HAIR CARE UNDER THE AYURVEDIC LENSE

Let's talk Ayurvedic herbal remedies for hair care.

First of all, how does hair growth work?

Our heads are dotted with what are called hair follicles, the cavities where hair begins to grow. These produce between 25 and 30 hair growth cycles over the course of their life. When a follicle has exhausted its ability to "produce hair," it shrinks and loses its function.

Certain lifestyle habits can interfere with hair growth, such as intense stress, hormonal imbalances, iron deficiency, lack of water and nutrients, etc. Indeed, when hair growth is not sufficiently stimulated or disrupted by poor lifestyle habits, hair follicles are more likely to shrink prematurely and, consequently, lose their effectiveness. This is why the overall health of the body and mind is essential, since everything is connected!

Bhringraj, the most popular plant for our hair!

Bhringraj

(Eclipta alba) is an herb used in India as a natural hair tonic, often found in Ayurvedic hair oils. His name in Sanskrit translates to "Master of the hair".

We can therefore guess its main properties ...

1. The plant promotes hair growth
2. revives their natural glow
3. prevents their loss as well as premature gray hair
4. It is also an anti-inflammatory herb, which helps soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

The whole plant is harvested, air dried and powdered.

I therefore offer you two homemade mask recipes, depending on the resources you have on hand.

1.
In all simplicity! :

• 3 tsp of Bhringraj
• A small amount of hot water (to obtain the following consistency: a slightly liquid paste to facilitate application to the hair)

For a more nourishing mask, you can add 1 tsp. of sesame oil (Vata), coconut oil (Pitta) and safflower oil (Kapha).

For a softening touch, add 1 tsp. honey to the mixture

2.
The ultimate Ayurvedic mask!

• 1 tbs of Bhringraj powder
• 1 tbs of  Amla powder (packed with vitamin C)
• A few drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 1 tsp castor oil
• 100 ml of green tea, previously infused

Here, Amla powder acts as a fortifier and grapefruit oil acts as a sebum regulator. Tea helps to counter split ends! With a touch of castor oil to sweeten everything.

(Multiply recipes, depending on the thickness and length of your hair)

For these two recipes, mix all the ingredients and apply by gently massaging the scalp. With the rest of the mixture, cover your ends and the entire length of your hair. Wrap your hair in a hot towel and let sit for 1 hour. You can then rinse with a dab of shampoo, to remove all residue.

Note that this is a particularly dark powder. Although this plant does not have a colouring effect on most hair, a long-lasting mask (1 hour and more) can give light colouring to white or blonde hair. However, it should be noted that shampoo is sufficient to counter this undesirable effect.

In addition to these hair care properties, Bhringraj strengthens bones, teeth and nails, tones body and mind, and supports liver and lungs, especially when used internally. I therefore wish you a good discovery of this plant with a thousand virtues! You tell me the news.

Warmly,
Kim XX