Today’s hot topic is – Top 15 DIY Ayurvedic and Natural Hair Care Ingredients

I am so excited to share this blog with you and i hope you enjoy reading this. 

Diet, low thyroid, high stress, auto immune condition environmental pollution, chemicals in commercial hair products and generally imbalanced Pitta or Vata dosha may lead to thinning, damaged and greying hair. Excessive consumption of caffeinated and high sugar beverages also contribute towards hair loss. We also tend to forget “oil” is food for hair health however we use shampoos more regularly which could lead dryer hair. Stress and anxiety may lead to hormonal imbalance which induce hair fall. In Ayurveda since hair fall or damaged hair is mostly due to Pitta dosha imbalance therefore many cooling oil and herbs are used in oils to make the best Ayurvedic herbal hair oil. Ayurveda also promotes herbs that are good for memory, intellect and overall brain health for hair health. Lightly warming these herbal oils before applying is highly encouraged.

Conscious Health’s Herbal Hair Mask is a great add on that can condition, nourish and moisturize your hair and scalp. There also Henna a natural herb that colours the grey hair for those who have dark hair.

Let’s learn more about Top 15 DIY Ayurvedic and Natural Hair Care Ingredients. They include herbs, oils, flowers, nut oils and fruits.

1. Almond Oil: In South Asia one of the most popular oil for hair is almond oil (popularly known as “Badam Ka Tel” in India). Almond oilcontains various nutrients for hair such as Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E and magnesium. Almond oil nourishes, moisturizes and strengthens hair. Due to the nutrient density it is optimal for treating hair loss (or controlling hair fall) and treating damaged hair. However note that almond oil does not increase hair volume but may increase hair length and shine, reduce split ends, eliminate dandruff and reduce scalp/skin inflammation.

2. Aloe Vera: There are only a few natural ingredients that are known to assist with hair growth and Aloe Vera is one of them along with castor oil, fenugreek seeds and cedarwood essential oil. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 andfolic acid. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and Aloe is a natural moisturizer that reduces dryness and dandruff (by removing the dead cells), maintains the pH balance of the scalp, detangles curly hair and conditions the hair (great for oily hair). Aloe Vera is rich in antioxidants and contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which make it ideal of a treating Pitta condition such as hair fall. Aloe Vera can be used as a pre shampooing treatment – apply aloe vera gel on the scalp 15 minutes before shower.

3. Brahmi: A superior Ayurvedic gem – Brahmi is used in Ayurveda for nourishment and to prevent hair loss. Head massaging using Brahmi oil increases blood circulation in the scalp and makes the roots of the hair stronger. Brahmi oil is used to treat dry, flaky scalp and dandruff. Brahmi used as a powder in a mask or oil can reduce pre mature greying, hair loss, promotes hair density, shine and treats scalp irritation.

4. Castor Oil: Castor oil is an age old remedy to prevent hair loss or assist with hair regrowth. This is because castor oil has the ability to improve circulation and increase blood flow. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The anti-fungal properties in castor oil are Ricin and Ricinoleic acid which nourishes the hair. Castor oil is one of the few natural ingredients that stimulates hair growth, combats spilt ends, moisturizes hair and scalp, adds lustre and shine, prevents frequent hair fall or breakage, thickens hair, makes it grow longer fast and fights against dryness and dandruff. Castor oils contain omega 9 essential fatty acids, vitamin E, oleic acid, enzymes and minerals which makes it an amazing herbal remedy. Using cold-pressed, unrefined and extra virgin castor oil is best for hair health.

5. Coconut Oil: I have growth up using coconut oil for my hair! My mother always said, “Oils are food for hair.” Coconut oil is best for Pitta dosha individuals as this is cooling oil that is also rich in vitamin E and K, lauric acid and minerals. Coconut oil contains anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is rich in antioxidant. Coconut oil supports hair growth (length of hair), fights with dryness, dandruff, scalp infections and fungus, protects the hair from sun damage, as well as adds shine and lustre.

6. False Daisy (Bhringraj): Another Ayurvedic herb for hair is Bhringraj used in many popular hair oils. It is an amazing remedy for pre-mature greying. Bhringraj is used for controlling hair loss, encouraging new hair growth, strengthening the hair follicles, fights dandruff, improve hair colour and texture. It also improves sleep and it fights against skin allergies. Bhringraj can be used as hair oil or powdered Bhringraj can be used in hair masks.

7. Fenugreek (Methi): Methi or fenugreek is a well-kept secret as a natural medicine for hair growth. Fenugreek or methi prevents hair fall, promotes hair growth, eliminates dandruff and soothe dry and itchy scalp. Methi contains protein, Vitamin C, iron, potassium and lecithin – all of which are good for strong hair follicles, improves hair growth and makes the hair lustrous. Conscious Health’s Hair Mask contains fenugreek seeds. Best to purchase organic, cold pressed and extra virgin coconut oil for hair, skin or cooking.

8. Hibiscus Flower: This is one amazing flower for hair health whether used fresh or dried. Hibiscus contains high vitamin C and A, iron and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Making herbal hair masks with hibiscus flower paste or hibiscus infused oil can take care of hair loss, dandruff, improves hair shine, condition’s hair and promote hair regrowth (length and thickness). Note that both flower and leaves can be used to make a paste for a hair mask but flower may contain a little more nutrient. Add fenugreek (methi) or yogurt in the same paste for a health hair mask to combat dandruff. Hibiscus is also known to stop pre mature greying hair.

9. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi contains many vitamins and minerals, notably vitamin A, K, C, folate, copper, iron, calcium and manganese. Tulsi also is an adaptogenic herb that contains high antioxidant properties such as flavonoids. It improves circulation and increase blood flow. Tulsi takes care of dry, brittle and damaged hair, combats dry, itchy scalp, pre mature greying, strengthens hair and promotes hair growth. Conscious Health’s Herbal Hair Mask also contains Tulsi. Apply fresh Tulsi leaf juice and add it to a hair pack/mask or dried powdered leaves mixed with yogurt for a hair mask.

10. Indian Gooseberry (Amla): One of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda is an amazing tonic for the hair. Amla can be juiced or dried Amla can be used in a hair mask. Amla oil is extremely popular in India or South East Asian countries as hair oil. Amla contains an array of vitamins (notably vitamin), minerals and antioxidants. Amla can prevent hair loss, greying hair, combats dry scalp, dandruff, strengthens hair follicles and increase circulation which promotes hair growth. Amla contain anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties and has a cooling effect (suitable for Pitta dosha). Amla oil relieves scalp irritation and infections. The high nutrient content in Amla increases shine and lustre as well as conditions and nourishes the hair.

11. Indian Spikenard (Jatamansi): Jatamansi is an Ayurvedic herb that has the ability to calm the nerves and the mind which is required for strong hair follicles and preventing hair loss. Add Jatamansi in powdered form for hair masks. Jatamansi also promotes relaxing and blissful sleep. Jatamansi is also known to prevent pre mature greying. Jatamansi oil is available in Ayurvedic stores in almond oil base which makes it a great product for hair care.

12. Curry Leaves: In Ayurvedic medicine curry leaves infused oil is very popular for hair re growth (new hair growth) as well as promotes strong, shiny, thick and fast hair growth. It also reduces hair fall which makes it a wonder herb for thick and luscious hair. Curry leaves conditions the hair, reduces scalp infections, stops pre mature greying and has anti-bacterial affect. High in antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, folic acid and minerals such as iron, curry leaves are truly nourishing for hair.

13. Ritha or Reetha: South East Asians use Ritha as a natural shampoo, cleanser and conditioner. Ritha helps prevent hair fall, adds volume and shine. Ritha also fights against dandruff and dried scalp. Using Ritha is like using a chemical free shampoo. Ritha contains anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which help to fight against head lice. Ritha is available dry or powdered. Ritha with amla and shikakai (100 gram of each of the herb) can be boiled in two liter of water. Boil until half the water is remained. Strain and this water can be used as shampoo. For dark hair, make a paste with water and equal parts of henna and Ritha.

14. Shikakai: Shikakai has several benefits which are specifically targeted for hair health; therefore Shikakai (Indian word) literally means “fruit for the hair”. Shikakai is used for cleansing the hair, promoting hair growth, preventing dandruff and strengthening hair follicles. Typically dried and powdered shikakai is mixed with water to make a paste and applied on the scalp and hair, to use as a conditioner. Shikakai has a low pH level therefore when using it to cleanse the hair it does not damage the hair or strip the hair from its natural oils. Shikakai is also used as a detangler.

15. Neem: Best used as oil, neem oil is the best remedy to combat dandruff, dryness and lice (anti-microbial properties). Neem oil prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth. Add powdered neem, tulsi and amla to combat dry hair and eliminate dandruff problems.

A bonus ingredient I must mention for hair that is Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has many known benefits for hair and scalp treatment. Many people use apple cider to rinse their hair for stronger and shiner hair. Apple cider vinegar is used prevent breakage, split ends, stimulate hair growth, reduce frizz, detangle and to cleanse the hair. There are many natural shampoo, hair rinse or hair mask recipes that uses apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar that contains the natural culture (also known as the mother) is the best to use. If you live in Canada or USA, you can use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties and acetic acid that helps to balance the pH level of our scalp.

8 hair issues and top 3-5 herbs for them. I hope this chart is helpful

You should also check out this useful article that details Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss to get more information, recommendations, and recipes using some of the above-mentioned ingredients: HairLossRevolution

Check out Conscious Health’s Hair Mask in the herbal product category under shop.