Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Prevent And Reverse Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of our generation’s biggest problems. Blame it on the air or the sun, but we can’t deny the problem anymore.

All those years of vigorous shampooing, using hair dryers, and sun damage are bound to take a toll on our hair. This, in addition to an unhealthy lifestyle or even hormonal imbalance, could lead to hair fall and lifeless hair.

Who knew we had to pamper our hair the same way we take care of our skin? But fear not. Here are a few Ayurvedic remedies to help rectify all the years of hair damage and neglect.

1. Oil Massage

An oil massage is one of the best treatments for your hair and scalp. It conditions the scalp, increases blood circulation, and strengthens the roots. Hair follicles receive more nutrients through scalp stimulation. And the best part – it’s one of the most comforting feelings in the world.

There is a wide variety of oils to choose from:

Neelibhringadi, Kunthala Kanthi And Kanjunnyadi Oils

Medicated oils such as these are useful in preventing hair loss and strengthening the hair. These oils are a mixture of Ayurvedic ingredients like amalaki, neeli, hibiscus, and bhringraj.

Nut-Based Oils

Rich in vitamin A and E, these oils are used to promote hair growth and repair damage. Popular examples are almond oil and macadamia nut oil.

Coconut Oil

This penetrates easily into the hair shaft because of its low molecular weight.¹ This reduces dandruff, cleans the scalp, and rejuvenates the hair. It’s great for dry hair.

Olive Oil

Most hair issues like split ends and dry strands are a result of lack of moisture. This oil helps to reduce the loss of moisture in the hair thanks to the high vitamin E content.² Other benefits include preventing hair loss, eliminating dandruff, and repairing split ends.

Olive oil infused with rosemary is also beneficial in treating hair loss.

Directions Of Use

1. Heat oil in a bowl.
2. Apply it slowly on to the scalp, massaging it gently for at least 10 minutes.
3. Work from the roots to the ends of the hair.
4. Do not rub the hair between your palms.
5. Keep it for 1–2 hours.
6. Rinse it off with shampoo and conditioner.

Do this once a week.

2. Bhringraj

Bhringraj hair oil is amazing for hair treatment. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic practices, it strengthens the root, prevents split ends, and prevents baldness.

It doesn’t stop there! Bhringraj is used to treat alopecia – a serious hair-loss condition.³ Bhringraj leaves also help to reduce premature graying of hair.

Directions Of Use

1. Make a paste out of bhringraj leaves.
2. Apply it gently onto the scalp and let it rest for a while.
3. Rinse it off with water.

If you can’t get access to bhringraj leaves, get the dried powder.

1. Add a few tablespoons of warm water to it.
2. Apply it on the scalp and leave it for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with water.

3. Henna

Give yourself a natural dye! Henna helps to give your strands of gray hair a natural and healthier conceal. Unlike other dyes, henna has no chemicals, ammonia, or toxins.

But it’s most popular trait is that it conditions the hair. Regular use of henna encourages thicker and lustrous hair. It also helps reduce hair fall and fix hair damage.

Applying henna twice a month will boost the your hair quality.

Directions Of Use

1. For dry hair, mix henna with yogurt and a tablespoon of coconut oil.
2. To focus on hair growth, mix 5 cups of henna with gingli oil.

Avoid henna if you have a very sensitive scalp.

4. Fenugreek

A study conducted by the University of Indonesia proved that fenugreek helps to promote hair growth. Fenugreek aka methi is useful to strengthen the roots. This prevents hair fall, reduces dandruff, and adds shine to your hair.

Washing your hair with fenugreek and cooked green gram helps to increase blood circulation around your hair follicles.

5. Shikakai 

Shikakai is one of Ayurveda’s favorite hair treatments. It’s been used as a hair cleanser for hundreds of years because of its anti-fungal properties. It helps to treat dandruff and reduces hair fall.

Directions Of Use

1. Mix one tablespoon of shikakai with half a cup of coconut oil or avocado oil.
2. Alternatively, mix shikakai with yogurt and let it rest on your scalp for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with water and say hello to shiny hair.

6. Aloe Vera

The uses of aloe vera are abundant. From keeping your skin moisturized to treating burns and keeping your general health in check (thank you, antioxidants), aloe vera is in the top ranks of healing plants.

It has been used around the world to deal with hair loss. The enzymes in aloe vera help to repair dead cells on the scalp. It reduces itching and acts as a great conditioner.

Hair is made up of a protein known as keratin. This has a similar chemical makeup as that of aloe vera. Hence, aloe vera stimulates the hair for repair and growth.

Directions Of Use

1. Mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of lemon juice to repair your hair.
2. Or mix aloe vera gel with coconut oil to kick-start hair growth.

7. Brahmi Oil

Brahmi oil is another favorite herb in Ayurveda. The ingredients of brahmi oil have been found to stimulate hair growth.⁴

Directions Of Use

1. Massage your scalp and hair with brahmi oil to rejuvenate your hair.
2. You can also make a hair pack mixing yogurt and brahmi oil.

8. Amla Oil

Indian gooseberry or amla is a popular solution to hair-related issues. Traditionally, amla oil has been used for reducing premature gray hair and for hair rejuvenation.⁵ Amla oil is perfect for oily hair.⁶

Directions Of Use

1. Boil water with dried amla pieces and leave it overnight.
2. Use this water to wash off your hair.
3. Alternatively, include amla pieces in coconut oil. This acts as a hair conditioner and prevents hair loss and balding.

General Pointers To Prevent Hair Loss

• Do not comb wet hair. This action tugs more at the hair roots, resulting in hair fall. Do not comb your hair until it’s air dried. Use a wide-tooth comb to keep the tangles away.
• An unhealthy diet and lifestyle aggravates hair loss. Your hair and bones have similar needs. So make sure you consume foods that are rich in calcium for hair growth. Cheese, freshly prepared yogurt, cooked apples, and cabbage are some good choices.
• Protect your hair like you protect your skin. Try to dry your hair naturally. Reaching out to a hair dryer especially when it’s set at a high temperature, damages your hair.⁷