Ayurvedic therapies for hair growth are a great choice for women of all ages as they use natural substances and have been proven to be beneficial since time immemorial. Before we get into the list of the 12 Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss and growth, let’s have a look at how Ayurveda can aid in tackling hair fall. Keep reading!
Ayurveda For Hair Loss
Ayurvedic research on hair growth is extensive and well structured which makes it easy for practitioners to pinpoint the cause of hair fall and treat it accordingly. According to Ayurveda, hair type is directly related to body type and is systematically classified into three categories; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each hair type has distinct features, and hence there are multiple reasons for hair loss which vary from person to person. Hair loss is caused because of pitta dosha. Pitta governs our metabolism and digestion. A balanced Pitta leads to a healthy body and mind. It controls our general well being. Once you identify the reasons for pitta dosha, it becomes easier to correct it. Typically, bad eating habits, anxiety, and stress cause pitta dosha, which in turn leads to hair loss. Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, fried and spicy food can cause an imbalance in pitta. Apart from Pitta Dosha, other reasons for hair loss according to Ayurveda are hormonal imbalances in men and women, stress, lack of sleep, improper diet, intoxicating substances, dandruff or fungal infections and diseases like lupus or diabetes amongst others. Ayurvedic hair regrowth solutions address these core issues promoting hair regrowth. Ayurveda addresses 3 key concepts of care during the treatment, namely; Nidana (diagnostic measures), Ahar (food that can be used as preventive medicine) and Chikitsa (support and self-care).
12 Effective Ayurvedic Remedies For Hair Fall And Hair Regrowth
1. Bhringraj—The King Of Herbs
According to an animal study, bhringraj is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with purported claims of hair growth promotion (1). Translated, Bhringraj means “king of herbs.” True to its name, not only does it help promote hair growth, but it also reverses balding. It can be used to prevent premature graying. The herb is commonly available in powdered form and as an oil. It has a calming effect when applied to the scalp and helps insomniacs sleep better. It regulates pitta and improves metabolism. A handful of Bhringraj Leaves OR 5-6 tbsp Dried Bhringraj Powder 20 minutes Thrice a week. You can also use this in combination with other ayurvedic ingredients such as amla and tulsi. Alternatively, you can give yourself a scalp massage with bhringraj oil thrice a week to promote hair growth.
2. Amla—The Indian Gooseberry
Amla is not only used as an ayurvedic solution for hair fall, but also an effective treatment for purifying blood and treating indigestion (2). This conditioning ingredient improves scalp health by tackling dandruff and scalp aggravation. When used in combination with shikakai, it acts as a natural dye that imparts a natural brown color.
5-6 tbsp Amla Powder 5-6 tbsp Water
30 minutes Thrice a week. You can also add shikakai powder to this mix by soaking amla and shikakai powder in warm water overnight. Alternatively, you can also extract amla juice from the fruit and use the liquid for scalp and hair treatment.
3. Neem
For years, neem has been used to treat skin conditions and hair loss. Regular use of neem on the scalp improves blood circulation and strengthens the roots which, in turn, promotes hair growth. Neem is also used to treat lice (3). When the scalp is affected by dryness, scaliness, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and excessive sebum—the hair roots get damaged. This causes hair loss. Neem helps battle these conditions, soothes the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth (4).
A handful of Neem Leaves 2 cups Water
5 minutes Thrice a week. Alternatively, you can make a paste of dried neem powder and water, and leave it in your hair for 30 minutes before shampooing.
4. Ritha (Soap Nuts)
Ritha or soap nuts have been used by women for centuries as a natural shampoo. When used regularly, ritha promotes hair growth, improves texture and volume (5). Because of how mild it is, the natural ingredient can be used to cleanse your hair every day without stripping the natural oils from your scalp.
A handful of Soap Nuts 2 cups Water
10 minutes On alternate days.
5. Shikakai
Shikakai translates to ‘fruit for hair.’ When combined with water, the fruit forms a slight lather and can be used to cleanse hair effectively. The rich antioxidant content of this ingredient makes it perfect for restoring scalp health and treating hair fall. Shikakai won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. It detangles the hair, reduces dandruff and conditions hair to make it luscious and manageable (6).
6 tbsp Dried Shikakai Powder 2 cups of water.
10 minutes On alternate days. Alternatively, you can make an herbal tea with dry shikakai powder and use that as a final hair rinse. You can also add shikakai powder to your hair oils.
6. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or the Indian Winter Cherry is an amazing herb for hair regrowth (7). It may help prevent hair loss by addressing one of the most common causes: stress. This root relieves anxiety while reducing inflammation and providing mood-boosting vitality (8). It is the most commonly used Ayurvedic medicine for hair fall. The hormone cortisol causes hair loss and slows down hair growth. Ashwagandha, when applied to the scalp controls cortisol levels and curbs hair loss. It also boosts antioxidant activity and helps scalp circulation. It is an excellent remedy for dandruff and stimulates the production of melanin, which is essential for hair growth.
3 tbsp Dried Ashwagandha Powder 3 tbsp Dried Amla Powder 6 tbsp Water
30 minutes Thrice a week. Ashwagandha can also be consumed orally.
7. Brahmi
Brahmi helps strengthen the hair and promotes hair growth (9). It provides nourishment to the roots and promotes new follicle growth. Regular use of Brahmi makes the hair thick and lustrous. It is also useful in reducing dandruff (10). Brahmi hair packs help lessen the itchiness of the scalp. When applied regularly, it reduces split ends. It covers the hair follicles with a protective layer which, in turn, makes hair shiny and thick.
2 tbsp Dried Brahmi Powder 2 tbsp Dried Amla Powder 2 tbsp Dried Ashwagandha Powder ½ cup Yogurt
1 hour Thrice a week. Another way of using Brahmi is to boil some water and to it add the leaves of Brahmi, Tulsi, and neem. After 10 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat and let the solution sit overnight. Strain this water in the morning and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing.
8. The Aromatic Jatamansi
A common name for this herb in ayurvedic medicines for hair growth is Muskroot or the Indian Spikenard. Jatamansi helps purify the blood and improve its circulation. The improved nourishment to your scalp can help boost hair growth (11).
5-6 drops Jatamansi Essential Oil 2-3 tbsp Carrier Oil
45 minutes Thrice a week. For better results, you can also consume jatamansi in the form of a capsule.
9. Methi (Fenugreek)
Methi is a commonly used herb in most households. It is an excellent remedy for hair fall (12). It is also one of the best solutions for dandruff and is known for its ability to boost scalp health.
2 tbsp Methi 3 tbsp water
20 minutes Twice a week.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has proven usage in Ayurveda, as it helps keep your system clean from within. It is also an excellent ingredient for boosting scalp health, curbing hair fall, and promoting hair growth (13).
½ cup Pure Aloe Vera Gel 3 tbsp Coconut Oil 2 tbsp Honey
30 minutes 1-2 times a week.
11. Hot Oil Massage With Ayurvedic Oils
A hot oil massage using either coconut, maha bhringraj, amla, arnica, sesame seed, almond or Brahmi oil helps improve circulation, rejuvenates your hair follicles, which leads to better blood circulation to the roots. You may expect increased volume and length within a span of 6 months. 3 tbsp Ayurvedic Oil (An oil or blend of oils from the ones mentioned above.) 45 minutes Thrice a week.
12. Amla + Bringraj +Brahmi
A combination of these three herbs is very useful for pacifying pitta and improving metabolism, which helps in absorption of micronutrients. Take 1 g powder of each herb and swallow with lukewarm water. You can even get these herbs in the capsule form. Take one capsule of each after breakfast and dinner. Consult an Ayurveda physician before doing this. It is important to remember that topical treatment by itself cannot curb a hair fall problem, these remedies must be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle to achieve the best results. Following are a few tips that you need to follow for unhindered hair growth.
Additional Tips For Hair Growth
Can Triphala regrow hair? Yes. The emollient, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of Triphala may help lock in moisture in your hair and boost its growth. Does Shatavari help hair growth? Yes. Shatavari is an anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic herb that may help grow healthier hair. Are Brahmi and Bhringraj same? No. Brahmi (waterhyssop) and Bhringraj (false daisy) are different herbs. Brahmi helps repair damaged hair and scalp and Bhringraj strengthens hair and stimulates its growth.
