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Hair Management: The Mirror to the Holistic Health

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Published on 10/10/24
(Updated on 09/29/25)
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Hair Management: The Mirror to the Holistic Health

Written by
Dr. Ayush Varma
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
I am an Ayurvedic physician with an MD from AIIMS—yeah, the 2008 batch. That time kinda shaped everything for me... learning at that level really forces you to think deeper, not just follow protocol. Now, with 15+ years in this field, I mostly work with chronic stuff—autoimmune issues, gut-related problems, metabolic syndrome... those complex cases where symptoms overlap n patients usually end up confused after years of going in circles. I don’t rush to treat symptoms—I try to dig into what’s actually causing the system to go off-track. I guess that’s where my training really helps, especially when blending classical Ayurveda with updated diagnostics. I did get certified in Panchakarma & Rasayana therapy, which I use quite a lot—especially in cases where tissue-level nourishment or deep detox is needed. Rasayana has this underrated role in post-illness recovery n immune stabilization, which most people miss. I’m pretty active in clinical research too—not a full-time academic or anything, but I’ve contributed to studies on how Ayurveda helps manage diabetes, immunity burnout, stress dysregulation, things like that. It’s been important for me to keep a foot in that evidence-based space—not just because of credibility but because it keeps me from becoming too rigid in practice. I also get invited to speak at wellness events n some integrative health conferences—sharing ideas around patient-centered treatment models or chronic care via Ayurvedic frameworks. I practice full-time at a wellness centre that’s serious about Ayurveda—not just the spa kind—but real, protocol-driven, yet personalised medicine. Most of my patients come to me after trying a lot of other options, which makes trust-building a huge part of what I do every single day.
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The dream of long, lustrous hair and youthful, glowing skin is a reality for some, but a fantasy for most. But would it be an impossible feat? The cosmetics industry today produces miracle products that change skin tone in just a week or two and hair shampoos that stop hair loss in three uses. Despite knowing these “tricks of the trade”, we still fall into the trap and buy expensive chemicals. “Hair and skin care” has  become an important topic in today’s world, where every person has at least one skin or hair problem.

Prematurely grey hair, dull-lack lustrous or split hair, dandruff, baldness, aging skin, pigmentation, acne, blemishes, etc. are as common today as ever before. This can be attributed to erratic lifestyles, pollution, haphazard eating & sleeping habits, drug & alcohol abuse, stress, and improper care.

Health is taken for granted mainly due to the hectic schedules that have made part of daily life. Another aspect of this is bathing and hair washing has become a ritual that is done for a namesake. The Indian subcontinent has such a rich heritage ofnatural hair and skin care that our ancestors seldom suffered from such issues. Even today some ladies boast of thick and black tresses beating their ages.

The incorporation of cosmetics in Ayurveda was mainly done for the achievement of longevity and good health unlike for an attractive appearance. There is evidence of highly advanced concepts of self-beautification and a large array of cosmetics used by both men and women in ancient India. Many of these practices depended on the season (Ritus) and were subtly interwoven with daily routine (Dinacharya). The whole range of cosmetic usage and its practice as conceived by the ancient Indians was based on natural resources. They were used as external applications in the form of packs, oils, herbal waters, powders, etc.

Ayurveda considers the skin to be formed of Mamsa dathu (one of the 7 dathus or building blocks of the body). Mamsa dathu (roughly the muscular tissue) is the third of the 7 dhatus. That is why mamsa dhatu has to be in  a state of health to have healthy and glowing skin.

Hair and nails are formed as side products during the formation of ASTHI dhatu (roughly bones). This fact signifies the importance of healthy bones for healthy hair and nails. VATA dosha plays a significant role in hair issues as well. An increase in vata initiates hair fall or greying in combination with other doshas.

It is important to know about the type of hair one has to understand its core problems and Eg. Hair in VATA-dominant people is naturally dry and tends to be frizzy or PITTA-dominant people have fair and warm skin which is prone to acne or breakouts. Thus it helps in their management.

The above information can be summed up as a daily, weekly, and monthly regimen for the face, body, and hair. The Daily Regimen for hair can have minimal oil application at the roots. For the body and face as mentioned earlier oleation with oil that suits your body daily is ideal. Weekly Regimen – Thorough oil application while massaging the scalp in a circular motion with the fingertips can be done once a week 2 hours before bath followed by a hair rinse with neem or green tea decoction. For the body or face, scrubbing or exfoliation can be done once a week. Monthly Regimen – A hair pack can be done once or twice a month according to the hair type and problem. Body/face packs can be done twice a month.

This regimen if followed consistently will save plenty of bucks on age-reversing therapies.

The next important part that can influence hair and skin management is the food habits and the regulations. The ideal way to follow for optimum hair and skin health are as follows:

  VATA Dominant PITTA Dominant KAPHA Dominant
Skin- Normal Dry, flaky, relatively clear, porcelain-like, darker complexion, thin fair, sensitive, soft, warm, and of medium thickness oily, thick, pale, soft, cool, tolerant to sun
Prone to Aging, itching, dry eczema, etc Acne, hives, freckles, moles, sunburn Wet eczema, blackheads, pimples, oedema
Hair- normal Dry, dull, brittle, scarce Straight, lighter-hued, thin, soft Lustrous, thick, curly, oily
Prone to Hair fall, split ends, dandruff Hair fall, premature greying, get oily soon Itching, wet infections of the scalp
Key Solution Moisture & Nourish Sooth, cool & nourish Cleanse & nourish
Ideal food Warm, sweet, unctuous, less spicy foods Soothing, cold, bitter, sweet, astringent foods Warm, dry, bitter, astringent foods

In case of recurrent and chronic skin or hair issues, it is better to consult a physician and try to eliminate the root cause. Internally numerous formulations can be taken to purify, strengthen, and nourish the skin and hair. There are many wonderful treatments like Sarvang dharas, Shirodhara, Shiro pichu, Udwartana, Nasya, and Dhoomapan which go a long way in treating cosmetic issues. In chronic or severe conditions the doctor may prescribe SHODHAN (purificatory) procedures like panchakarma.

Lastly along with eating well, one should feed the mind well too. Positive thinking always shows on the outside. Regular pranayam, meditational activities and daily exercising help in mind cleansing and are mandatory to be healthy, feel good, and look great!

Strong hair and skin can show how healthy a person is and so it is important it is to spend time on their management and growth. Dr. Sujal Patil Torgal CMO at Traya Natural Health Centre

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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Questions from users
What are some effective natural remedies I can use to strengthen my hair and skin at home?
Hannah
120 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
120 days ago
For natural remedies at home, try using coconut oil for hair; it nourishes and adds moisture. You can also use neem or amla powder mixed with water or yogurt as a hair pack. For skin, face masks with sandalwood, turmeric, or aloe vera gel can work wonders. Remember, understanding your dosha helps, like Vata needs moisture while Pitta benefits from cooling!
What are some good oils to use for daily oleation based on my skin type?
Abigail
96 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
95 days ago
For daily oleation, choosing oils based on your skin type is key. If you have dry or vata skin, go for warm, grounding oils like sesame or almond oil. For oily or pitta skin, cooling oils like coconut or sunflower are great. Kapha types, or oily/combination skin, might benefit from lighter oils, like jojoba. Always remember to patch-test first to see how your skin reacts! 😊
What are some natural hair packs you recommend for dry, frizzy hair?
Evelyn
106 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
105 days ago
For dry, frizzy hair, try an avocado and coconut oil pack. Mash one ripe avocado, mix in a few tablespoons of coconut oil until smooth, apply to damp hair, and leave for 20-30 mins. Rinse thoroughly. It nourishes and improves texture, but ya know, consistency's key. Adjust the ingredients based on ur hair length and needs!
What are some effective oils to use for scalp massaging in the weekly regimen?
Leo
101 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
100 days ago
For a weekly scalp massage, you can try oils like sesame or coconut oil. They're great for balancing Vata dosha, which might help with hair issues. You can also try bhringraj oil, known for nourishing the hair and scalp. Warm the oil a bit before applying for better absorption. Remember to massage gently with your fingertips to stimulate blood flow. Enjoy!
What are some natural foods that can help with hair and skin health as mentioned in the article?
Addison
91 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
90 days ago
Some natural foods you can try for better hair and skin health include sesame seeds, almonds, and amla (Indian gooseberry). Sesame seeds are great for nourishing bones which also affects hair and nails, almonds are full of vitamin E, and amla helps with hair growth and brightening skin. Try adding them into your diet!
What are some specific oils that work best for scalp massages, and how do they benefit hair health?
Brooklyn
86 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
85 days ago
For scalp massages, try oils like coconut, bhringraj, or sesame. They're great for nourishing hair and maintaining a healthy scalp. Coconut oil cools and hydrates, bhringraj improves hair thickness and reduces graying, and sesame oil strengthen roots and revitalizes. Adjust based on your dosha or season can make them even more effective.
What are some natural ingredients I can use for a homemade hair pack?
Emily
81 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
80 days ago
For a homemade hair pack, try mixing yogurt with a bit of amla powder for conditioning, add ripe banana for moisture, or some methi seeds (fenugreek), soaked overnight and blended, which helps with dandruff. Coconut oil can also be massaged in before washing. Test a small amount first to check if it suits you, as everyone’s hair reacts different.
What are some oils that are best suited for different hair types?
Charles
76 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
75 days ago
For dry hair, sesame oil works wonders coz it's warming and nourishing. Coconut oil is great for balanced hair types as it adds shine and strengthens. If you have oily hair, try grapeseed oil, it's lighter and won't weigh your hair down. Think about your dosha when picking an oil—Vata benefits from warming oils, while Pitta and Kapha need cooling options.
What is the best way to incorporate these traditional treatments into a modern beauty routine?
Jaxon
71 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
70 days ago
You can blend traditional treatments into your modern beauty routine by using Ayurvedic oils for hair and skin, like applying them gently in small amounts. You can also try herbal face packs once a week. Remember, Ayurveda focuses on balance, so pay attention to your dosha and how your body responds, you might notice a difference!
How can I determine which oil is best for my skin type according to Ayurveda?
Abigail
66 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
65 days ago
To find the best oil for your skin type in Ayurveda, first identify your dosha: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Vata skin needs moisture, so sesame or almond oils are great. Pitta benefits from cooling oils like coconut. Kapha does well with lighter oils, like safflower. If you're unsure, you might wanna consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for a personalized approach!
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