Ayurvedic science works on the principle of detoxing, rejuvenating, and balancing your bodily energies.

According to the principles of Ayurveda, the strength of Agni (the digestive fire) determines the quality of nourishment received by organs and tissues throughout the body.

Thus, the hair is a byproduct of the bone tissue making it part of the greater body system. This, in turn, links the hair to the nervous as well as digestive system so if the condition of any of these tissues deteriorates, the hair is likely to be affected.

Similarly, if the quality of nutrition available to the deep tissues of the body is compromised, the hair will undoubtedly be impacted. At its root, Ayurvedic hair care is largely about rejuvenation—for the hair, for specific tissues that may be affecting hair health, and for the body as a whole.

Classical Ayurvedic guidelines advocated that the health of hair can be managed by the consistent incorporation of these two activities: Topical Treatments along with Diet and Lifestyle.  

There are a variety of topical applications in ayurvedic hair treatments. From hair pastes to teas and masks, you can incorporate herbs and oils in several recipes. It is essential to make sure your fundamental hair products, i.e your hair oil and shampoo, contain these Ayurvedic herbs. Tila, Nili, Yastimadhu, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Neem, Amla, Shikakai are some of the herbs that are used.

Besides everyday hair care practices at home, you can take some time once in a month for Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma (detox procedures), which involves deep purification and nourishment practices like Nasya, Shiro Dhara, Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Lepa, Shiro Basti, etc.

Nasya

Nasya is one of the Panchakarma treatments. Nasya by its name clearly conveys that it is related to the nose. It is a procedure in which medicine is applied through the nasal cavity or nasal routes.

Shiro Dhara 

Shiro Dhara comes from the two Sanskrit words “Shiro” (head) and “Dhara” (flow). It’s an Ayurvedic healing technique that involves having someone pour liquid — usually oil or ghee — onto your forehead.

Shiro Abhangya

The Shiro Abhyangam is a combination of two words – Shiro meaning head and Abhyanga meaning massage. This treatment includes a head massage with medicated oil to stimulate the scalp. 

Shiro Lepa

Shiro Lepa is an Ayurvedic term for herbal hair masks that moisturize, nourish, and rejuvenate dull and damaged tresses.

Shiro Basti 

Shiro Basti means holding oil on the head for a specific period of time with the use of a cap fitted on the head in such a way that oil does leak out. 

Besides purifying your blood by balancing your doshas and facilitating healthy hair re-growth, these therapies bring calmness and relaxation to your mind and body.

It is very evident that there is an abundance of options available in Ayurveda for Hair Care. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods and sugars go a long way toward improving the overall health of the entire system. Bolstering this baseline with timely additional treatments like the above-mentioned treatments can go a long way to boost and help maintain your hair health.