Ayurvedic Hair Mask: For Thicker, Fuller and Healthier Hair Growth
Ayurveda means knowledge of life and longevity. And how does it achieve that?
By emphasising on leading a balanced life. So not overdoing anything, be it food, exercise or sleep. Everything has to be in moderate amounts. And when that balance tips either side, you get an illness.
Interestingly, ayurveda has a say in hair care as well.
And why not, since ayurveda is a knowledge of life, and our hair is a living entity, at least below the scalp, from where it grows and gets nourishment and strength. So, of course, a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle will influence healthy hair growth.
Besides, ayurveda recommends many herbs that you can apply to heal and stimulate the scalp and beautify the hair. And what are those herbs? Well, there’s a long list. But in this hair mask, I am using my most favorite ayurvedic herbs. And they work really well with each other to promote strong, shiny and luscious hair.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Hair Mask
- Strengthens hair roots and adds volume to your hair
- Stimulates hair growth
- Makes hair soft, smooth, and shiny
- Soothes an itchy scalp and helps with dandruff
- Prevents split ends and hair breakage
- Helps with frizz and fly-aways
Who can use this mask: everyone – whether your hair is dry or oily, fine or coarse, frizzy or damaged. Also if you have excessive hair fall or dandruff, it will benefit you.
The ingredients that you will need to make this hair mask are: shikakai, neem, tulsi (holy basil), and yogurt. Let’s find out more about these herbs and how to make ayurvedic hair mask…
1. Shikakai
Also know as fruit for the hair, shikakai has been used in India for centuries to promote healthy hair. It is naturally ph balancing and helps to detoxify the scalp and strengthen hair roots. Shikakai also has mild conditioning properties that increase bounciness and silkiness of hair.
2. Neem
Neem is fantastic for your scalp problems. Its antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties effectively heal irritated skin/scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives and dandruff. Neem is also a great detoxifier and speeds up the removal of toxins from the scalp that could potentially damage hair and slow growth.
3. Tulsi
Another important herb in ayurveda, tulsi stimulates scalp circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Plus, the abundant antioxidants in tulsi protects the hair from free radical damage— which can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Tulsi is also beneficial for dry, itchy scalp and enhances the shine of hair.
4. Yogurt
I love using yogurt as a base in my hair mask for various reasons. It is very moisturising and nourishing for hair. It’s also rich in protein which will help strengthen the hair follicles. And if your hair is feeling dry, brittle and dull, yogurt will fix it up for you. It is a known hair softener, plus it adds a great shine and softness to your hair.
Now that you know what each ingredient does for your hair, let get making…
To make the ayurvedic hair mask, you will need:
- 5-6 tablespoons full-fat Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Shikakai Powder
- ½ teaspoon Neem Powder
- ½ teaspoon Tulsi  (holy basil) Powder
- ½ teaspoon fenugreek or methi powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, use for dry hair)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use immediately. Or you can let it soak for 10-15 minutes — Soaking helps herbs release their nourishing properties into the yogurt.
How to use:
Start with dry or damp hair. Apply this mask to your scalp and hair. Put on your shower cap or wrap your head in a muslin cloth or a towel.
Leave this on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. Wash with a natural shampoo and let your hair dry naturally. Do this mask once a week to restore and maintain your hair.
Enjoy your beautiful hair!
Extra Notes:
Using yogurt: For this mask, it’s best to use plain, whole fat yogurt. Also, prefer yogurt with live cultures, as it has an extra benefit for the scalp health. If you make it at home that is the best.
Yogurt substitute: If you are a vegan or don’t like putting yogurt on your hair, you can replace it with coconut milk. It offers similar hair benefits as yogurt.
Oiled hair: You can apply the mask on oiled hair, just don’t add the extra oil when preparing the mask.
Where to buy the ingredients
You will find most of the ingredients in an Indian shop. But can also purchase them online.
Buy tulsi powder here, or if you can get tulsi leaves then, use their paste. You can also dry and powder them yourself.
Buy neem powder here, or you can also buy dried neem leaves and powder them yourself.
What are your favorite ayurvedic herbs for hair? Share below!
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