Ayurveda For Hair Care

[Written By Renae M. Gylbert]

I have always been fascinated by Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic health care practice. Ayurvedic medicine is based on using herbs and spices for their hidden medicinal uses. While it is not a recognized form of professional medicinal practice, there are thousands upon thousands of books and practitioners all over the world who swear by Ayurveda.

While my experience with Ayurveda does not involve hair care, it is certainly worth exploring! Let me explain:

I found an Ayurvedic recipe for removing facial hair with turmeric paste (yes, I have some annoying chin hairs!). And after a few weeks of applying the turmeric to my problem areas, the facial hair actually was reducing! A lot! What was thick, embarrassing, dark curly facial hairs were thin, light facial hairs! I had contended with unwanted hair since middle school and to find something natural that actually worked sent me over the moon! I was so excited, I could have started break dancing!

So, it got me to thinking what else could I use Ayurvedic practices for? Then I thought about my dreadlocks! Being natural for several years, like many of you, I am always looking for the next best product for hair strengthening and growth.

After some research, I came across 4 popular and promising Ayurvedic oils for hair. Reading some reviews of these oils on Amazon got me to thinking that these oils may be worth trying for haircare. And yes, these oils can be applied to any type of hair, ladies!

Here are the most popular Ayurvedic hair oils on the market:

1. Bhringraj: This oil is the go-to Ayurvedic oil for hair care. Found in regions of India, China, Thailand and Brazil, it is a plant that sprouts a flower, similar to a daisy. It is often mixed with a variety of other more recognized oils, mainly coconut or sesame. Bhringraj is hailed as being the top Ayurvedic oil for hair loss, dandruff and hair growth. If you can’t decide on which Indian oil to purchase for your hair, start with Bhringraj.

2. Mahabhringarai: Another popular oil crafted in India, Mahabhringarai oil is known for reducing the appearance of grey hair, reducing hair loss and promoting growth. If massaged on the scalp long enough, it is believed to prevent drowsiness too. It is often mixed with other Indian herbs and oils in Til oil, India’s version of sesame seed oil.

3. Brahmi: Brahmi is an extract of gotu kola, a parsley-like found in India and bacopa, another Indian plant. Named after Brahma, a leading God in the Hindu faith, brahmi oil is touted for being a premier Ayurvedic oil for combatting alopecia areata and dandruff. It is usually mixed with coconut oil or sesame oil.

4. Amla: This oil is made from the Indian gooseberry fruit. It is believed to have antibacterial and astringent properties. Amla oil is also used in Ayuvedic medicine to fortify hair follicles and condition hair. Amla oil is typically mixed with coconut oil or sesame seed oil.