Hair Fall and Early Greying: Ayurvedic Secrets for Strong, Healthy Hair

In English

Why Do We Lose Hair?

Hair fall can have many causes:

• Heredity
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Scalp infections
• Poor nutrition, such as low calcium, magnesium, zinc or iron
• Illness, such as after typhoid or with diabetes

Ayurveda adds one more key reason: excess PITTA (heat).

Pitta people, and anyone with too much body heat, are more likely to have early hair fall, thinning or premature greying. Heat at the hair roots weakens them.

1. Cool the Scalp With Oil

• At bedtime, massage coconut oil into your scalp and the soles of your feet. Wear old socks and cover your pillow with a towel.
• Bhringraj oil and Brahmi oil are classic Ayurvedic hair oils. Massaging them into the scalp improves blood flow to the roots.
• Vitamin E oil can also be massaged into the scalp.

2. Aloe Vera for the Scalp

Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the scalp for 30 minutes before washing. It cools and soothes excess Pitta.

3. Eat for Your Hair

• White sesame seeds (til): a handful every morning, a natural source of calcium and minerals
• Dairy like milk and curd, if you digest it well
• Coconut, cooked apples, cabbage and white radish (mooli)
• Amla, a traditional favourite for hair
• Avoid too much spicy, sour, salty and fried food, which increases Pitta

4. Relax Your Neck and Mind

Stress and a stiff neck can reduce blood flow to the scalp.

• Massage your neck and shoulders before your bath.
• Simple neck exercises: turn your head left 3 times, right 3 times, up 3 times, down 3 times, then gently roll it in circles.
• Yoga: Cobra, Camel and