The Ayurvedic way

Over the past year I've been impressed with the growth of my hair. But honestly I think there is still a lot I can do to take my overall hair health to the next level. Now that I've done a lot of experimenting with products, trying to discover what works well with my hair and what doesn't, I realize that my hair tends to thrive when I incorporate natural ingredients.

With that said starting at the beginning of January I plan on doing a strict 6 month challenge of using just (mostly) natural ingredients to care for my hair. One of the easiest (yet most complex) ways of doing this is by adopting an Ayurvedic Hair Care Regimen.

Ayurvedic practices are a system unique to India where natural ingredients found in that region are used as an alternative means for medicine, treatments and hygiene. Many of the ingredients that are used in ayurvedic regimens can be found at most Indian markets and stores in the states. Also some ingredients used commonly in western culture (many you find in teas and herbal infusions)  can be found at your local health food store or Co-op.

Using ayurveda methods is beneficial not only because it's easy to mix ingredients specific to your hair needs but also the ingredients are NOT expensive. (They are considerably cheaper than the "all natural" products that you find in drug/beauty supply stores and online.)

Here are a list of ingredients that are commonly used in ayurvedic regimens. I'll definitely be seeing if I can get my hands on a good variety of the following:

Amla Powder | Stimulates hair growth, has wonderful conditioning properties, strengthens hair at the roots


Hibiscus Petal Powder| Conditions hair, Rejuvenates hair making it shiny


Mehndi Powder (Henna)| Mixture of multiple ingredients,   Not only used for hair coloring, works  as an excellent hair conditioner, imparts silkiness and shine


Kalpi Tone | Promotes hair growth, prevents pre mature balding, light conditioning properties, imparts shine 

Brahmi Powder | Strengthens hair at the roots, helps relieve dandruff, also purported to thicken hair  


Aloe Vera Juice | Balance PH level, heal scalp, imparts sheen, light conditioning properties, nourishes and moisturizes hair 


Neem | Helps fight scalp infections, works against dry and flaky scalp which causes dandruff

Shikakai | Acts as a natural cleanser, and mild conditioner, whilst promoting hair growth

Marshmallow Root Powder | Nourishes hair follicles and scalp, conditioning properties, imparts shine 


Vatika Oil | Mixture of Ayuerveda herbs into a coconut oil base, seals moisture, conditioning properties, imparts shine

As we get closer to the new year I'll share more ingredients,  recipes and techniques I'll be incorporating in my new hair challenge.