Women from around the world have been using herbs, oils and other natural ingredients to take care of their hair for centuries. Every country has its own beauty recipes based on locally available plants. For example, Ayurvedic hair masks used by Indian women are made with henna and amla. These two plants help to make hair stronger and shinier, enhance its elasticity and flexibility, and keep it looking healthy.
The word “henna” can refer to two plants, both of which are used as natural hair care products. The Latin name of true henna is Lawsonia inermis. This plant is a natural hair dye with a rich red colour. When mixed with other plants such as indigo in different proportions, henna can produce other colours ranging from almost blond to black. Unlike chemical dyes, henna doesn’t damage the hair or make it look dull and lifeless. On the contrary, it helps to make the hair stronger, preserves its natural shine, prevents dandruffs and brittle hair.
The so-called neutral henna isn’t actually henna. Neutral henna powder is made from the plant known as Italian senna or Senegal senna (Latin name Senna italica or Cassia obovata). In India, it is used as a hair treatment which coats the hair so that it looks thick and glossy for several weeks. Unlike true henna, neutral henna doesn’t affect the colour of the hair.
Both true henna and neutral henna have anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They soothe the scalp and prevent dandruff, make the hair look thicker and stronger, prevent hair loss and split ends. That’s why Ayurvedic herbal hair masks based on henna are so popular in India.
There are quite a few cosmetic brands that produce henna-based herbal hair masks. They include, for example, Aasha Herbals and Lady Henna. Both brands are based in India, they specialize in producing high-quality Ayurvedic hair dyes and personal care products. They offer a wide range of henna based hair dyes in different shades (bitter chocolate, black coffee, black indigo, cherry wine, chestnut, copper, golden blonde, golden brown, chocolate, and more) as well as pure henna powder and herbal hair masks.
In hair masks and hair dyes by Lady Henna and Aasha Herbals, henna powder is combined with other Ayurvedic plants which enhance its effect and make your hair look strong, healthy and beautiful. These plants include amla (Indian gooseberry), China rose (hibiscus), catechu, shikakai, manjistha, bhringaraj, soapberry, neem, tea tree, turmeric, haritaki, brahmi, and more. Let’s learn more about the useful properties of some of these plants.
Neem powder is made from the leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Due to its strong antiseptic properties it is widely used in Ayurveda medicine. Hair masks with neem effectively prevent dandruff because they eliminate bacteria and fungi which cause this typical scalp problem. Shikakai (Acacia concinna) has been used for hair care since ancient times. Its name can be loosely translated as “fruit for hair”. Shikakai fruit contain saponins which are a natural detergent. Shikakai paste is a mild cleanser that has a naturally low pH and doesn’t strip the hair of natural oils. It also acts as a detangler and prevents dandruff.
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is another plant widely used in traditional Indian medicine. It is especially valuable because all parts of the plant (leaves, fruit, seeds, bark, root and flowers) can be used in herbal preparations. According to Ayurveda, amla balances all three doshas (three bodily elements that make up one’s constitution – vata, pitta and kapha).
When used as an ingredient in hair care products, amla strengthens the hair from roots to ends, restores its natural shine and elasticity, prevents hair loss and split ends. Amla shampoos and hair oils are traditionally believed to provide the hair and scalp with essential nutrients as well as prevent premature grey hair and dandruff.
Herbal hair masks are very easy to use. All you have to do is mix the powder with some hot water to form a lump free paste. Then apply the paste to wet hair, spread evenly, leave it on for some time depending on the type of mask and the effect you want to achieve, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. That’s all!
In our online shop Organic Store, you can find a wide selection of herbal hair masks with henna, amla, neem and shikakai by Indian brands such as Lady Henna and Aasha Herbals. We also offer henna-based hair dyes, sterilised henna powder, shikakai powder, and personal care products formulated with Ayurvedic herbs (toothpastes, face creams, face masks). Take care of yourself with high-quality, natural Ayurvedic products!
