Amritha Gaddam
Everyone has bad hair days, right? Some, even more than others. As you grow older and your body constantly undergoes changes Hair fall, dandruff, split ends, frizzy hair, and balding are some of the most common problems that people face. Is there a solution to these problems? Yes, Ayurveda has the solutions for all these problems. And unlike modern remedies, Ayurvedic remedies do not leave behind any side effects. Instead, these remedies strengthen your hair follicles and make your hair more resistant to damage. But before you jump right into it, it is very important to Know Your Hair Type.
According to Ayurveda, there are three vital energies that regulate our bodily activities – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each individual has a combination of these tridoshas, with one or two doshas in dominance. This combination determines the type of hair you have and the health of your hair.
Vata Hair Type
If you have a Vata-dominant prakriti, you will have a Vata hair type. You can balance and maintain your Vata dosha by providing the proper nutrients needed by your hair follicles. The basic Vata hair type is thin, straight, and porous. When your body’s Vata dosha is increased, it causes your scalp and hair to dry up due to low sebum production. This causes dry and frizzy hair, split ends, and hair loss.
Pitta Hair Type
Once again, a Pitta-dominant Prakriti makes for a Pitta hair type. Pitta is in charge of metabolic activity in the hair, as well as the generation of colours and hair proteins. Pitta hair is often wavy and moderately thick. Pitta imbalance causes premature greying, scalp irritation, hair loss, and blocked follicles with bacteria buildup among other symptoms.
Kapha Hair Type
Finally, a Kapha dominant Prakriti results in having a Kapha hair type. Your hair structure and hair lubrication are maintained by Kapha energy in your body. Hair that is in good health is thick, glossy, and curling. Any Kapha imbalance causes excessive production of sebum on your scalp, which inevitably leads to greasy dandruff with an oily scalp, itching, hair loss, and other problems.
Every individual’s need is different. Therefore, in order to adopt the most effective Ayurvedic hair care regime, it is important to understand your hair type and the current status of your dosha levels.
Below are some of the best Ayurveda hair care practices that you can easily include in your everyday life. These practices will not only internally balance your doshas but also give you long, healthy and lustrous hair:
Eating Healthy
Eating healthy is essential for strong and long-lasting hair. Healthy diets need to have nutrients that nourish and strengthen the hair follicles from within. Eating dosha-specific fruits and vegetables can help keep the body healthy and robust while also keeping the doshas in balance.
Hair Oiling and Washing
Hair oils replenish the follicles and scalp while also aiding in moisture retention, which is critical in avoiding hair loss. Always fully oil your hair before washing it, and make this a part of your hair care regimen. You can either use a good extra virgin coconut oil or purchase a herbal hair oil that contains a mix of several Ayurvedic herbs like amla, rose petals, reetha, etc. It is recommended that you wash your hair twice a week with a natural powder and condition them with an organic root-strengthening hair mask.
Scalp Massages
According to Ayurveda practices, you should always massage your scalp with warm hair oil before washing your hair. Massaging the scalp gently with herbal oil stimulates hair development and strengthens the hair from root to tip.
Amritha Gaddam is Founder and CEO, The Tribe Concepts
