The rumors are true – hair health really and truly begins at the scalp. Ayurvedic herbs and foods have been used for centuries in holistic haircare, both topically and internally. These sacred ingredients hold within their cells the healing codes of nature – that conventional haircare is downright lacking.

You will see that many of the Ayurvedic herbs known for hair health are also Pitta-pacifying herbs. This is because heat is a major cause of dry hair, thinning, and all sorts of other hair issues. People with high Pitta may experience hair thinning or premature greying – which makes sense, because heat leaves the body through the crown of the head. All in all, both the brain and scalp prefer to be cool, which is why Pitta is the important dosha to address for overall hair health.

For long-term healthy hair, it is best to avoid mass-market chemical haircare, as the chemicals ultimately devitalize the scalp (and aggravate Pitta). Instead, Ayurvedic haircare features healing herbs such as Neem, Brahmi, Bhringaraj, Amla (Amalaki), Triphala, and Curry Leaves.

Regular scalp massage is crucial if you are going to have a healthy head of hair. This stimulates circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth. When the scalp is tight and constricted (usually due to stress), it blocks the hair follicles from their fullest expression of growth.

How to do it: Take approximately 1 teaspoon of high-quality hair oil (we recommend our Brahmi Hair Oil which is packed with some of the herbs we discuss below). Beginning at the crown, massage scalp in circular motions with your fingertips, for a few minutes. Ideally do this once or twice weekly, before bed, and rinse oil out in the morning.

Here are 6 of the best topical herbal treatments for hair:

Neem is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that condition the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Brahmi is truly one of the best herbs for total hair, brain, and nervous system health. It stimulates hair growth, promotes cognitive memory function, rejuvenates the nervous system, calms and centers the mind, activates the crown chakra, and helps with natural sleep.

Bhringaraj: known as the “king of hair,” bhringaraj pacifies Pitta, especially at the hair roots, where Pitta is known to “burn up” and weaken hair follicles.

Amla (Amalaki) is a rejuvenative with a high antioxidant content which repairs damaged hair and cells. It prevents hair loss, and cools Pitta.

Triphala prevents premature graying and strengthens the roots, minimizing hair loss. It increases hair volume, and is also known to reduce dandruff. It also cleanses the digestive system, which indirectly benefits all tissue systems of the body.

Curry leaves clear clogged hair follicles by removing the dead ones that are blocking new hair growth. They prevent premature hair loss and graying, and are rich in nourishing antioxidants.

All of these herbs can be found in one or both of our healing haircare products – our Brahmi Hair Oil and Sattvic Herbal Dry Shampoo.

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Diet

A nutrient-dense diet of healthy fats and proteins, fiber from plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and using digestion-enhancing herbs in your diet is crucial. I advise my clients to cook whenever possible with these five spices in equal parts: turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, and cayenne. Melt the spices into your cooking oil before adding anything else to the pan. Additionally, for non-vegans, don’t neglect ojas-enhancing dairy such as raw or grass-fed whole milk, whole yogurts, and ghee.