Introduction
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Healthy hair is a reflection of one’s over-all well being and enhances one’s appearance and confidence. Hair care involves hygiene and involves various practices from grooming to using various hair care products that is suitable for one’s hair to promote its health and appearance.
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In Ayurveda hair on the scalp is known as “Kesha”, it considered as mala(by- product) of Asthi dhatu. Therefore, any disorders related to bone, affects the hair health. According to Garbha Sharira, certain body features are derived from our parents (maturajadi bhavas), one such bhava is kesha- it a pittruja bhava, i.e that fetus hair is similar to that of the father.
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Diet (Ahara) also plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair. excessive consumption of spicy, salty, oily and junk food can cause early greying of hair, hair fall and dullness.
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Importance of oil application – As per Acharya Charaka
Acharya Charaka emphasizes the importance of regularly applying oil to the head and highlights the benefits as follows-
- Prevents headache, baldness, greying of hair, Hair fall
- Strengthens the head and forehea
- Makes hair becomes stronger, black, helps growth of hair
- Helps in revitalizing the sense-organs and helps enhancing the facial skin
- Promotes sound sleep
- In Dinacharya(Daily routine regimen) – Acharyas advise to avoid hot water bath over the head, as it makes loss of strength of the hairs and on regular trimming of nails and trim the hair and mustaches is also encouraged for hygiene and balance.
Kesha Poshana-Nourishment of hair in Ayurveda
Ayurveda recommends various herbs and oils that promote hair growth, maintains strength and preserve lustre and colour
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- Amla, brahmi, Bhringraja, fenugreek, vibitaki, Gambari phala and yastimadhu are known for its effectiveness in promoting hair growth, it supports healthier hair follicles.
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- Neem- rich in minerals, vitamins and known for its Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, helps to combat the scalp issues and strengthens the hair follicles and promoting hair growth.
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- Aloe-vera – it gently cleanses the scalp and conditions the hair, it possess anti-bacterial properties and provides soothing effect to the scalp
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- Reetha- (soap nut)- a natural cleanser, it prevents hair loss, conditions the hair, adds natural shine and promote hair thickness and it cleanses the scalp and hair
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- Narikela taila- (coconut oil), Tila Taila (Seasame oil), helps in improving the strength and prevents hair damage, Tila taila (Seasame oil) reduce the dryness and add natural shine.
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- Eranda taila (Castor oil)- improving the circulation and stimulates the hair follicles.
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- For restoring natural colour of hair- plants like neelini(Indigo), madayantika(mehandi)- imparts colour to grey hair and kaidraya (curry leaves) helps in preventing early premature of greying of hairs and prevents hair thinning and breakage. Japa pushpa (hibiscus flower)- helps in reduces the splits ends and enhances hair follicles
Ayurvedic Practices for Healthy Hair
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- Shiroabhyanga(Head Massage)- nourishes the scalp, increases blood flow and strengthens hair roots.
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- Shirolepa(Herbal paste application)- Rejuvenates the scalp and improves hair texture with long-term use.
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- Shirodhara – Involves pouring warm medicated oil/ milk/ buttermilk or kashaya or water on the forehead, which relaxes the nervous system and reduce stress, anxiety and indirectly improves the hair and maintains the harmony.
Choosing Hair Oils Based on Prakriti (Body type)
| Prakriti type | Hair nature | Recommended oils |
| Vata | Dry, rough, thin | Seasame oil, castor oil |
| Pitta | soft, smooth, shiny | coconut oil, almond oil |
| Kapha | thick, curly , oily | coconut oil |
Conclusion
Healthy hair is a reflection of overall health and vitality. through holistic Ayurvedic practices such as Shiro-abhyanga, shiro lepa and shirodhara, along with proper diet, stress management and lifestyle discipline, one can maintain strong, lustrous and naturally beautiful hair.
Hair care and solutions at Our centre
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- We offer Ayurvedic treatments for hair concerns such as
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- Dandruff and scalp psoriasis
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- Hair fall, premature greying of hairs.
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- we provide personalized hair care regimen based on individual’s prakriti (body constitution), combing Ayurvedic oils, herbal hair packs and therapies to restore scalp health and hair strength naturally.