In Ayurveda, hair loss is often linked to imbalances in the Pitta and Vata doshas, which can affect hair growth and scalp health. Overuse of harsh soaps and daily washing can exacerbate scalp dryness, leading to dandruff and further hair shedding. Here’s what you can do to help address the hair loss, dandruff, and support regrowth:
Reduce Daily Washing: Washing your hair every day, especially with soap, can strip natural oils and lead to dryness. In Ayurveda, it’s recommended to wash hair no more than 2-3 times a week. Use a gentle, herbal shampoo that balances Pitta and Kapha (look for ingredients like Amla, Brahmi, Shikakai, or Neem).
Use Herbal Oils for Massage: While Sarso oil (mustard oil) is good, it can be a bit harsh for sensitive scalps. Try switching to a more soothing oil like Brahmi oil, Amla oil, or a blend of Coconut oil with Amla or Brahmi. Gently massage it into your scalp 2-3 times a week, as over-massaging can cause additional shedding.
Avoid Over-massaging: Massaging your scalp is great for circulation, but excessive massage can cause hair to fall, especially when the scalp is already weak. Massage gently and not too frequently.
Include Hair-Nourishing Foods: To encourage regrowth, focus on a balanced diet rich in Iron, Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E. Include foods like fenugreek, flaxseeds, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Amla (Indian gooseberry) and Shatavari can also help balance Pitta and support hair health from within.
Treat Dandruff Gently: For dandruff, avoid harsh chemical shampoos. Instead, you can rinse your hair with a mixture of Amla powder or Neem water, or use a gentle scalp mask made from Yogurt and Fenugreek powder to calm the scalp and reduce flakiness.
Limit Stress: High Pitta levels due to stress or emotional imbalance can lead to hair loss. Incorporate calming practices such as yoga, meditation, or pranayama (breathing exercises) to reduce stress and balance your mind.
Herbal Supplements: Consider herbal supplements like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Bhringraj, or Amla to support hair regrowth and strengthen the hair follicles from within. If you prefer not to take tablets, you can incorporate these herbs in oil or powder form.
Lastly, it’s important to be patient and consistent with Ayurvedic treatments. Hair regrowth takes time, and a holistic approach focusing on diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies will yield the best results.
Sounds like a tough time with your hair. Ayurvedically, hair loss can be tied to an imbalance in Pitta dosha or weak asthi dhatu (bones/tissues) that affect hair health. Plus, over-washing or using harsh soaps might be drying your scalp further, people mostly going through this mistake.
1) Ditch Soap for Hair Cleaning: It’s too harsh! Switch to a mild herbal shampoo or a gentle Ayurvedic shampoo for your hair. Use it only 2 times a week. The rest of the days, just use plain water.
2) Diet Matters: Try to incorporate cooling, Pitta-pacifying foods. Think cucumbers, fresh coconut, leafy greens. Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods. Hydrate well with water and coconut water — it’d be good boost.
3) Say Hello to Amla: Amla (Indian gooseberry) is your friend. Its rich in vitamin C and can help. You can chew on dried amla pieces daily or take amla juice. Even amla powder mixed in your hair oil and applied once a week can work wonders.
4) Optimize Oil Use: Yes for the sarso (mustard) oil, just maybe don’t do it daily. Every alternate day sounds better? If dandruff troubles persist, mix in a few drops of neem oil or tea tree essential oil to your mustard oil. Do not massage too aggressively, it can loosen hair for sure.
5) Mindful Hair Practices: Try washing your hair with lukewarm water - not cold or too hot. And when you’re drying, pat gently with a towel, don’t rub it.
6) Herbs and Decoctions: Consider Brahmi or Bhringraj supplements. Both are quite strengthening for the hair and may work inside-out.
7) Eliminate Stress: often overlooked, but high stress can really mess with hair. Try some meditation or light yoga — trust me, it helps.
And hey, hang in there. It might take some trial and error to find what works best for you personally, but those scalp-and-static, so to speak, days won’t last forever.
