Hair Care Secrets
In Ayurveda, hair (along with nails) is considered to be a by-product of bone formation. The dhatu or tissue responsible for building bones (asthi) also gives rise to the hair. (For an explanation of the dhatus, please see this page.)
Thus, proper nutrition of the bones is necessary for healthy growth of your hair. If you don’t completely absorb calcium and magnesium, for example, not only will your bones be adversely affected, but your hair may become brittle, develop split ends, break easily, and even begin to fall out.
It is important to note that if your hair is unhealthy, it may be an indication that you are not absorbing these minerals effectively; this suggests that the health of your bones will be—or may already be—adversely affected. So the health of your hair (as well as your nails) is a good indicator of the health of your bones.
The following Ayurvedic secrets of healthy hair will help you keep your hair’s natural strength and luster.
PROPER DIET. Healthy hair depends first upon eating nutritious food. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and freshly prepared yogurt are good for bones and hair, as are white radish and daikon. Coconut, cooked apples, and cabbage are also beneficial.
TAKE A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT. You can improve the condition of your hair (and also strengthen your bones) by taking supplements of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and other minerals. An effective formula will contain a daily dose of about
calcium
1,200 mg.
magnesium
600 mg.
zinc
60 mg.
Oil Massage for Hair Health and Beauty
Rubbing a little oil on your scalp is beneficial for your hair. Amla oil, bhringaraj oil, and brahmi oil are all cooling, are quite favorable for healthy growth of your hair, and help maintain the hair’s natural luster. These oils are fine for all body types. (Please see instructions on how to prepare these oils in appendix 2.)
Before going to bed, rub 2 teaspoons of the oil onto your hair. Note that the object here is to apply the oil to the scalp, not the hair. Gently massaging the scalp improves circulation at the root of the hair and thus increases the supply of nourishing minerals that support the roots.
First pour the oil into a small dish. (You may wish to warm it up a little.) Dip your fingertips into the oil, and then run your fingers through your hair, with the intention of getting the oil to the scalp, not oiling the hair. Gently massage from the center of your scalp (the crown of your head) down toward your ears. A rough or rapid application may disturb the roots of your hair.
SESAME SEEDS. Every morning, eat a handful of white sesame seeds. One handful of sesame seeds contains about 1,200 mg. of calcium and magnesium and promotes healthy growth of your hair.
COCONUT WATER FOR CALCIUM. Drinking coconut water (the “juice” inside the fresh coconut) also helps to provide essential calcium for hair growth. You can have ½ cup a day. Drinking coconut milk (made from coconut “meat” blended in water) is also helpful, but is a second choice.
NOTE: If you have high cholesterol, you may not want to use so much coconut, as coconut is high in saturated fat, which increases cholesterol in the blood.
STIMULATE YOUR HAIR BY COMBING. Gently combing your hair with a comb, a little in the opposite direction of its natural tendencies, helps to improve the circulation at the root of the hair and will make your hair healthier.
Vigorous brushing of the hair is not recommended.
YOGA FOR YOUR HAIR. Several yoga postures are effective for relieving pressure and tension in the neck, which will increase circulation to the scalp. These include the Shoulder Stand; the Camel, Cobra, and Cow poses; and the Spinal Twist.
NOTE: For strategies to combat hair loss, see “Baldness.”