Ayurvedic hair oil is used in Ayurvedic therapy to help promote healthy hair. It is made from a base oil such as coconut, sesame or olive oil and a blend of Ayurvedic herbs such as hibiscus, brahmi, curry and henna. This simple herbal hair oil can be created at home by mixing and heating the oil along with the herbs. When the right herbs are mixed with the right oils, the Ayurvedic hair oil can help balance the three types of hair, known in Ayurvedic systems as Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and can also help solve many other hair problems.
Hair problems are often the result of a lack of nutrients in the hair and scalp. An Ayurvedic hair oil can help maintain or restore these nutrients, which helps reduce frizz and promotes new hair growth, as well as stronger and healthier hair. Herbal hair treatments are beneficial for hair problems such as hair loss, dandruff, premature graying and unmanageable hair.
Hair that is generally frizzy, dry and subject to split ends is referred to as Vata hair. For this hair type, Ayurveda recommends oils such as almond or sesame seed oil along with brahmi and other herbs. Pitta hair is thin and is subject to premature graying, and it can be helped with a coconut oil and herbs such amalaki and bhringaraj. Kapha hair is generally thick and oily, which can be balanced with neem along with sesame seed or olive oil. Herbs such as rosemary, jasmine, amalaki, hibiscus and lavender can be mixed with any oil and are helpful for all hair types.
Before the treatment, the Ayurvedic hair oil is warmed up to a comfortable temperature that will not burn the fingers, hair or scalp. Then with the pads of the fingers, a small amount of oil is picked up and massaged into the scalp, one small section at a time until the whole scalp is coated. The Ayurveda hair oil, along with the massage, helps to relax the scalp and increases the blood circulation. After an hour, the oil can be washed off with a gentle Ayurvedic shampoo. If circumstances allow, the oil can be left on overnight for maximum results.
Ayurveda recommends these herbal hair treatments to be done one to three times per week for optimal health of the hair and scalp. In addition, Ayurvedic hair oil treatments should be combined with a healthy diet, because the diet can also help provide important nutrients to the hair. Other Ayurvedic hair care tips include using only natural hair care products and allowing the hair to dry naturally whenever possible. Unnatural hair care products that contain chemicals can quickly rob the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and unmanageable.