Ayurvedic hair secrets

Neem also helps to combat dandruff and other scalp infections. Amla stimulates hair growth and strengthens hair at the roots. Brahmi powder conditions the hair. PHOTO | NATION

What you need to know:

  • t is not just genetics that helps Indian women have long healthy hair. Ayurveda also helps.
  • The herbs they use include amla, shikakai, brahmi, tulsi and neem. Ayurvedic herbs are used specifically for cleansing, conditioning and even hair colouring.

Q: How can I use Aryuvedic powders in my hair regimen?

 

Ayurveda, meaning ‘science of life,’ is a school of medicine that is over 3, 000 years old. It is not just genetics that helps Indian women have long healthy hair. Ayurveda also helps.

The herbs they use include amla, shikakai, brahmi, tulsi and neem. Ayurvedic herbs are used specifically for cleansing, conditioning and even hair colouring. Regular scalp massages with these herbs are encouraged, using herb-infused oils. Aritha, shikakai and neem help exfoliate, cleanse and nourish the scalp.

Neem also helps to combat dandruff and other scalp infections. Amla stimulates hair growth and strengthens hair at the roots. Brahmi powder conditions the hair. Mix the cleansing powders into a paste using water and some essential oils (optional), then massage into the scalp and let it sit for a while before rinsing out.

For the conditioning powders, mix the powder with coconut oil or olive oil and use as a hot oil treatment.  Alternatively, add two or three spoons of the conditioning powders to your weekly conditioner and apply to your hair.

If you buy the powders from an Indian grocery store, ask the proprietors for advice on how to use them on hair and their benefits.