Healthy lustrous hair is often seen as a reflection of overall wellbeing. In ayurveda it’s related to dosha balance, nutrition and lifestyle. It is addressed as Khalitya or indrulupta for hairfall and darunka for dandruff. This is caused when the dosha: vata and pitta are impaired.In common language hair loss is called baldness and known in medical terms as Alopecia.
Causes of Hair Loss:
- Hereditary
- Hormonal changes: Hypothyroidism
- Radiation therapy
- Excessive hairstyling
- Sudden or excessive weight loss
- Very hot oil hair treatments
- Malnutrition
- Iron deficiency
- Chemotherapy
- Post – acute illness
Understanding Hair Loss & Dandruff Through Ayurveda:
Hairfall is mainly linked with vata imbalance: dryness,brittleness,weak hair roots.
Indralupta(alopecia) is linked to the vitiation of the vitiated pitta in association with Vata, which leads to hairloss. Vitiated rakta and kapha can block hair follicles, preventing new hair growth. It can be caused by a decrease in asthi dhatu. As hairs are formed by waste products of asthi dhatu and hair dependent upon it for nutrition.
Dandruff is caused by imbalance in vata and pitta doshas. Excessive dryness (vata) or heat(pitta) in the scalp leads to flaking, itching and irritation. Factors such as stress, poor diet, irregular hair care and excessive use of chemical laden products aggravates the imbalances.
Common Causes of Dandruff:
- Fungal overgrowth
- Dry scalp
- Excessive heat
- Hard water impact
- Product sensitivity and poor scalp hygiene
Solutions for Hair Loss & Dandruff:
Ayurveda emphasizes on three step approaches:
1 Detoxification
2 Nourishment
3 Maintenance
All the causative factors should be examined carefully & risk factors should be examined carefully and must be avoided to reduce the progression of condition.
HERBAL MEDICINES:
- Neem: (Azadirachta indica): Antifungal and antibacterial properties
Boil neem leaves , make a paste and apply on scalp before washing
- Aloevera: Soothes itchiness and reduce inflammation
Apply fresh aloevera gel to the scalp and leave it for sometime before rinsing.
- Amla: Strengthens hair and purifies the scalp
- Fenugreek(methi seeds): Hydrates the scalp and prevents dandruff. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight , blend into paste and apply as a mask
- Bhringraja: Nourishes hair follicles,reduces hair fall, improves scalp health.
- Black sesame: Internal intake will give a good skin,hair growth and provide body strength.
- Ashwagandha: Reduce stress induced hairfall.
Oral supplementation or topical infused with aswagandha
Ayurvedic oil for scalp massage:
Regular oil massage improves circulation and nourishes hair roots.
- Neelibhringadi oil
- Brahmi oil
- Sesame oil
- Amla oil
- Kunthalakanthi tailam
- For dandruff: Durdurapatradi oil, Triphaladi tailam, Ayyapala tailam Medicines used in dandruff treatment includes Krimigna vati, Vidangarishtam, Narasimha choornam, Abhayarishtam.
Pastes for local application over scalp:
- Sesame, gooseberry, honey+oil
- Bhringapushpadi lepa.
- Mandoora bhasma, amalaka choorna, hibiscus then wash with triphala kashya
RASAYANAS:
Should be taken under doctor’s guidance.
- Agastya rasayana
- Kanakarishtam
- Amalaki rasayana
- Mandoora bhasma
Rasayana therapy has immune modulators, antioxidant properties and rejuvenating action which is beneficial for the hairfall caused by any chronic illness, premature aging or nutrition deficiency.
Role of Takra Dhara in scalp health or dandruff:
Takra dhara involves continuous stream of medicated buttermilk rhythmically poured into forehead
- Cooling effect: Pacifies excess heat in the scalp reducing dandruff and itchiness
- Balancing dosha: Addresses root cause of scalp issue
- Hydration & nourishment: Provides essential nutrients for a healthy scalp
- Stress reduction: Helps manage stress a key contributor to scalp conditions
Detoxification:
- Panchakarma treatment like Vamana(vomiting), Virechana ( Purgation) and Shirodhara (oil flow therapy) help remove toxins and restore scalp balance.
- Nasya with Anutailam
- Shiropichu, shirolepam, shirobasti.
- Blood letting is often done with leech therapy in case of indralupta (alopecia).
Dietary recommendations:
- Eating a balanced diet includes vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, vitamin A,C,D. These nutrients promote healthy hair growth from the inside out.
- Favor fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
- Avoid excessive fried,oily and sugary foods
- Drink plenty of water for hydration.
Lifestyle & daily routine:
Dinacharya(daily routine):
- Gentle scalp oil massage 2-3 times a week.
- Avoid excessive heat or chemical treatments
- Manage stress through meditation, pranayama or yoga
- Improve sleep habits
Ritucharya:
- Adjust hair care according to the seasons;oil more in winter , use cooling herbs in summer(pitta)
HAIR CARE:
- Moordh tailam(Oiling): It prevents hairfall,baldness and also makes the hair black long. Provides nourishment to hair follicles and strength to the cortex and hair fibres.Coconut oil can be used on a daily basis.
- Nasya(nasal drop): Take nasal drops of Anutailam every year during rainy, autumn and spring season. It prevents hair fall and also accelerates the growth of hair. Nourishes hair follicles which strengthen the hair and reduce falling.
- Snana(bathing): Hair should not be washed with warm water or very cold water.
Shampoos can be used after Hair washing.
Ayurvedic Shampoos: Natural shampoos with Amla, Shikakai, Neem, Aloevera,bhringraja, triphala,shoeflower can be used. Use triphala Kashaya for hair wash in case of dandruff.
- Medicated smoke (Dhumapana): Cures the problem of hair by clearing the doshas from the head and also improves the firmness of hair on the head,beard.
- Hair cutting & proper care of the hair of the scalp and beard should be done regularly.
- Wearing a turban or cap protects the hair from wind, heat, dust etc.
True ayurvedic hair care is not just about external applications; it is a holistic journey. At AGNI AYURVEDA VILLAGE, ayurvedic experts craft personalized ayurvedic treatment using authentic oils and remedies that target each one’s unique doshic imbalance By understanding dosha balance, nourishing body with right herbs and following mindful self-care can restore hair’s natural strength and shine.
Let Ayurveda guide you to healthier, dandruff free and radiant hair naturally.
Dr Ardhra Prabhan