Most people search for healthier hair care routines because of various reasons. While some look for hair care products that will improve the quality of their hair, others are interested in products that repair damaged hair. However, finding a great hair care routine that works can be a huge challenge, especially due to factors that cause hair damage, such as pollution, chemicals, and many other health factors. If you take a walk down the supermarket aisle, you will see tons of hair care products made of chemicals that cause more damage to your hair further instead of nourishing it.
Although choosing the right product can be difficult, Ayurvedic could be the solution you are looking for. Ayurvedic hair oil stands out as a solution for stronger, healthier, shinier, and more nourished hair. Ayurvedic oils have been appreciated for centuries due to their healing and therapeutic powers. Applying these products to your hair regularly boosts the strength and texture of your hair.
What is Ayurvedic Hair Oil?
The word Ayurvedic is derived from the Hindu Sanskrit word “Ayur” which means life, and “Veda” which means science or knowledge. Ayurvedic oils are made of ancient natural ingredients and herbs that have been around for hundreds of years to prevent common hair problems. It's no surprise that organic products are becoming more popular as our communities become more healthy and environmentally conscious. Here's everything you need to know regarding Ayurvedic hair oils, including whether or not you should try them.
Ingredients to Look for in Ayurvedic Hair Oils
- Bhringraj - Bhringraj oil is made from extracts of the Daisy plant known as Eclipta alba, which is a member of the sunflower family. It is grown in humid and tropical locations. Bhringraj oil is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat dry scalps, prevent hair damage and promote hair root strength.
- Amla - Amla oil is a natural remedy made from amla fruit popularly known as Indian gooseberry. Amla helps in cellular regeneration and restoring hair growth.
- Bibhitaki - Bibhitaki contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in the treatment of a variety of scalp and hair infections such as folliculitis (a skin condition caused by inflammation of hair follicles) and itching.
- Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Winter Cherry, is a powder made from the root of the Ashwagandha plant. The powder helps to increase energy, reduce inflammation, reduce anxiety, and improve disease resistance. Since stress is a major cause of hair loss, adaptogens like ashwagandha can help prevent or stop hair loss by reducing stress in the body.
- Yashtimadhu - Yashtimadhu also referred to as Mulethi or licorice is one of the most popular ingredients used in Ayurveda practices to treat hair fall and baldness.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Hail Oils
1. Prevents Hair from Dandruff
The presence of dandruff in the hair is not only annoying, but can also be frustrating, and embarrassing. They make the hair lose its glow. Dandruff can also make you experience an itchy scalp and has white flakes on the hair. Common causes of dandruff include dry skin, allergies to certain hair products, or a medical condition. Ayurvedic hair oils are designed with antimicrobial and antifungal elements that help reduce dandruff. The oils have anti-inflammatory properties that help psoriasis and other skin irritations diseases on the scalp, boosting circulation in the scalp. Ayurvedic oils contain hydrating and moisturising agents, especially when blended with a carrier oil. The moisturising quality helps in the treatment of skin and scalp dryness and increases hair
luster.
2. Protects Hair from Premature Greying
At a certain age, grey hair is inevitable. A person is considered to be prematurely grey if their hair turns grey when they are in their 20s. In some cases, though rarely, premature greying is considered a sign of medical complication. However, stress has not been proven to cause grey hair as most people believe.
Ayurvedic oils are designed to suppress and disguise premature greying due to their high antioxidant and darkening properties. This means that light hair colours can be against the colouring effects of the oils and should be rinsed out after 20 minutes to steer clear of undesired darkening.
3. Stimulates Hair Growth
Having long and luscious hair is everyone’s dream. Massaging Ayurvedic oils into your scalp has been proven to increase blood flow and circulation around the roots of the hair, promoting its growth. A study on the ability of Eclipta alba to promote hair development in male albino rats compared Bhringraj oil to 2% minoxidil (commonly known as rogaine). The study found Bhringraj to be superior in its ability to promote hair growth.
4. Maintains Your Natural Hair Shine
Compared to natural hair products like Ayurvedic oils, chemical products are known to create an illusion of healthier hair that can last for only a few weeks. Continued use of synthetic hair products has the overall effect of dulling your hair due to harsh chemicals.
Ayurvedic hair products can be beneficial to your hair and skin as they do not strip protective oils. The overall impact of using Ayurvedic hair oils may not be noticeable at first, but with time they are known to repair your hair and provide sustainable nourishment.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Synthetic chemicals are not used in organically produced hair products like Bhringraj and Amla. These chemicals are harmful to water and soil. It’s hard to imagine what something harmful to the soil can do to your scalp or skin. Ayurvedic hair products reduce the use of dangerous genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Many people are unaware that what they flush down the drain can have negative impacts on the ecosystem. Microbeads and heavy chemicals can pollute waterways and destroy marine life. Organic hair products are more Eco friendly and are often packaged with biodegradable or recyclable materials. Your choice to use natural products like Ayurvedic hair oils will have a significant impact on both your health and the environment.
6. Safe Products for Your Skin
Chemical products contain harmful ingredients and synthetic compounds such as Sulfate that can strip hair of its natural oils irritating both the scalp and the skin. They can cause infections and allergies, making them unfavourable for a great hair care routine. Organic products, on the other hand, contain healthy nutrition like vitamins, fruit extracts, and essential oils which are significant for healthy hair. If you suffer from allergies, changing to natural hair products like Ayurvedic hair oils will be very beneficial to your hair, skin, and overall health.
Key Takeaway
Most people are looking for strategies to manage their stress now more than ever. There are many ways to manage stress, including getting regular massages, experimenting with CBD, and setting aside time for meditation and yoga. However, even though you may believe that you have stress under control, your body may disagree by revealing stress in form of hair
loss.
Hair oiling is an Ayurvedic treatment that has been in practice for centuries to improve the natural quality of the hair. Derived from plants that are native to India, Ayurvedic oils are considered the king of herbs when it comes to hair growth and maintenance because of their ability to improve hair growth and strength.