Ayurvedic Hair Oil: Why and How to Use it
The tradition of oiling our hair is a really long one and it is one that continues almost unchanged even today. We may oil it less frequently than our grandma suggested, but we do know that we need to oil the hair now and then. What has changed is the ease with which we can use the messaging oil and the many formulations we can lay our hands on. The change comes with the advance in manufacturing processes and marketing. Thanks to Ayurvedic hair oil manufacturers all we need to do is pick up a bottle from the nearest grocery store. Pour out the oil and apply! Where our ancestors did most of the hard work themselves, we are spoilt for choice.
Ingredients used in Ayurvedic hair oils Ayurveda recommends a whole host of herbs to be used in hair oils. The herbs include amla, Gammbhari, Aprajita, Bringaraj, Jatamansi, Nirgundi, Pudina, Shankpusphi, Neem, Kapur and Brahmi. The herbs are boiled in the carrier oil which can be sesame oil, almond oil, coconut oil, neem seed oil, brahmi or amla oil. The herbs are slowly boiled in the oil and strained. Their inclusion gives the oil a pleasant smell, while also imparting their unique properties — from halting the greying of hair to making it soft. In Ayurveda the type of oil used depends on the person’s doshas. Formulations were carefully worked out and the oils manufactured as per need. However, today you can do this in a far easier manner. Just check out an Ayurvedic hair oil manufacturer! Most manufacturers today make oils according to the three doshas of Ayurveda — vata, pitta and kapha. If this is too confusing, just check the labels. The formulation and type of hair is clearly specified. However, some manufacturers may also have an all-hair-type oil that can be used on any kind of hair.
Coconut oil: This is perhaps the most widely used hair oil in India and it is easy to see why! It prevents dandruff, nourishing damaged hair, while also acting as a conditioner and coolant. In the mostly hot conditions found in our country, coconut oil acts as an excellent coolant. However, if you do want to use it when the temperature drops, just warm it slightly. Almond oil: It is rich in calcium, Vit E, and magnesium — all instrumental in hair growth. This makes almond oil ideal for people with hair fall or thinning hair problem. It also gives the hair a lustrous look. It is also used along with other oils like coconut oil. Sesame oil: This is a highly recommended oil in Ayurveda. Use of sesame oil can slow greying, halt hair loss, dandruff, while making it strong and long. It is also advocated for a sound sleep at night! Sesame oil is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, protecting the hair from damaging chemicals. Neem seed oil: It is not only rich in Vit E, it also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. This makes it ideal for nourishment and growth of hair. It also makes it effective against dandruff. In fact, in Ayurveda neem is highly recommended for its medicinal properties. Brahmi oil: Usually used along with another carrier oil, brahmi oil is considered great for strengthening the hair and preventing hair loss. It is also a very effective coolant.
How to best use Ayurvedic hair oils Fortunately, we do not actually have to extract the above oils ourselves. All you have to do is buy the right bottle! Twice a week hair oiling regimen is considered sufficient for most people. If you are applying the oil daily, a small quantity will do. Remember, too much oil everyday can also backfire. Ideally one should apply the oil in the night. Massage the scalp with the oil so that it is completely absorbed. A head bath with warm water is sufficient. If you want bit of a hair spa treatment, wrap your hair in a warm towel (you can dip it in warm water and then rinse it out) for 30 mins. After this you can shampoo your hair to ensure that the oil is washed out. We recommend natural shampoos for best results. Many Ayurvedic hair oil manufacturers also offer Ayurvedic shampoos. With these simple to follow hair care regime, we promise healthy, nourished strong hair!
Source: Ayurvedic Hair Oil: Why and How to Use it