Discover the 5000 year old Science behind Ayurvedic Hair Oils

Ayurveda is one of the Indian civilization's best kept secrets for over 5000 years now. It's exact origins are unknown, but key scriptures from ancient texts (known as Vedas) and wisdom passed down has helped us distill the key driving forces behind Ayurveda and it's near-magical ability to heal and prevent diseases and weaknesses - including, importantly for us, hair growth.

Ayurvedic Hair oil origin story

The art of making Ayurvedic hair oils are found in historical medical scriptures of Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. While Charaka Samhita articulates various herbs and its usage, Sushruta Samhita details out medical processes and surgeries. These two texts are believed to have originated around 800 BCE. They instruct primarily on the application of oil for maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.

These texts also depict the preparation and application of various herbs in order to create a balance between physiology and botany. The aim of such ayurvedic hair oils is to balance the three doshas, namely, the dosha, the pitta and the vata.

Dosha balancing

According to Ayurveda, equilibrium among the doshas can only be obtained through a certain constitution (prakriti) which is unique to each individual. An imbalance in the dosha is a leading reason for various issues related to hair. In order to identify your hair issue, it is pertinent to identify your dominant dosha. For example:

• Vata Dosha: People with vata dominant dosha have hair which is susceptible to dryness. For them, oil containing almond and sesame are really beneficial as it moisturizes their hair shaft, strengthening it and minimizing split ends.
• Pitta dosha: pitta dominance people observe premature greying and scalp inflammation. Oil containing coconut and bhringraj immensely helps in cooling down the scalp heat and irritation. Thereby, promoting pigment retention and hair growth. 
• Kapha dosha: Associated with extreme oiliness and dandruff. People with such hair should incorporate detoxifying oils such as neem and tea tree. This can help in help to promote growth and hair follicles which were impeded due to oily scalp and flakes. Using detoxifying oils can aid in purifying hair scalp and promote healthy growth. 

Potent herb ingredients

Ayurvedic oil for hair are blended with a variety of strong herbs, each chosen for its specific characteristics.

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Also referred to as the "King of Herbs" for the growth of hair, bhringraj helps reinforce hair follicles and encourages growth. It has been utilised to prevent hair loss, encourage new growth, and keep the hair's natural colour.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): High in vitamin C, amla stimulates the scalp, eliminates greying, and strengthens the hair. Amla's antioxidant capabilities preserve the hair from pollutants and oxidative stress, resulting in healthy, lustrous hair.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Improves scalp circulation, slows hair loss, and relaxes the mind. Brahmi is well-known for being able to relax the scalp and relieve stress, which can lead to hair loss.

Neem (Azadirachta indica): Has antibacterial and antifungal qualities; helpful in opposition to dandruff and scalp infections. Neem's natural cleansing characteristics provide an ideal scalp environment, decreasing the risk of infection and dandruff.

Hibiscus: Conditions hair, protects split ends, and enhances shine. Hibiscus blossoms are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that stimulate the hair and scalp, resulting in strong, lustrous hair.

Personalisation for individual requirements

One of the unique features of Ayurveda is customisation. Ayurvedic experts have formulated oils while taking into consideration the needs of a specific individual based on their hair type, scalp condition and overall hair health. Such an approach ensures that hair is healed from its root and all the issues are identified. For instance, vata dominant hair could benefit from the use of oils such as sesame and almond, as well as plants such as aloe vera and hibiscus for their hydrating feature. On the other hand, someone with pitta dominant hair could use coconut based oils with cooling herbs such as bhringraj and sandalwood.

Such personalisation assures success in healing and strengthening hair as it's based on an individual's unique constitution. 

Integration into modern hair care routines

Those who look for natural and practical hair care routines often opt for ayurvedic hair oils as they blend in effortlessly in the modern hair maintenance routine. Many hair oil industries infuse ayurvedic and ancient methods while formulating their  oil combination, making it simpler for the customers to adopt these ancient methods in their daily routine. 

Ayurvedic herbs are versatile in Nature and can be used in various applicators such as inclusion in prior hair wash treatment, leave-in conditioner and scalp treatment. Such versatile nature makes them cater to a wider range of requirements and tastes, thereby being appropriate for various hair types and lifestyles.

Scientific backing and modern research

In recent times, it is observed that even the modern scientific research supports the conventional assertion made about the ayurvedic hair oils. As per research, it has been proved that herbal oils benefit the hair as they contain bioactive compounds.

For example, the composition of bhringraj's botanical compounds has demonstrated promotion in hair growth and treatment of hair loss. It has shown that there is an increase in hair follicle count and the hair growth cycle has extended due to bhringraj extract. 

Another such example could be amla which has antioxidant qualities that prevent the hair from getting damaged from the environment and oxidative stress. Since amla has prominent vitamin C concentration, it strengthens the hair follicles, decreasing the hair loss and supports hair growth. 

As the modern formulation consists of the mix of conventional medicine with sophisticated delivery technologies, which not only helps in improving absorption but also effectiveness. This combination of old wisdom and modern technology guarantees that Ayurvedic hair oils remain to offer considerable advantages in today's hair care regimens.

Conclusion

The ancient methods of Ayurveda hair oils have always Aimed to balance the well-being of a human along with nature with almost 5000 years of practice. Hair oils still being used in the modern hair care procedure is a proof that they are of great usefulness and effectiveness. Application of ayurvedic hair oils is a way to reduce scalp inflammation, enhanced scalp health, strong and nourished hair.