Indian women are widely reputed to have long, thick and shiny hair. What is their secret? For centuries, Indian women have used natural oils and Ayurvedic powders obtained from medicinal plants to take care of their hair. Let us take a closer look at some of the most popular Ayurvedic powders that will help you to keep your hair healthy and luscious.
Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system that originated in the Indian subcontinent over two millennia ago. Ayurvedic medicines are usually based on plants and minerals; plant-based treatments may be derived from different parts of plants such as roots, leaves, stems, bark, fruits, seeds, or flowers.
Ayurvedic powders can be used as dietary supplements and topical treatments. They are traditionally prepared by drying whole plants or their parts and then grinding them using a mortar and pestle. Factory-made powders, of course, are produced using more refined techniques and undergo additional purification. Ayurvedic powders are typically mixed with water or oil when used as cosmetic products. They are often combined with each other in order to complement and enhance each other’s useful properties.
In Ayurveda, hundreds of plants are used as skin and hair remedies. Of course, some of them are more effective and popular than others. Here are our top 5 Ayurvedic plants for hair care: amla, brahmi, bringhraj, neem, and shikakai. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Amla
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), also known as Indian gooseberry or emblic, has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times. It is extremely rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Amla is also a good source of amino acids, minerals, vitamin A, B vitamins, polyphenols and other phytochemicals. Due to its rich chemical composition, amla fruit powder has pronounced antioxidant, toning, and regenerative properties.
You can use amla powder to prepare various DIY hair care products that will reduce hair loss and boost hair growth by stimulating hair follicles, prevent dandruff and premature grey hair, produce a conditioning effect, and make the hair more manageable. The only thing about amla that you should keep in mind is that it can stain the hair, so be careful if you have blonde hair.
Try this amla hair mask that will make your hair stronger and shinier. Mix 1 to 4 tbsp amla powder (depending on the length with your hair) with enough warm water to get a thick paste. Apply the paste to your hair from root to tip, put on a shower cap, leave the mask on for 20–40 minutes, and rinse your hair thoroughly. If you want to shampoo your hair, opt for a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.
Brahmi
The official botanical name of brahmi is Bacopa monnieri; its other names include Indian pennywort and water hyssop. When used as a hair care product, brahmi prevents an itchy and flaky scalp, reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth, make the hair silkier and shinier, and helps to repair damaged hair structure from root to tip.
If you include brahmi powder in your hair care routine, it will prevent hair breakage and dandruff, make your hair thicker, and boost its volume. You can use brahmi to make a DIY hair mask similar to the amla mask we’ve described above. Brahmi is also a great ingredient for home-made hair rinses.
To make a brahmi infusion that you can use as a hair rinse, pour 500 ml boiling water over 1 tbsp brahmi powder and let it steep for several hours. Filter the infusion through several layers of gauze and use it after shampooing instead of or in addition to your regular hair conditioner.
Bhringraj
Eclipta prostrata, commonly known as false daisy or bhringraj, is widespread across much of the world, but it is especially widely distributed throughout India, Nepal, China, Thailand and Brazil. In India, bhringraj is used as a hair loss remedy. It is believed to boost hair elasticity and flexibility, make the hair thicker and shinier, restore damaged hair structure, and prevent premature grey hair.
Bhringaraj is a great ingredient for DIY strengthening and nourishing hair masks. To make a strengthening mask, mix 1 tbsp bhringraj powder and 1 tbsp neutral henna powder with some warm water to get a thick paste. Add 1 tsp amla oil and stir well. Apply the mixture to your hair at the roots and spread along the entire length. Put on a shower cap, wrap your head in a towel, and let the mask sit for 30-60 minutes, then shampoo your hair thoroughly.
For a nourishing mask, combine 2 tbsp bhringraj powder, an egg yolk, 1 tsp coconut oil, and 10 drops rosemary essential oil. Stir well to get a lump-free paste, apply to your hair and scalp, leave for 30 minutes, shampoo thoroughly.
Neem
Neem (Azadirachta indica) contains diverse phytochemicals and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. When used as a hair remedy, it helps to eliminate dandruff, relieves itchy and flaky scalp, prevents dryness, repairs damaged and wakened hair, strengthens hair roots, reduces hair loss, makes the hair shinier and more manageable, and normalises the hydro-lipid balance of the scalp. It can also be used to eliminate lice.
You can use Ayurvedic neem powder to make DIY hair masks and rinses, to infuse vegetable oils, or to enrich store-bought shampoos and hair conditioners. To make your hair stronger and healthier, try this home-made neem mask. Mix 1 tbsp neem, 1 tbsp brahmi and 1 tbsp amla with hot water to get a thick paste. Let the mixture cool, apply it to your hair, let it sit for 40–90 minutes, rinse with warm water. Make the mask once a week to get a long-lasting result.
Shikakai
Acacia concinna, commonly known in India as shikakai, is rich in saponins, which give it detergent properties. Due to this, shikakai has long been used as a mild shampoo and laundry detergent in the Indian Subcontinent. While shikakai does not produce as much lather as sulphate-containing shampoos, it cleanses well without stripping the hair of natural oils. In addition, shikakai helps to prevent dandruff, stimulates hair growth, reduces hair loss, prevents premature grey hair, and makes the hair silkier and shinier.
The easiest way to use Ayurvedic shikakai powder at home is to make a cleansing hair mask. Just mix some powder with warm water to get a lump-free paste, apply it to wet hair, and rinse off in 15 minutes. If you have normal or oily hair, you don’t even need to use conditioner afterwards.
You can find these and other Ayurvedic powders in our online shop Organic Store. We offer Ayurvedic products produced by trustworthy brands such as Chandi and Triuga that work with Indian suppliers and manufacturers. These brands produce 100% natural powders that comply with rigorous quality requirements. Ayurvedic powders are effective and at the same time affordable, allowing you to benefit from traditional beauty recipes from India even if you’re on a tight budget.
