ayurveda mean?
Ayurveda is defined as “the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.” It emphasizes on a connection between the mind, body and spirit. In Ayurveda, there are three hair types based on the Dosha theory (Vata – Pitta -Kapha) and an imbalance in these Dosha affects the health of our hair.
Vata imbalance occurs when your hair is overly dry.
Pitta imbalance occurs when you have a lot of scalp issues, graying and thinning hair.
Kapha imbalance occurs when you are dealing with excessive oily hair and dandruff.
Based on these Dosha, you will be able to assess what foods to eat and avoid, products to use in your hair and avoid, and how to build your hair care routine.
You may already be familiar with some of these ayurvedic herbs like:
Amla also known as Indian gooseberry is medicinal plant loaded with vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin B, phosphorous, carotene, protein and fiber. It prevents hair loss and delays premature greying. You can also find it under the name Amalaki.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic (help adapt to stress) herb in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,500 years. It provides both power and energy and is therefore called “India’s Ginseng”. Are you experience thinning hair or a receding hairline? Applying Ashwagandha paste on your hair will help.
Aritha/Reetha or soapnuts is a natural cleansing agent and skin toner used in skin and haircare. It is hypoallergenic and a regular use of Reetha will leave you with long shiny hair along with an even-toned skin. When mixed with water, Reetha has a foamy consistency like that of a soap.
Brahmi Bacopa monieri is an ayurvedic herb believed to sharpen minds, improve memory and fight stress. It repairs, mends and prevent split ends, strengthens hair to reduce fallout and work as a natural conditioner to revitalize hair. Brahmi powder can be difficult to completely wash out of your hair, which can be annoying. In this case, you may want to avoid using it.
Bhringraj also known as False Daisy is known for promoting hair regrowth, strengthening the hair follicles. A homemade shampoo with amla, reetha, bhringraj powder is a good cleanser as a replacement for store-bought shampoo.
Cassia Obovata also called “neutral henna” is a plant that strengthens the hair shaft, improves overall health of your hair and adds shine. Want to define your natural curls? a cassia gloss can help you achieve the desired results. Read more here
Curry leaves contain Beta-carotene, vitamin B6 and proteins that stop hair thinning, prevent graying hair and are very potent for stimulating hair growth.
Fenugreek is rich in protein and iron which are essential for hair growth. Fenugreek or methi seeds are used as a home remedy for dandruff, thinning hair, dry and itchy scalp. If you want to see hair growth and prevent or treat hair loss, fenugreek is the deal! For those who have thin hair, fenugreek can be your solution because it thickens the hair and gives it volume.
Fenugreek spritz for natural hair
Fenugreek spritz is a great moisturizer . Soak the seeds in water overnight and transfer the water in a spray bottle to moisturize your hair and follow it up with your cream or butter.
Ginseng also known as “the root of life” is a Chinese plant root which is a powerful energy stimulant and is also used as an herbal tea. It prevents hair loss, stops dandruff and nourishes the hair.
Henna is a plant used in medicine to treat skin and hair conditions. It is a good natural replacement for store bought dyes that contain harmful chemicals that can dry your hair and leave it lifeless. Some people are sensitive to henna and it is always advised to conduct a patch test on the skin before using it.
Hibiscus flower or Hibiscus Sabdariffa is commonly found in Asia, some parts of Africa and in Latin America. The flowers come in various colors but the most used in skin and haircare is the red one. Hibiscus contains calcium, riboflavin, vitamin C and some amounts of beta-carotene and contributes to thicker hair, provides moisture and growth. The flowers are dried (dried red hibiscus flowers) and is used to prepare teas and beverages. The dried flowers are also available in powder form. Hibiscus has additional properties that cover up grey hair or give red hair tone to dark hair.
Neem is an incredible tree that has medicinal value. Each part of the tree (leaf, bark, fruits, seeds, twig and oil) has medicinal properties. Neem powder can be mixed with oil to form a paste that is applied to the hair as a mask to combat dandruff, improve the health of your scalp.
Rhassoul Clay or Ghassoul clay is a brown clay found in the Moroccan Atlas mountains and is used as a cleansing cream for hair to remove impurities from the scalp as well as excess oil and as a purifying clay mask for the face and the body. It softens the skin, reduces sebum, regenerates the skin by eliminating dead cells and balances it by tightening its pores. A rhassoul clay mask will define your curls and leave them soft and feeling moisturized.
Shikakai is an ayurvedic plant used in traditional medicine in India and Far East Asia. It has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. The powder is used as a traditional shampoo that is mild, having a naturally low pH, and doesn’t strip hair of natural oils. An infusion of the leaves has been used in anti-dandruff preparations. While this traditional shampoo does not produce the normal amount of lather that a sulfate-containing shampoo would, it is considered a good cleanser. A combination of reetha, shikakai and amla is a good replacement for your shampoo especially if you suffer from dry scalp.
Tulsi or holy basil is a culinary herb predominantly used in Southeast Asian cuisines and has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties and combat ailments such as heart diseases, diabetes, among others. It prevents hair loss, premature graying of hair, treat dandruff strengthen the hair follicles.
Many of our hair and scalp issues are linked to some deficiencies in the body or to medical conditions creating an imbalance which in turn affect the health of our skin and hair. If you are experiencing thinning hair, hair loss due to medical conditions, hormonal imbalance, stress, it is time to turn to ayurvedic treatments. Want to know more about Ayurvedic herbs? Click on the video below to know more about the best ayurvedic herbs for hair growth.
How can Ayurveda be incorporated in the hair regimen
Ayurvedic herbs can be used as cleansing shampoo, tea rinses, hair masks, deep conditioners, hair spritz, herb infused oils and herbal hair butters.
If you are a DIY addict like me, ready to grab those kitchen tools to mix your own concoction, then click on the links below to purchase your Ayurvedic herbs.
You can purchase ayurvedic products in your local health stores, in Indian shops near you.
Amla; Ashwagandha ; Aritha/Reetha or soapnuts ;Fenugreek; Henna; Hibiscus flower; Rhassoul Clay; Tulsi
Ayurvedic hair care brands
Wondering how to find time to create your own homemade ayurvedic remedies? You don’t have to!
There are hair care brands that use Ayurvedic ingredients but unfortunately most of them are US-based and do not ship internationally. Don’t worry! there are still some hair care brands that cater to an international market. Below is a list of businesses that sell hair and skin products with ayurvedic ingredients and offer international delivery.
It is an online marketplace for buying and selling homemade skin and hair care products. It also offers products in various areas.
This brand sells Ayurvedic herbs for the hair and skin. They promote the use of henna for a healthy hair growth
For those who are ready to splurge a little bit on hair products, I recommend the following brands.
A clean, plant based hair care line, inspired by African, Mediterranean and Ayurvedic hair care traditions.
This brand sells body and hair products made with a unique blend of organic, plant-based, herbal, and African botanical ingredients.
Kriya (Cree-Yah) Botanicals is a botanically based organic and natural hair and spa care product line. Their products are botanically based containing organic and natural herbs, flowers, roots and barks that provide nutrients to the hair and scalp promoting hydration, moisture and healthy hair growth.
This UK-based hair care company manufactures high quality products for kinky, curly and multi-textured hair with organic and Ayurvedic ingredients.
Want to know more
If you are interested in knowing more about Ayurveda and how to use to grow your natural hair, you can purchase this AYURVEDIC EBOOK from GoodEnergy
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. I strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before using any ayurvedic herb to treat any ailment or medical condition.
Have you tried any ayurvedic herbs in your natural hair care? Please share your experience with us in the comments box below.