Key takeaways
- Ayurveda links hair with asthi dhatu (bone tissue) and with balanced pitta.
- Bhringraj, amla, brahmi, hibiscus, almond and coconut are common in hair oils.
- Oiling the scalp (shiro abhyanga) is a classical part of the daily routine.
- Diet, sleep, stress and gentle handling matter as much as any oil.
- Sudden or patchy hair loss needs a doctor, as it can have medical causes.
Hair oiling is one of the oldest beauty rituals in India, and for many people it brings back memories of a weekly head massage at home. Ayurveda describes hair care as part of a healthy daily routine. This guide explains the Ayurvedic view of hair, the herbs found in our Ayurvedic hair oil and hair care range, and how to oil and wash your hair the traditional way.
How Ayurveda describes hair
In Ayurveda, hair (kesha) is described as a by-product of asthi dhatu, the bone tissue, so it reflects overall nourishment. Classical texts link premature greying and hair fall with excess pitta, the principle of heat, and with stress, poor sleep, very spicy or salty food and harsh treatment of the hair. The daily routine (dinacharya) includes oiling the head, called shiro abhyanga.
Herbs and oils in hair care
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) | Known as "king of hair"; found in oils and in Bhringrajasava |
| Amla | Indian gooseberry; used in oils and taken as juice |
| Brahmi | A cooling herb also used in memory formulas |
| Hibiscus (japa) | Flowers and leaves used in hair oils and packs |
| Almond oil (badam rogan) | A light oil used for scalp massage, as in Roghan Badam Shirin |
| Coconut and sesame oil | Traditional base oils |
| Neem | Found in oils and shampoos for the scalp |
Our range includes Roghan Badam Shirin from Hamdard, Dabur Badam Tail, Himalaya shampoo and Bhringrajasava, a classical fermented liquid taken by mouth. Our guide to asava and arishta explains how these are made.
How to oil your hair the traditional way
- Warm a small amount of oil by placing the bottle in warm water.
- Part your hair and apply oil to the scalp with your fingertips.
- Massage gently in small circles for five to ten minutes; do not scratch with your nails.
- Work the remaining oil through the lengths of your hair.
- Leave it on for an hour or overnight, depending on your hair and the label.
- Wash with a mild shampoo; you may need to shampoo twice to remove the oil.
- Oil once or twice a week, or as your hair needs.
If you have an oily scalp, dandruff or scalp irritation, use less oil and wash it off sooner, or ask a dermatologist.
Everyday habits for healthy hair
- Eat enough protein, iron and vitamins: dal, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, leafy greens and fruit.
- Handle wet hair gently; use a wide-toothed comb.
- Limit heat styling, tight hairstyles and harsh chemical treatments.
- Protect your hair from strong sun and chlorinated water.
- Sleep well and manage stress; both affect hair growth.
- Do not wash with very hot water.
When to see a doctor
Some hair fall is normal, and many people notice more after illness, childbirth or a stressful period. See a doctor or dermatologist for:
- sudden or heavy hair loss, or round bald patches
- hair loss with an itchy, scaly or painful scalp
- hair loss with tiredness, weight change or irregular periods, which can point to thyroid problems or anaemia
- hair loss after starting a new medicine
Our recommendation
Oil your scalp gently once or twice a week, wash with a mild shampoo and look after your diet, sleep and stress. Choose an oil that suits your scalp, patch-test new products, and see a doctor if hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms.
