For as long as I can remember, a weekend routine has always included a hair massage from my grandmother. It is beyond just beauty; it’s a bonding tradition that has been passed down from each generation. It is a moment in which you learn stories of your family and culture.
It is no coincidence that the ancient Indian Sanskrit word for “to oil” is “Sneha,” which also means “to love.”
Here are some Ayurvedic (Hindu System of Medicine) secret ingredients and methods that are great for hair care.
1. Ayurvedic Hair Massage – Marma Points
- Ancient Indian Ayurveda talks about Marma (pressure) points that help stimulate huge amounts of hair growth. The first pressure spot is located eight fingers above your brows, called the “center of yogic spiritual healing.” Massaging this area helps with a prematurely receding hairline or bald patches near your forehead. The second point, also known as the “skull point”, is 12 fingers above your brows. This is the highest point on your body and, due to gravitational pull, it receives the least amount of blood flow. The final pressure point is four fingers above the nape of your neck. Tilt your head downwards and massage these spots for 2 to 5 minutes every day to help blood rush to your scalp.
2. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
- Amla is an essential part of Indian hair rituals. It helps clear the build-up of impurities from the scalp, reducing itchiness from dandruff—massage amala oil into the scalp (using the Marma Point massage technique). Amla is a super-powered antioxidant packed with vitamin C. It is essential for hair health as vitamin C reduces hair loss, improves growth, and alleviates dry hair and split ends. Overall, Amla is a superfood for hair and you can even eat the actual fruit to see results!
3. Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha is the king of Ayurvedic powders and is good for your overall health. It improves your immune system and is great as a stress-reducer. Hair loss is often associated with stress, and as university students, we can mitigate it by adding Ashwagandha to our routine as a powder intake or as an oil.
4. Bhringraj Powder (False Daisy)
- This herb has been used in India for centuries. According to the Maryland Medical Center, Ayurvedic practices are some of the oldest medical practices in existence. Bhringraj has been used in Ayurveda for over a thousand years. It is highly effective against hair loss and promotes hair growth. It is a natural DHT Blocker and includes anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-aging properties. Try adding a ¼ teaspoon of Bhringraj powder mixed in your morning hot water.
5. Onion Juice
- This was the ingredient that took the longest to add to my hair care routine, but it has given me amazing results! Peel, dice, and blend an onion with black pepper and a tiny bit of water. Then, strain it with a paper towel and apply it to your roots with a cotton pad. Onion is high in sulfur (a fundamental building block for hair) and improves circulation, bringing back nourishment for your hair follicles. It is highly antibacterial, fighting off scalp infections and fungi to improve your overall scalp health. It also contains enzyme catalyzers that fight the early onset of grey hair. The black pepper is another super ingredient that is rich in vitamin A and C, both of which are key in hair growth.
Ancient Indian hair secrets inspire a great product to use is Fable and Manes “HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil.” It is excellent for strengthening hair and is available at Sephora.
When you add any oil or juice to your hair, always make sure you massage the Ayurvedic Marma points for about five minutes. If you are using any oils, heating them first helps stimulate the hair follicles and blood circulation and further promotes the benefits!