A healthy head of hair appears shiny, bouncy and full of life. Dull, dry, lifeless hair is a sign for herbal intervention. When hair is flaky and in need of repair from styling damage, hot oil treatments are the best course

The ayurveda concept of whole body health believes that simple hair maintenance is not enough to maintain a healthy state of hair. Whether through external hair care or preventative maintenance, more needs to be done to ensure that hair remains in a natural, healthy state. This can be achieved by followed the ayurvedic concept of Ahara-Vihar, diet and lifestyle. Here an understanding is present that factors such as illness, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and poor diet contribute not only to physical health but to hair health as well. When any of these factors are neglected, hair issues such as dandruff, thinning hair and premature graying arise. The initial step towards healthy hair is adhering to a diet rich in nutrients that fortify hair quality.

A diet rich in whole grain, all natural foods is the most efficient for delivering essential nutrients to hair.

Hot oil treatments work to restore moisture to hair that has been lost due to blow drying, coloring or other styling procedures. Typically utilized once a week, a hot oil treatment can provide strength and body to dull, damaged hair. The restoration process almost has an immediate effect once applied to the hair. This is achieved by the oil reaching every strand of hair upon the initial application to the scalp. This provides an end result of more natural, healthy looking hair.

Numerous hot oil treatments are available on the market today. The hidden dangers in these accessible treatments are the large amounts of oil contained in the products themselves. The large concentration of oils is unable to penetrate the scalp and therefore cause more damage to the hair. This occurs by the product buildup of the oils into the scalp. A more effective oil treatment would be utilizing an herbal method. Selecting natural oils such as olive oil, jasmine or jojoba oil will result in a healthier repair of hair styling damage.

According to Ayurveda, a healthy hair regimen includes nourishing hair before problems become present. An effective way to ward off these problems is through a warm, hot oil treatment. With a variety of herbs, the hair can be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Not only does a hot oil massage provide nourishment for the hair, it relaxes a person’s mind, body and spirit as well. As with herbal shampoos, the selection of herbs for a hot oil treatment is based on a person’s hair type.

Ayurveda defines dry, frizzy hair types as Vata-predominate hair. For this hair type, almond oil or sesame oil is recommended. Both reduce stiffness in the scalp and are an excellent source of nourishment for hair. Fine hair that is pre disposed to thinning or graying is referred to as Pitta-predominiate hair. Here, pitta pacifying coconut oil is recommended in warding off the premature hair problems associated with this hair type. Hair types that are thick and prone to oiliness are referred to as Kapha-predominate. Sesame oil and olive oil are an efficient choice due to the ability of keeping pores open, thus reducing oiliness in hair.

In addition to utilizing hot oils as hair treatments, ayurveda recommends a selection of herbs to increase the benefits of hair and scalp massages. Brahmi can be utilized as a way to calm the mind and nervous system. This will pacify the Vata by nourishing hair follicles. Amalaki herb can be used on all hair types. Acting as a cooling agent, this herb can nourish and purify hair follicles. Neem is recommended for Kapha-predominate hair types. This has excellent capabilities in cleansing and purifying hair.

Ayurveda views the benefits of hot oil massage treatments to be relaxing to muscles in the neck area of the body. The massages also strengthen the hair roots and hair shafts. This aids in promoting the growth of new hair. Another benefit is returning luster and vibrancy to hair. Hot oil massages can also prevent further hair damage as a result of sun exposure. In keeping with the principle of whole body treatment, ayurveda views hot oil hair massages to be a way of promoting restful sleep.

By simply watching what is placed inside the mouth and what is used on the hair itself, a person can maintain what ayurveda views as a healthy hair regiment. In addition to these two factors, regular cleansing of the hair and massaging the scalp can aid in hair health. Improper or irregular sleep patterns have a way of disturbing not only whole body health but hair health as well. Ayurveda views sleep regiments to be a vital part of healthy hair maintenance. Stress management is an area where a person needs to focus significant time on. Here, the belief is that living in a constant state of stress will cause hair problems such as premature graying. This can also result in dull, lifeless hair appearance.