Taking care of your hair can often be challenging. Especially, with all the increasing pollution and hormonal changes that can take place in your body. However, fortunately, it isn’t impossible to take good care of your hair amidst all the unfavourable conditions.
Types of Hair and Their Concerns
Haircare is one of the most sought-after regimens in holistic wellness, but what one often neglects is the fact that different hair types have different needs. If treatment is unsuitable, it can aggravate rather than soothe hair concerns. Ayurveda gives us a directory that categorises hair types into three basic categories, based on a dominant dosha, which dictates hair type and subsequent concerns arising from an imbalance. Once we identify with a particular hair type, it becomes easier to understand the obstacles to our healthy hair journey. We feel better prepared to combat them with unique solutions.
Vata Hair
The Vata dosha consists of the elements of air and space and is associated with coldness, lightness and movement, and dryness. These very properties are seen in the hair type with a dominant Vata dosha, which is usually wavy and thin. Moisture levels are often low for the scalp due to the dry nature of Vata, which causes dandruff and itchiness, leaving the hair brittle, frizzy and lacklustre. In addition, the scalp is vulnerable to harmful substances owing to its high porosity, which readily absorbs toxic chemicals from products. Hair fall is a common problem in Vata hair when left unbalanced or undernourished. Split ends, and rapid thinning often accompany this.
Pitta Hair
Hair with a dominant Pitta dosha is characterised by medium density, thickness, and strength. They are straight and not as brittle as Vata hair, and their lower porosity makes the scalp less susceptible to damage through the absorption of harmful toxins. However, the warm nature of Pitta causes an overheating of hair follicles, which can make the scalp oily and lead to boils and dandruff. An overactive Pitta can lead to hair thinning, and premature greying is a common symptom.
Kapha Hair
Kapha dosha consists of earth and water components characterised by heaviness and coolness, with a sleek and smooth nature. True to form, Kapha hair is lustrous in texture, as both the hair and scalp are well moisturised. These hairs are usually strong, coarse, and curly. They have the lowest porosity, which means very little scope for toxins to make their way into the scalp. But when the Kapha dosha is aggravated, excessive oil secretion leads to a blockage in follicles and clogged pores. This makes the scalp greasy and sticky, accompanied by dandruff.
These hair types have varied concerns related to the concentration of each specific dosha, thus requiring special and unique treatment. Ayurveda seeks to solve these in the same breath as it explains the root of these hair concerns.
How to have frizz-free hair? How to Take Care of Curly Hair!
Oiling your hair once or twice a week with a natural hair oil like coconut or Argan oil can help prevent drying up of the scalp. These oils can be used as hair masks, left overnight, and then washed off the following day. Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, and Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, making both of them an excellent hydrating agent for the scalp.
– How to prevent split-ends with natural products? How to Take Care of Your Hair!
If you do not want to keep trimming your hair to get rid of split ends, there are many products available at Kerala Ayurveda and several home remedies which you can go for to prevent them. Trim off hair ends at regular intervals and prevent hair dryness by regular oil massage with Ayurvedic oils like Karkuntal oil, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi, which are excellent hydrating sources. For home remedies, a hair mask of coconut milk and honey can be helpful; both are hydrating agents that repair hair from the roots. In addition, coconut milk is rich in vitamin E, which strengthens and nourishes your hair and reduces hair breakage.
Ayurveda Hair Care: Ingredients and How to Use Them
The importance of hair maintenance is something essential to people. The healthier they look, the healthier the person looks. Century-old secrets of maintaining luscious and intense hair were recorded in Ayurveda which lives on to this day in the form of Ayurvedic Products, widely available at Kerala Ayurveda. These ingredients are popularly effective in hair care –
Brahmi helps to reduce stress, which leads to minimising hair loss. It nourishes the scalp and strengthens blood vessels while ensuring the healthy growth of hair.
Triphala made up of three ingredients, Amla, Vibhitaki, and Haritaki, is one of the best rejuvenating agents of the hair. By getting absorbed into the tissues of the scalp, Triphala strengthens the scalp, making the hair strong and thick.
Bhringaraj is one of the best Ayurvedic secrets for hair care, given its nourishing hair effects. Given its antioxidant properties, it is helpful in string hair growth, shiny and lustrous hair growth and overall rejuvenation of hair. It is very effective against dandruff too.
