Having healthy hair is not just an add-on to the personal identity and it also reflects the overall well-being of an individual. Being a common issue, hair problems may arise from medication, mental health problems, illness, family history, environmental causes, sleep problems, etc. To make it worse the endorsement of hair care products has damaged the hair quality that scalp health.
The ancient science of Ayurveda mentions various measures to prevent and treat hair problems. Proper dietary intake is a key factor that provides the required nourishment to the hair and scalp. Along with a healthy Ayurvedic diet, there are a lot of things for hair care in Ayurveda.
Depending on the body constitution, Ayurveda has a lot to offer in the field of trichology. This includes preventive and curative measures. Since the winter is at the door, let us focus on the ayurvedic oils for winter hair care.
Winters are warmly welcomed and the season can have a magical effect on your mood. However, the drop-in temperature and dry air can be harsh on your hair. During winters there is less moisture in the air, which can deplete the moisture content from hair. It can make the hair fragile (breaks easily) and this demands extra attention towards hair care.
Below are some of the herbal oils that you can choose from as per your needs and requirements.
Ayurvedic Oils for Winter Hair Care
Brahmi Oil (Bacopa Monnieri)
Brahmi is one of the best herbs that has gained popularity in hair care. The oil helps nourish the scalp, is good for hair growth, and controls hair fall. Head massage with brahmi oil improves blood circulation and adds moisture to the hair. The oil is prepared using brahmi leaves with other oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sesame oil.
The compound saponins and flavonoids in brahmi have a significant role in hair health.
Benefits of compound saponins in Brahmi
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Improves blood flow
- Makes the hair strong
- Increases hair density
Benefits of compound flavonoids in Brahmi
- It is a powerful antioxidant
- Increases hair growth
- Neutralizes the hair damage from environmental factors
- Prevents premature greying
- Promote hair health
How to use Brahmi Oil?
You may apply the oil directly on the scalp and hair or you may warm the oil slightly. Apply with fingertips in a circular motion on a clean hair.
Fenugreek Oil (Methi oil)
Methi seeds, a common ingredient in kitchen shelves, may come as a surprise for using it on hair. Apart from being good for your body the topical application of fenugreek oil is highly effective for hair health. The oil is rich in protein and iron, the most important nutrient for hair growth.
Benefits of fenugreek oil
- Promotes hair growth
Being rich in protein the oil is effective in stopping hair loss or preventing baldness. The high level of lecithin in fenugreek strengthens the hair roots.
- Prevents dandruff
Nicotinic acid and high protein in fenugreek oil help prevent dry scalp. It controls itching and also prevents infection.
- Maintains scalp health
The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek help in hair growth. Also, the anti-oxidant properties in fenugreek support scalp health.
- Makes the hair shine
Fenugreek oil promotes the absorption of moisture. This makes it a suitable oil for winter hair care and makes the hair soft.
- Stops greying of hair
The oil increases melanin production. Melanin is a pigment that determines the hair color. An increase in the production of this pigment indicates dark hair color.
Neem oil
Neem oil is extracted from the seeds and fruits. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property of neem makes it a wonderful herb for healthy hair and scalp. The oil is rich in limonoids, vitamin E, antioxidants, fatty acids, etc.
Benefits of Neem Oil
- Prevents dryness of the scalp
Neem oil is anti-inflammatory and this makes it beneficial for scalp problems.
- Hair growth
Head massage with neem oil improves blood circulation and promotes hair growth.
- Good for frizzy hair
Neem oil can help absorb moisture and make the hair look smooth.
Ways to apply neem oil
- Apply warm neem oil directly on the scalp and leave it for 2-3 hours. To see the result using it twice a week is recommended.
- It can be added to shampoo or conditioner.
- Neem oil can be sprayed on the hair.
Amla Oil (Indian Gooseberry oil)
Amla has great health benefits and also makes it an excellent ayurvedic hair oil for winter care. It is one of the most important plants used in Ayurveda. The oil strengthens the hair follicles, prevents hair breakage, and promotes hair growth.
Benefits of Amla Oil
- Strengthens the hair and promotes a healthy scalp
- Prevents dryness
- Stops hair loss
- Prevents hair greying
- Prevents or/and manages scalp infection
- Moisturizes hair
- Protects from external damage
Ways to use Amla Oil
- Warm the oil gently as it penetrates the scalp more efficiently.
- Apply hair on the scalp and on each strand generously.
- Keep it for an hour or two.
- Later wash the hair with gentle shampoo.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used in kitchen recipes and is also very popular in skin and hair care. Being high in lauric acid, coconut oil makes it a great oil for hair care. Oiling hair with coconut oil improves hair texture, prevents hair loss, and promotes a healthy scalp.
Benefits of coconut oil
- Repairs the split ends
- Makes hair smooth and shiny
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens hair
- Deeply condition the hair
- Protects hair from heat damage
Ways to use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can deeply moisturize hair and it can be used as a pre-wash. Apply warm coconut oil before hair wash. Leave it for an hour and wash it with gentle shampoo.
Take Away
Hair problems are common in winter and some of the contributing factors include diet, less sunlight, stress, reduced blood circulation, etc. A good oil massage is one of the important factors that can help you manage hair problems during winter. Making it a regular routine can make your hair look great in chilled winters.