customizing ayurvedic treatments into a natural hair care routine
by Sharika of Butters-n-Bars
Sure you’ve heard the basics of Vata, Pitta, Kapha and perhaps you’ve even heard of some of the herbs or oils that are considered to be part of the holistic approach to hair care, but did you know that ayurveda can help prevent hair loss, breakage, fill in thinned areas, curb excessive shedding, deepen or change hair color, cover and prevent premature graying, and make your hair soft and radiant like it deserves…BELIEVE IT!!!
It always surprises me when I hear someone say that only a person with straight hair can have a regimen that is centered around ayurveda-simply not true and if I didn’t live it myself and had I not seen the results or the power (yes curlies, this is some powerful stuff;-) of ayurveda I wouldn’t waste our time trying to share this information with others.
The key to it is finding the type of treatments which is best suited to you and the basic principle here is that based on, not your skin color or hair type, but your body type to find the best solutions. Now that is kind of weird, but can be simplified by some simple trial and error. I have some people who absolutely swear by coconut oil and a small percentage that finds coconut oil leaves there hair feeling (and looking) like greased straw– myself included. So, as with any hair ‘regi’, the first thing is to find out what works for you. How your body, hair, and skin all respond to what you’re using and the most important part is to remember that natural is usually better (and who really wants to use a dictionary to try to find out what they’re using on their hair?!)
There are herbs that cleanse like cassia, jaswand, shikakai, and aritha powders. Herbs that repair and strengthen like brahmi, amla, bhringraj(maka), henna. Herbs that helps solve certain problems like Neem, Tulsi and others it’s really all a matter of finding out firstly ‘whats the condition of your hair’ and secondly ‘whats needed to repair and/ or maintain that condition. Ayurvedics make delicious deep treatments, herbal teas and rinses, hair color, even every day moisturizers.
In conjunction with a few staples like shea butter and aloe vera, an ayurvedic regimen is a simple, worthwhile and totally attainable approach to our hair care.
An Ayurvedic regimen is great TLC now that the warm weather is setting
in and we are exposing our hair to the elements, heat, sweat and chemicals
from chlorine in pools, etc. We can utilize the treatments to keep hair
cleansed, happy and healthily detoxed so we don’t spend all winter
trying to heal summer hair!
Got questions? Feel free to ask! My recommendation make ayurveda part of your natural hair care today-and thank me later!
***Got questions for Sharika? Well you’re in luck, ’cause she’s a CURLFRIEND! Head over to the forum and chat with Sharika about all things Ayurveda!***
***Butters-n-Bars is having a Memorial Day Sale! Use code WEEKNDR512 for 20% off of everything through Monday at midnight! Go stock up on that henna boo!***
Uhh it sounds promising and all but I am way too lazy to actually start doing ayurvedic treatments
I use Amla and Vatika oil as a hot oil treatment with great results! I'd love to try henna, but i'm afraid of my hair changing colors.
I have never heard of this… very interesting. I have been reading for a while but I must do my homework now 🙁 wish hair was my job
Also, what can i use to nurture my curl back to life. I have hair the is bone straight after using the henna.
I love auyverdic treatments and have been using henna for the past 3-4 months for it's strenghening benefits. However, my curl pattern has loosened tremendously. what can i use that offers the same benefits without the loosening affects that i get from Henna.
Sharika, you seem very knowlegdeable. Where do you find your information about the powders? What do you read? What are your sources for information? I would like to increase my knowledge about ayurvedic powders and regimens. Thank you.
Thanks for this article. However, it lacks meaningful information that could help someone who lacks knowledge about ayurveda.
Don't know much about this because everyone goes into little detail when they talk about it. Thank you for a little more details because I've wanted to check it out.
Victoria K
I love doing henna treatments, but since I don't have a lot of time I use curlynikki's henna gloss. My hair still gets the color & benefits of the henna which I love. I also mix the henna with shikakai powder to help clean the scalp.
Brooke B.
I love doing henna treatments, but since I don't have a lot of time I use curlynikki's henna gloss. My hair still gets the color & benefits of the henna which I love. I also mix the henna with shikakai powder to help clean the scalp.
Brooke B.
So how exactly should someone use this? As a DC?
I have been using an ayurvedic regimen since 2009 and my hair is now waist length and the healthiest it probably has ever been (I have 4b hair). It is cheap on my pocket and has successfully stopped my Seborrheic dermatitis flare ups and kept it at bay. Only commercial product I use is a leave-in conditioner. I don't really need a commercial leave-in or a detangler, but I have been using my kinky curly curly knot today from I went natural in 2007 and could not bear to give it up.
bspycee..
so glad this article was posted. I have been using aruyvedic powders for about 3 months and love them! I find it hard to find good information out there in the cyber world regarding those on aruyvedic regimens. I would think that more naturals would be into to this because it is all natural.
You guys have me interested..I may just get on board with this trend and see how it works for me 🙂
Can aruyvedic herbs be combined with western heebs such as rosemary,sage, etc. into an aruyvedic regimen?
Hi!!! Are there any active coupon codes?
I have been incorporating Nupur brand henna (which contains a lot of other aruyvedic herbs like amla and neem), amla (for strength) and neem (for scalp issues) into my natural hair regimen for 3 months. I absolutely love them and feel that my hair and skin (used the neem as a spot treatment for a patch of eczema on my leg) are reaping the benefits. The packs are relatively inexpensive $2-3 per pack/box and I find them at my local middle eastern market.
Ayurveda definitely rocks! and it's a lot less expensive than stocking an arsenal of products filled with chemicals, additives, dyes, etc.
Thanks for sharing !
Sharika
Hi Keisha,
Amla is generally a good recommendation for excessive shedding and henna treatments and/or brahmi can help with breakage. Sometimes overmanipulation can also be a culprit in making these types of problems worse as well. I'd love to see your question over on the forum:-)
Sharika
Hi,
I have lots of shedding and breakage. What treatments are good for those and how to include them in my routine? I wash and dc once a week and water rinse every two days. Thanks in advance!
I LOVE ayurvedic products too! Celeste loves the hair paste I make, her curls are poppin' and shine is awesome.
I love ayurvedic products – does wonders for my hair !!!
I have been using an all ayurvedic regime (plus shea butter) for 2 years now and this is the best thing I have ever done for my hair. Love it and my hair is still thanking me.
I LOVE Ayurvedic products. I have use them for a year, and I can see a big difference in my hair.