When a painting has colors that are fading, the artist takes it down for restoration. When a street sign is chipping around the
edges, it is taken down for restoration. Hair is no different. After time passes between hair cuts and various styling products are uses, hair needs restoration. One way to improve a hair’s life and appearance is through hair treatments.
The ayurveda concept of hair is that poor hair quality is a reflection of poor health. Preventative maintenance efforts and external hair care is simply not enough to maintain a healthy state of hair being. Ahara-Vihar, diet and lifestyle, is a concept that supports the ayurvedic process of whole body healthy living. With this there is a belief that illness, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and poor nutritional habits play a key role in the state of hair health. Any of these factors failing will result in hair health issues such as dandruff and premature graying.
The initial step in maintaining Ahara-Vihar lifestyle is by following an ayurvedic diet rich in hair fortifying nutrients. This type of diet will be composed of whole grain, natural foods including fruits, vegetables, spices and dairy products to deliver essential nutrients to the hair. Foods such as leafy greens, broccoli, carrots and white daikon radish vegetables are essential components of the diet. As are cumin and tumeric spices. These spices transport the healthy nutrients to hair cells and tissue. Ayurveda recommends dairy products such as whole milk and fresh cheese to be included. Fresh coconut is an ideal choice as it aids in correcting imbalances found in Pitta dosha, the heat principle of the body.
One method of hair treatments is dealing with hair loss. Either prematurely or with aging, hair loss can be treated by natural means or through a variety of medical procedures. A common procedure for the treatment of
hair loss is hair transplantation. Here hair follicles on other areas of the head are located and transplanted into areas that are balding. These hair follicles are selected based on the resistance to balding. Hair transplantation takes the form of large hair plugs to mini hair grafts that contain one to four strands of hair.
Although effective, a safer hair treatments method to hair loss is utilizing the ayurveda method of healthy dieting. This is based on the fact that the most common cause of hair loss is lack of proper nutrition. Maintaining a diet of wholegrain, natural foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates can aid in preventing hair loss. In addition to poor nutrition, a vitamin and mineral deficiency can result in hair loss. A specific vitamin deficiency lies in a diet void of B6 and B12 vitamins. Both can be found in protein rich foods such as liver, chicken and fish. A change in diet is one of the most effective ways to combat hair loss.
Another hair treatments method is the use of hot oils in the hair. This procedure returns moisture to the hair that has been lost due to blow drying, straightening, coloring or other hair styling factors. A typical hot oil hair treatment is utilized once a week to give the hair strength and body. Instant style damage is repaired as the oil treatment reaches every strand of hair once applied. The end result is healthy, more natural looking hair.
There are numerous hot oil treatments available on the market. However, many of these products contain oils that are too large to effectively repair the hair damage. These larger oils are unable to penetrate the scalp and thus result in product buildup causing more damage to hair. An effective hot oil treatment is selecting a collection of natural oils such as olive oil, jasmine and jojoba oil. Natural oils massage the hair and scalp in addition to repairing styling damage.
Poor nutrition can result in another hair treatment problem known as dandruff. With this condition, white flakes form on the scalp and loosen often falling on a person’s shoulders or back. At times, the flakes can be yellow in color and contain a faint odor. A hormonal imbalance, stress, illness and lack of exercise are also components of dandruff problems. An excessive over-use of hair styling products such as hairsprays and gels can also trigger a dandruff problem.
There are a variety of chemical based dandruff treatment shampoos available on the market. A more effective treatment however can be found in a healthy balance of diet and hair care maintenance. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber, tomato and radish is recommended. These foods contain vitamins and minerals that provide nourishment to the hair and scalp. When combined with yogurt, whole grain cereals and kidney beans or other high protein foods, dandruff can be effectively treated without the use of harsh chemicals.
Ayurveda believes that many factors play a key role in a healthy hair regiment. Watching what goes into the mouth and what is used on the hair are just two steps in the right direction. Regular scalp massages and hair cleaning is also essentials. Having regular, sustainable sleep patterns will also go a long way towards maintaining healthy hair. Ayurveda views sleep maintenance regiments as a vital part of hair maintenance. In addition, stress management is a key role as well. When a person is under a constant state of stress, hair appearance will suffer.
