Ayurvedic hair oiling is a sacred practice that has been around for thousands of years. The ancient treatment helps to nourish the hair, strengthen the follicles, promote hair growth, and restore vitality. It also has the potential to help prevent hair loss. In this guide, we’ll explain more about why hair oiling is so important in Ayurveda, as well as how to do it properly.
The Importance of Hair Oiling in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, our hair is a reflection of our general health and well-being. Our hair is also closely connected to our asthi dhatu (bone tissue), which is also responsible for the health of our nails. When we take care of ourselves, our hair — and the rest of our body — will reflect this.
Ayurvedic hair oiling is an integral part of dinacharya, or the daily routine of self-care that Ayurveda promotes. In fact, if you have a chronic problem with your hair (such as dry hair or hair loss), a practitioner may recommend that you oil your hair every day as part of an Ayurvedic hair care routine.
How to Practice Ayurvedic Hair Oiling
If you want to reap the most benefits from Ayurvedic hair oiling, it is important to use authentic Ayurvedic products containing natural oils and herbs — not just any old mixture that came in a shiny bottle.
The best formula for Ayurvedic hair oil is a blend of a carrier oil — such as ghee — and a selection of herbs and botanical extracts. Additionally, the best Ayurvedic products will have organic ingredients and are made in small batches. They will be free of chemical preservatives, sulfates, and dyes.
Ghee is an ideal oil to use for ayurvedic hair oiling as it provides a soothing effect on the scalp and follicles. It is also rich in vitamins A and D, omega-3, and omega-9 fatty acids and antioxidants, which can help fight dandruff and replenish the moisture in the scalp and hair.
To make your own Ayurvedic hair oil, you can combine a base oil (like Ghruta, a premium form of ghee) with the Ayurvedic herbs of your choice. Then, massage a couple of spoonfuls onto your hair and scalp, let it sit for one or two hours, and rinse it out with a sulfate-free shampoo.
Ideally, you should do the Ayurvedic hair oiling ritual on a regular basis, preferably once or twice a week. But the frequency depends on your individual needs. If you have a very sensitive scalp or if you are prone to dandruff, it is best to oil your hair just before you wash it so that the oils and herbs have time to absorb and heal the scalp and follicles. If you’re unsure about when or how to perform Ayurvedic hair oiling, reach out to an Ayurvedic professional.
Nourish and Protect Your Hair with Ayurveda
In addition to oiling your hair regularly, you can also use natural herbal supplements that are designed to keep your hair strong, shiny, and healthy. Chyawanprash is an ancient Ayurvedic formula that contains a blend of 30+ herbs and spices to promote healthy tissue rejuvenation, making it great for hair and nail health.