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As I reminisce about my childhood, I am reminded of simpler times. When my grandmother would sit me down every weekend and fondly indulge me in a champi while sharing sweet anecdotes. My mother would whip up homemade concoctions- she would call them ‘magic remedies’ to nourish & strengthen my hair. It used to be our little ritual, three generations of women indulging in Hair Care.
Growing up, I slowly lost touch with these at-home remedies; my natural hair texture didn’t feel appealing anymore. I either preferred straightening my hair or styling it in loose curls, or overloading it with gels to set it in place- essentially by now, it was anything but natural. Fancy bottles of cleansers and conditioners that left my hair looking lustrous for a day became my new ‘hair saviours’.
Today, as I look back, I wish I would have done things differently for my hair. I now realise that I could have maintained the hair of my dreams, without the heating irons, and the endless bottles of hairspray.
When it comes to the health of your hair, less is more. Let’s go back to basics with this ultimate guide to naturally lustrous and thick hair. Read on to discover innumerable benefits of using organic and natural haircare products.
Let’s start by drawing a brief comparison between natural haircare products and sulphate-based hair products.
Natural Hair Products vs Sulphate-infused Hair Products
Most of us skip reading the label before buying a product. But if you are one of the few who pays attention to what’s written on the label, you may have noticed Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), or Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) mentioned in the ingredients list. While they sound similar, SLES is milder of the two. While there is no proven risk that SLS and SLES pose, prolonged exposure may irritate the skin. From toothpaste and detergents to skincare and haircare essentials, this ingredient can be commonly found in the products you use daily.
When infused in haircare products, it acts as a foaming agent that can effectively cleanse your scalp by removing dirt and toxins but if you have sensitive skin or are prone to eczema, and dermatitis, you should avoid using sulphate-based hair products and opt for natural haircare products instead.
While haircare is an intrinsic part of modern wellness, let us also explore haircare from the Ayurvedic perspective.
Haircare According to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the term “Kesha Mastaka Shete” literally translates to ‘elements’ (hair) that grow on the scalp (Mastak and Shirah).
The Ayurvedic tenets suggest natural remedies for haircare prepared with Keshya herbs to promote deep nourishment at the cellular level to regenerate tissues. Sneha or oiling is a sacred Ayurvedic ritual, typically indulged in, at night to harness the regenerative power of naturally derived oils to nourish the scalp and strengthen your hair.
Here are some of the natural hair oils that you can consider for improving hair & scalp health:
- Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Oil Coconut
- Bhringraj Ayurvedic Head Massage Oil
- Japapatti Ayurvedic Head Massage Oil
- Ayurvedic Head Massage Oil with Onion Juice
- Cooling Hair Oil Hibiscus & Amla
A head massage is not only a therapeutic experience but when done right, it activates the seventh chakra or the crown chakra that helps calm the mind. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp which enhances hair health.
Now that we have looked at Ayurvedic recommendations for haircare, it’s time to zero in on the ingredients that can further elevate your haircare routine.
Natural Ingredients for Hair Care
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
The extracts of Amla are often used in natural haircare products as it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve scalp health, while also promoting hair growth and preventing premature greying. The infusion of Amla also softens the hair and restores its natural shine.
Bhringraj
Revered as the King of Hair, Bhringraj or False Daisy, promotes hair growth, strengthens, and nourishes while preventing dandruff. It is also considered a ‘Rasayana’ in Ayurveda as it helps in rejuvenation.
Aloe Vera
Rich in Vitamin E, C and Folic Acid, Aloe Vera contains hydrating and moisturising properties. It acts as a natural hair moisturiser while providing the hair with deep nourishment and conditioning.
Japapatti (Hibiscus)
Antioxidant-rich Hibiscus flower or Japapatti is traditionally used to promote hair growth and increase hair thickness.
You can use natural haircare products infused with Hibiscus or Japapatti or you may also prepare a mask at home with Hibiscus petals, and apply it to the scalp and hair as a weekly ritual.
Brahmi
A medicinal and regenerative herb, Brahmi possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent dandruff, and increase hair growth.
You can apply a natural hair masque infused with Japapatti, weekly, for intense hair repair and nourishment.
Onions
Rich in Sulphur and Vitamin C, Onions are a renowned natural remedy for hair loss.
As part of your weekly ritual, massage your hair with an oil infused with Onion juice that helps stimulate hair growth and improve thickness.
Apart from all the remedies and recommendations, if there is one thing that you must take away from this blog, it is to let your hair be. More importantly, always trust your Grandma and Mum for the best (and effective) haircare advice, no matter how fancy that new heatless straightener might seem!
FAQs:
Are natural hair products safe for all hair types?
Yes, unlike chemical-based cleansers and conditioners, natural haircare products are sulphate & paraben-free, and do not contain any artificial fragrances. While SLS or SLES may not be carcinogenic in nature, these can still irritate the skin.
Naturally crafted hair care products contain efficacious ingredients that include Amla, Honey, Mulethi, Bhringraj, Hibiscus, Shikakai, Brahmi, Shea Butter, and Banana Pulp. These deeply cleanse and intensely nourish the scalp. To enhance shine and reduce frizz, you can also include natural hair serums in your daily hair care regime.
Can natural hair products help with hair growth?
Unlike harsh, synthetic hair care products, natural products can help improve hair growth by intensely nourishing the scalp. Naturally sourced ingredients are known to promote scalp health, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, without impacting long-term scalp health and texture.
Do natural hair products prevent hair loss?
There is nothing that works better than 100% natural hair care products. Look for Ayurvedic herbs including Aloe Vera, Japapatti, Bhringraj, Shikakai, in your naturally crafted products. These ingredients help strengthen and nourish the hair.
If you are experiencing hair fall, it is recommended to incorporate hair products infused with Amla and Mulethi as these ingredients are rich in Vitamin C, which helps strengthen hair roots and control hair fall.
You may also opt for the Bhringraj Hair Vitalizer is another product that stimulates hair growth and restores the vitality of hair. Its nutritious ingredients deliver optimal anti-breakage benefits and strengthen the hair follicles. You can also incorporate the Hair Thickening Spray in your weekly hair ritual. This is infused with effective Ayurvedic herbal extracts of Bhringraj and Shikakai that strengthen the hair follicles, prevent hair loss, and encourage hair growth.
Can natural haircare products help prevent dandruff and itchy scalp?
If you are experiencing an itchy scalp and dandruff, the Ayurvedic Head Massage Oil with Onion Juice is an excellent weekly product to incorporate into your current regime. It is rich in Sulphur and antioxidants which effectively control dandruff, purify the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and encourage healthy hair growth. This vitalizing formula is also enriched with cold pressed Sesame and Coconut Oils, and blended with superior haircare herbs including Brahmi, Amla, Bhringraj, and Bakuchi, which makes for an effective time-tested remedy to control dandruff.
Are organic haircare products better for coloured hair?
Chemically treated or coloured hair is more prone to damage, and dryness, which is why it requires more care and attention. Unlike synthetic hair shampoos, organic hair products are less likely to strip away the colour, and natural oils while also providing optimal hydration, and nourishment to the hair.
Are natural haircare products cruelty-free and vegan?
While natural haircare products are cruelty-free, these might not be vegan since certain potent Ayurvedic formulations are often prepared with Milk and Ghee.
References:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44661841_Hair_growth_and_rejuvenation_An_overview
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfates
