So you’ve finally tried Ayurveda in your hair regimen, but you find that you hair feels drier than normal. Well today I’m going to focus on the top 5 herbs for dry hair.
Rose Water: is a natural but gentle astringent that can soothe skin and scalp. Rosewater is rich in flavonoids and vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E that naturally nourish and condition the hair and scalp. The anti-inflammatory properties in rose petals make it beneficial for psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. Rosewater also has a similar pH to our hair and has been said to stabilize hair’s pH balance. Rosewater can also reduce frizz and flyaways. Learn how to make distilled rose water here.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are boiled down to produce a gel or mucilage that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids nourish the hair, increase elasticity in the strand, and prevent dry and brittle hair. The Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) found in Flaxseeds are said to inhibit excess DHT production which can result in male pattern baldness. While using flaxseed gel is a great way to nourish and condition hair and skin, the internal consumption of flaxseeds is the best way to maximize these benefits. Flaxseeds are a great addition to salads and smoothies. Learn how to make flaxseed gel and create a gel leave-in in this video.
Slippery Elm: produces a mucilage of polyuronides (gums and pectins) that benefit the hair by providing amino acids, iodine, calcium, and fatty acids. The carbohydrates and sugars in slippery elm create a mucilage when added to water. This gooey mucilage can penetrate deep into the hair strands, helping to break down strand cohesion allowing them to glide past each other. Check out this video on how to make a slippery elm and okra gel.
Aloe Vera: contains 18 amino acids, 75 active bio-nutrients, and 200 phytonutrients that nourish and heal the scalp. Studies show the Aloe Vera can promote hair growth, improve blood flow, reduce hair loss, reduce inflammation. Because it can reduce inflammation, Aloe Vera has been successfully used to fight dandruff and dermatitis. Aloe Vera gel or juice is a great way to impart shine and moisture to the hair. Learn how to make an aloe vera gel moisturizer for hair.
Alma: is rich in vitamin C which boosts collagen production in hair, gives hair shine, coats and nourishes the hair strand, defines hair texture, and adds volume to hair strands. Amla powder can also stimulate hair growth, strengthen the hair strand at the root, and aid in preventing premature greying. Learn how to make an amla powder mask here.
