Ayurvedic remedies for hair breakage and brittle hair

By now, everyone knows that chemicals, bleach, and heat can not only dry out your hair, but they can also make it susceptible to breakage. This is when your hair breaks off before it’s lifecycle is complete, usually mid-way down the shaft or close to the root, leaving those pieces considerably shorter than the rest of your hair. Depending on the natural strength of your hair (some people are born with thick, durable hair, while others naturally have thinner, more brittle hair) and how often you color or use heat it on, the potential for breakage will vary. Some people may never experience it, but if you have, you know the struggle is all too real.

The best way to stop natural hair from breakage and shedding is to first identify the root cause. The cause could be chemical, mechanical or even heat related. Once this root cause is identified, the steps to stop breakage become easy and clear.

If the cause is mechanical, stop manipulating your hair so much. When it is due to chemicals, take a step back and look close at the products you are using. If it is heat related, give the blow dryers and flat-irons a break.

Some steps we can consider to prevent the condition is

• Deep conditioning
• Lower the temperature of styling products
• Skip the topknot
• Stop drying your hair with towels.
• Moisture your hair
• Do treatment before and after colour

According to Ayurveda, the status of your hair health is dependent on the balance of the three vital energies Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in your body.

Breakage of hair is the result of aggravation in Vata levels in your body, which causes dehydration in your scalp tissues. This leads to dryness in your scalp and hair.

At Swastha Life we assess the hair type as per Dosha and Ayurvedic treatments are recommended accordingly.

Warm Oil Scalp Massage

Massaging your scalp with warm Ayurvedic oil provides deep conditioning to your scalp and repairs your broken keratin structures naturally. Also, massaging improves the blood circulation on your scalp, which enhances the nutritional supply to your hair follicles. Ensure you perform warm oil scalp massaging at least an hour before your hair washes 2-3 times a week.

Ayurvedic Hair Packs

Many natural ayurvedic herbs are good for hair and to prevent hair breakage. The most recommended herbs for hair breakage are

• Brinjaraj
• Aloe vera
• Amla
• Jatamansi
• Methi
• Aswaganda
• Brahmi

Hair packs are be made with combination of these herbs along with curd or coconut milk and egg.

Other classical Ayurveda treatments like ksheeradhara and takradhara (herbal preparation prepared in milk or buttermilk poured over forehead and hair) are good for the condition.

As per Ayurveda along with the external application inner health or dosha imbalance inside the body is also important for healthy hair. Lack of a nutritional diet that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and protein is one of the predominant factors that cause a Vata imbalance in your body. Dairy foods, cereals, cooked whole grains, soups, rooted veggies, etc. help pacify your increased Vata dosha. Warm and soothing food is important for hair health.

1 tsp of melted desi cow’s ghee is highly recommended in a meal to control elevated Vata dosha and thus, treat hair breakage naturally. Also, make a habit to have your meals on a regular time.

Along with these nourishing hair treatments any underlying medical condition should be taken care immediately which causes dryness and hair breakage like hypothyroidism or PCOD. Other lifestyle changes will balance the dosha.

• The lack of sleep is a common constituting factor that causes hair loss. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
• Drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet is essential for proper functioning of the body. What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your hair.
• Avoid excess indulgence in alcohol, cigarettes, and other intoxicants.
• Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet. Damp hair is vulnerable and prone to breakage.
• Avoid excessive salt intake.
• Consume easily digestible foods.
• Reduce stress by meditation.