When a house has chipped paint, it gives an impression of being worn down. When an article of clothing has stains, it gives an impression

According to Ayurveda, preventative hair care measures and external hair maintenance are not sufficient in maintaining a healthy hair lifestyle. Utilizing the concepts of Ahara-Vihar, diet and lifestyle, ayurveda treats the whole body thereby including hair health. Illness, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and poor diet and nutrition habits are all factors in maintaining hair quality. Poor maintenance of any of these factors can result in dandruff, thinning hair, and premature graying. The first step in maintaining healthy hair is following a diet rich in nutrients to fortify hair quality.

An ayurveda diet composite of wholesome, natural foods is the most efficient way to deliver nutrients to the hair. Dark leafy greens, broccoli, carrots and white daikon radish vegetables are excellent choices for providing the hair with a vital supply of rich nutrients. Cumin and tumeric spices are also essential hair friendly

In addition to watching what goes in the mouth, Ayurveda recommends watching what goes on the hair itself. Chemical based shampoo products can result in long term whole body health issues. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in 90% of chemical based hair shampoos. The sodium lauryl sulfate chemical is used to create a lathering effect. This chemical can result in eye, brain and liver function problems.

Other common chemicals found in most processed hair shampoos include formaldehyde. Acting as a preservative agent, this chemical is suspected of being a cancer causing agent. Another common shampoo chemical is Isopropyl Alcohol (SD – 40). This is a drying solvent that irritates and dehydrates skin. It also works against the body’s natural immune barrier making a person more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. The best way to combat the harmful effects of these chemicals is to produce homemade hair shampoos utilizing a rich blend of natural herbs.

By producing homemade hair shampoos, a person is in direct control of the substances being utilized to maintain a healthy hair regiment. A proper selection of the right herbs for a person’s hair type will provide effective hair cleaning. Added bounce or shine will also be given to hair appearance. Placing fresh herbs onto the surface of the hair provides for absorption of the herbs by the scalp. Once absorbed, the vitamins, minerals and nutrients contained in the herbs provide nourishment for the scalp. The end result will be shinny, healthy hair rich in nutrients and fortified with a natural balance of vitamins and minerals.

For normal hair types, a variety of herbs can be selected for use in homemade hair shampoos. Sage, peppermint, rosemary, and dried nettle leaves are the most effective herbs for oily hair types. Sage contains antioxidants and acts as an antibacterial. Rosemary aids in preventing premature balding by stimulating hair follicles. Dried nettle leaves acts as blood stimulators and contain a large source of nutrients for hair. For dry “fly away” hair, red clover, orange flowers, sandalwood and lavender are effective herbal choices. Lavender maintains the production of sebaceous gland oil thereby reducing itchy, flaky scalp conditions.

A natural homemade hair shampoo recipe utilizing a selection of the herbs mentioned above calls for the following ingredients: 4 oz. of castile soap in any available scent, ½ oz of rosemary, ½ oz of sage, ½ oz of dried nettle leaves, and ½ oz of lavender and 2000 mg of MSM. MSM improves the overall health and strength of hair by providing the scalp with organic sulfur. Combine the herbs into a jar containing a lid. Bring 2 cups of distilled water to a boil. Add 3 large tablespoons of the herb mixture to the boiling water. Let the mixture sit away from the heat source for about 30 minutes.

Once cooled, place 2000 mg of MSM into the mixture and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. After this period, strain the entire mixture into a bowl using cheesecloth or another straining utensil. Pour 2 oz or 2 ½ oz of the strained mixture in an 8 oz plastic bottle. This can be a rinsed out shampoo bottle or other plastic bottle available. Add 4 oz castile soap to the strained mixture and mix well. The homemade hair shampoo mixture is now ready for use. A change can be made to the selection of herbs used depending on personal needs at the time.

In addition to watching what is placed into the mouth and what is utilized on the hair, Ayurveda believes in maintaining a regular hair maintenance regiment. This includes scalp massages and cleaning of the hair and scalp. Ayurveda also view sleep as a vital component in the maintenance of healthy hair. Improper or irregular sleep patterns result in whole body issues thus effecting hair health. Stress management is also a key component in whole body health and hair health issues. Ayurveda believes that a holistic approach to hair care provides a vital role in whole body health care.