Beautiful hair has long been associated with health and well-being. As a prominent part of our appearance, for many it can also be a significant part of our identity. And while there are as many types of hair and hairstyles as there are people in the world, most of us can agree that we want our hair to feel healthy, strong, and beautiful.
According to Ayurveda, hair is considered a vital tissue closely linked to both bone marrow and the central nervous system. So, caring for our hair starts from the inside-out and depends upon our overall state of balance, nourishment, and well-being.
Ayurveda teaches us that the way to remain healthy, balanced, and vibrant—inside and out—is to align our rhythms with the rhythms of Nature.
The way to do this is by following a daily routine that suits our unique constitution and remains in harmony with the current season, incorporating an Ayurvedic diet, herbs, and nourishing self-care practices.
How to Get Beautiful Hair
Incorporating a daily routine and tending to your overall state of balance is the first step to Ayurvedic hair care. From there, you can begin to add in additional practices to specifically support a head of shiny, lustrous locks. Here are 10 practical tips for gorgeous hair:
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Wash your hair less. We all have varying degrees of normal, oily, or dry hair, and you may not need to wash your hair as often as you think. The more frequently the hair is washed, the more oil gets produced, requiring it to be washed more often. It's a cycle! For many people, washing their hair 2–3 times per week is plenty.
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Massage your scalp. While washing your hair, massage your scalp in an invigorating way. This can stimulate circulation to the hair follicles and encourage hair growth. You can use the tips of your fingers or a rubber scalp stimulator.
- Avoid chemicals in your hair products. Just like anything that we apply to our skin, these chemicals get directly absorbed through the scalp and enter the bloodstream. Choose natural products or make your own!
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Apply oil to your hair and scalp at least once per week. Massaging the hair and scalp with herbal oils is an Ayurvedic practice that has been used for centuries to maintain thick, healthy hair. This practice provides deep conditioning and nourishment, while also calming the mind and encouraging restful sleep.
Healthy Hair Oil is a wonderful choice to nourish and rejuvenate the hair. It contains amla (amalaki), brahmi/gotu kola, and bhringaraj—three powerful herbs to promote strong, healthy hair. If you leave the oil in your hair overnight, place a towel over your pillow to protect your linens.
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Braid long hair before bed. If you have long hair, tying it into a loose braid at night will prevent it from getting tangled or damaged while you sleep.
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Avoid heat styling. Over time, blow drying your hair can cause damage, dryness, and split ends. Let your hair dry naturally as often as you can and then brush with long strokes from the scalp to the ends. This helps to distribute natural, healthy oils evenly throughout your hair.
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Take herbs that support hair health. Healthy Hair tablets cleanse the liver and support robust hair growth. If you prefer taking single herbs, bhringaraj is the obvious choice. Known as the “king of hair,” this herb has long been renowned in Ayurveda for its affinity for healthy, beautiful hair.
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Strengthen your bones. According to Ayurveda, hair is a product of the bone tissue. When we nourish the bones, we indirectly nourish the hair. Foods like sesame seeds, almonds, leafy greens, broccoli, lentils, seaweed, whole grains, organic dairy, and pineapple are all excellent for hair growth. You can also take Healthy Bones for herbal support.
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Treat yourself to an amalaki hair mask. Amalaki is another great herb for hair. High in antioxidants, it enhances the hair's strength, shine, curl, and volume. Mix 3 tablespoons amalaki powder with filtered water until it forms a thin consistency. Apply this paste from the roots to the tips of your hair, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse. Your hair will shine radiantly!
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Keep your stress levels in check. Excess stress, worry, and overwhelm can cause vata and pitta doshas to increase, leading to hair loss and premature graying. Once stress is addressed, hair can literally regain its strength, luster, and shine.
Daily stress management practices may include meditation, gentle yoga, Nadi Shodhana pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing), gardening, or walking in nature. It's also important to get adequate restful sleep each night to allow the body time to renew and rejuvenate.
