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Nourish Your Hair, Nourish Your Soul: A Holistic Guide to Hair Care from Within


Understanding the Ayurvedic Approach to Hair Care


Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, views hair as an extension of the body, reflecting overall health and vitality. This holistic approach emphasizes on balance, nourishment, and natural remedies for achieving healthy locks, but also on the “whatever goes inside our mouth”. In Ayurveda, the human body is composed of seven fundamental tissues called dhatus. These dhatus are sequentially transformed from one to another, culminating in the formation of malas or waste products. Hair is intricately connected to this process. Therefore, hair is a byproduct of a healthy and nourished tissue. There is no healthy hair without a well managed metabolism. Ayurvedic beauty is beauty from within.



The Doshas and Your Hair


Ayurveda categorizes individuals into three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—based on their unique constitution. Each dosha has a distinct impact on hair health:

  • Vata: Dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

  • Pitta: Fine, thin, and prone to premature greying.

  • Kapha: Thick, oily, and prone to dandruff.

By understanding your dominant dosha, you can tailor your hair care routine for optimal results. You can find out who exactly you are in terms of physiology and mental behaviour by accessing this simple Dosha Quiz that i made in a quick & easy manner.


The Power of Nutrition


Once you know who you are and how you behave, it’s easier to identify and cover your needs in terms of nourishment for the body and soul.

A balanced diet is essential for a healthy hair but keep an eye also on proper elimination. A predisposition to diarrhea, constipation, IBS, gynecological issues, inflammatory disease will most probably be linked to a lower hair quality also. Of course there's no one-size-fits-all diet for optimal hair health. While various diets claim universal benefits, scientific research highlights specific nutrients crucial for hair growth and strength. Incorporating foods rich in biotin, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (like evening-primrose oil) can contribute to healthier hair. You can start by incorporating these hair-friendly foods into your meals:


  • Proteins: Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, fish, eggs

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseeds or flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts and walnut oil, this is another fantastic option.

  • Vitamins and minerals: Spinach, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

  • Horsetail: I’ve been experiencing with this botanical a lot in the last few years. In the form of tincture, tea, powdered form in capsules or shakes. I even applied it directly on my scalp, besides the oral intake, in the form of oil. It is indeed a powerhouse rich in silica and antioxidants. Horsetail has been traditionally used to fortify hair health. It strengthens hair follicles, reduces breakage, and boosts shine, being a natural remedy for thicker, healthier hair and an amazing collagen booster, having a positive impact on the entire bone tissue as well.

  • Shark Cartilage: A Foundation for Hair Health. Shark cartilage, plays a pivotal role in hair health. Its composition supports the skeletal system, which directly influences hair and nails growth and strength. By nourishing the body's structural framework, shark cartilage contributes to the overall vitality of hair follicles. This is a wonderful and natural calcium source to have in your daily regimen.


Avoid or, at least, lower the use of excessive processed foods, sugary drinks, and caffeine, as they can contribute to hair problems due to increase of Vata Dosha and overall dryness in the body, accelerating the ageing process in the end.


The Magic of Ayurvedic Oils


Oiling your scalp is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic hair care. There is an entire treatment or practice that is called ShiroAbhyanga and implies applying different medicated oils over your scalp and massaging it for a certain period of time (20-30 mins) with specific strokes. These different oils serve to specific doshas:

Warm the oil slightly before applying it to your scalp and hair(it helps with better absorption). Gently massage for a few minutes to stimulate blood circulation. Leave it on for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum benefits. Rinse as usual in the morning.


Essential Oils


Essential oils are one of my secret weapons for wellness. A few drops can transform your day, from calming anxiety to boosting energy. They're easy to incorporate into your routine - a drop in your diffuser, a few drops in your bath, or diluted for topical use. It's amazing how these tiny bottles pack such a powerful punch!

If you are a fan of essential oils , as I am, a have prepared a bucket of hair essentials, that you can turn very easily into a very powerful hair oil mask to apply on your wash day, at least 30 mins before. You can access it here.



a photo about a woman’s hair and different botanical elements for a healthy regimen


Benefits of Shiro Abhyanga


  • Stress relief and relaxation:  Calms the mind and body. 

  • Improved sleep: Promotes restful sleep.  

  • Scalp health: Nourishes the scalp, reduces dandruff.  

  • Hair growth: Stimulates hair follicles, reduces hair fall. 

  • Headache relief: Alleviates tension and migraines.  

  • Enhanced focus: Improves concentration and mental clarity.  

  • Deeper relaxation: Connects you with your inner self.

 

Ayurvedic Shampoos and Masks


Opt for natural, sulfate-free shampoos enriched with Ayurvedic herbs like Amla, Bhringraj, and Shikakai. This one is a very good example. However, the market is full of wonderful options. These ingredients deliver more than promised. They nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and promote hair growth. They are medicine coming from the Earth.

A natural and botanical cosmetic regimen offers a holistic approach to haircare, addressing scalp concerns from within. Unlike synthetic products that laden with harsh chemicals, plant-based formulations work in harmony with the skin's natural processes. Rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, these botanical wonders soothe inflammation, hydrate deeply, and restore the hair’s natural balance. By nurturing the hair and scalp with nature's purest ingredients, individuals can experience a significant reduction in allergic reactions, sensitivities, and overall discomfort, paving the way for a clear, radiant, and healthy complexion. (OJAS)

You can create your own hair masks using ingredients like oils, honey, and Ayurvedic herbs. There are tons of DIY content out there, I’ll also post a few down bellow, just to give you a hint of how easy, fun and much cheaper it can be.



Summary - Creating a Daily Hair Care Ritual


Consistency is key to achieving long-lasting results. Incorporate these steps into your daily routine, if you want to get the best out of your hair:

  • Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp and hair without stripping away natural oils.

  • Regular Oiling: Massage your scalp with warm oil at least once a week ( appropriate to your Dosha, first find it out here ).

  • Balanced Diet: Prioritize nutrient-rich foods to nourish your hair from within.

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.

  • Hack the system out with powerhouse supplements like Horsetail, Neem (antibacterial, antifungal, treats dandruff, promotes hair growth), Hibiscus (stimulates hair follicles, adds shine, and promotes growth), Triphala (ayurvedic classical blend), Nettle, Rosemary, Gotu Kola, Lavender, Sage, etc

  • Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce hair-related stress.


By following these Ayurvedic principles and customizing your hair care routine to your unique needs, you can achieve better results for your hair. However, consistency is key. While these herbs offer remarkable benefits, a holistic approach encompassing diet, exercise, and stress management is essential for optimal hair health. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance and to address specific hair concerns.

Do you have a personalised hair care routine? You can answer in the comments section down below and share this post with whoever you think needs a hint.

Thank you.


I wish you well.




links to assist you in these procedures:



Amazon Goodies


Down below I curated a small list of Amazon must-haves and favorites for natural and holistic hair care. Indulge as you wish and do not forget to share back your results. Your feedback keeps me going :)

https://amzn.to/3WwOaj5 (wonderful supplement with horsetail and biotin for hair and nails)


https://amzn.to/3WQDe1e ( powerhouse mix of herbs for hair health and enhancing collagen production)

https://amzn.to/4d82jup. ( a good mix of herbs for hair rinse; can easily be prepared and used at home; excellent addition to your DIY cabinet )

https://amzn.to/4du8Ejv ( Bhringaraj is a very powerful anti aging herb that delays the white hair process )

https://amzn.to/3WQ9K3D (100% horsetail carrier oil, a concentrated selenium elixir that you can use for your DIY hair and skin treatments )

https://amzn.to/3YDQNSO ( a luxurious daily treatment for increasing hair density and overall quality. if used consistently, it over-delivers )

https://amzn.to/4cc8Gvl ( all time favorite, you can never go wrong with anything from Banyan)

https://amzn.to/3WzIYLj ( hair mask for curly or dry & damaged locks with Shikakai as star ingredient)

https://amzn.to/3YytU3s ( a good smoothener for curly hair also, but not only )


https://amzn.to/3YwaJac ( this is one of the best finds that for me, smells amazing, it’s a wonderful catch for those with oily and highly sensitive skin scalp (Vata+Pitha imbalance); it contains a potent combination of pure essential oils and herbal extracts creating a unique fragrance profile. It's recommended to carefully read if this fragrance profile matches your taste, prior to making a purchase, some people are quite sensitive to smell in general)





Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist before starting any new treatment or making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.





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