Ayurveda is an old Indian ritual that has been practised for over 5,000 years which provides an holistic outlook on living a health hair. Ayurvedic recipes have stirred up talk within the natural hair community as a new growth technique. In this method ayurvedic oils, herbs, recipes and techniques are used on the scalp and hair to promote growth. In addition, it adds sheen, softens your hair, defines your curls, eases manageability, nourishing the scalp, strengthens your hair, reduces breakage ad split ends. These treatments improve the overall health of your curls.
In this article I will be sharing a detailed natural hair routine using ayurvedic herbs and oils to facilitate your hair routine.
1. Pre-poo
The first step is the pre-poo. Occasionally you may pre-poo choose to do a pre-poo on your hair and scalp. Pre-poos are known to reduce the stripping of the natural oils from the scalp, and the dryness of the hair after shampooing. Prepoo involves coating your hair with an oil the night before or a few minutes before you shampoo. This isn’t done frequently by individuals but for those who do have truly benefited.
Ayurvedic Prepoo:
Ingredients:
Coconut Oil
Amla Oil
Neem Oil
Shikakai Oil
* The measurement of the oils will all depend on the length of your hair*
Method:
Apply the oils to an applicator bottle.
Shake Well.
Then, coat the hair with the pre-poo. You can choose to steam your hair by placing a plastic cap over it for 20 minutes before you wash your hair. In addition, you can just sleep with your hair steaming. Then, rinse in the morning with your shampoo.
2. Shampoo
Next, is to shampoo your scalp. We all know shampoos are cleansers which remove dirt and debris from the scalp. In addition, they should not strip the natural oils from your scalp that help to promote growth as well as moisturise your new growth. To switch to an ayurvedic shampoo you can use, firstly, Aritha which is also known as soap nuts. It is an all-natural agent that will cleanse the scalp, especially if you have an oily scalp. As well as, it promotes volume. You can also use shikakai powder. This all-natural cleanser as well helps to reduce dandruff, and promote growth. As well as, it acts as a mild conditioner because it adds slip to assist you to detangle it. Lastly, neem powder. Neem powder has a variety of benefits for the hair especially the scalp. It is known to nourish the scalp with the variety of minerals that it contains, and exfoliate the scalp.
Shikakai/Neem Shampoo:
Ingredients:
½ cup of Shikakai/Neem Powder
Essential oils of your choice
1 cup of Water
Applicator/Spray Bottle
Method:
Mix 2 parts of the powder with 1 part of water into an applicator bottle.
Then, add your essential oils of choice.
Shake well.
Pour the applicator/spray bottle of shampoo unto the scalp then massage it in.
Then, rinse thoroughly.
Soap Nuts Shampoo:
Ingredients:
5 Soap Nuts
3 Cups of Water
Saucepan
Applicator bottle.
5 drops of any essential oil of your choice
Method:
Place the soap nuts into a small muslin bag if you have, or a cheese cloth.
Then, place into the saucepan with 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes
Add 1 more cup of water to the pot and let it simmer for 10 more minutes
Remove from heat and let it cook.
Squeeze out the bag until it suds. Then, rinse with cool water and squeeze into the pan again.
Voila, it is ready for use. Massage the mixture from the applicator bottle unto the scalp to cleanse.
3. Conditioner
Next in the routine is, is to condition your curls. As previously stated you can use shikakai powder as a co-wash in your outine. You can also use marshmallow root. Marshmallow root is a very slippery substance that once applied to the hair provides slip for detangling purposes. Many naturals use it as a conditioner. It is known to reduce tangles, nourish your hair follicles and scalp, conditions your hair strands, and adds moisture.
Marshmallow Root Conditioner:
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
Strainer
4 tablespoons of shredded marshmallow root
Essentials oils of your choice.
Applicator or Spray Bottle.
Method:
You can heat up your water in the microwave or bring the water to a boil on the stove.
Then, place the marshmallow root in a cup. And, pour the hot water over it and let it seep for 10 – 20 minutes.
After it seeps in, strain the rinse into your applicator/spray bottle. And, add your array of essential oils.
Then, apply to your as a conditioner and detangle.
4. Hot oil treatments
Next step within your regimen may be to do hot oil treatments at least once a month. A hot oil treatment is done to ensure that the moisture that you applied is retained for a long period. In addition, it helps to sooth dry scalp because the scalp is continuously being moisturised with healthy oils.There is a way to do Hot Oil Treatments the ayurvedic way.
Ayurvedic Hot Oil Treatment:
Ingredients:
½ cup of any oil of your choice
2 tablespoons of Amla Oil.
1 tablespoon of Brahmi powder.
Applicator Bottle
Method:
Warm your oil of choice and the Amla oil in the microwave.
Then, pour the oil into an applicator bottle.
Next, apply the oil unto your scalp and hair. And, massage the scalp and work in the oil.
Then, cover your hair with a plastic for an hour. Or, sleep with a satin bonnet overnight.
5. Deep Conditioner
Next within your hair care regimen is to do a deep conditioner. Deep conditioning your hair frequently, for example once per week, is crucial in maintaining the health of your hair. You can add hibiscus powder to your deep conditioner or henna for a protein deep conditioner. The hibiscus powder preserves the natural lustre of the hair, strengthens it, prevents premature greys, and reduces breakage and split ends. Henna is a great conditioner for the hair. It strengthens it, adds thickness and lustre, as well as maintains the ph. balance of it.
Based on the overall health on Indians here you can see the benefits of having an ayurvedic natural hair routine. Naturals have been using a full routine or taking parts of the ayurvedic regimen and incorporating it into their hair regimen. Have you tried an ayurvedic routine?
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