It's no secret that most people from India has long healthy beautiful hair! Yes, their genetics plays major role to their long shiny tresses but many of them contributes their healthy hair growth to Ayurveda!

Ayurveda has many techniques that can stimulate hair growth and increase volume. Many Ayurveda expects, such as Dr. Ashutosh Gautam suggests the use of herbs and roots in their powder, whole, or dehydrated form to add nutrients to the hair and scalp. As a result, you'll see more hair growth and less hair fall!

[Read "What is Ayurveda?" to learn more about Ayurveda]

14 Ayurvedic Herbs That Promote Hair Growth

Ayurvedic herbs and hair care practices have been linked to hair growth, increasing blood circulation to the scalp, aiding and soothing scalp issues, stimulating hair regrowth, strengthening the hair follicles, thickening the hair, and so many more.

Amla

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry or Amalaki is an essential part of hair care rituals in India. It is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It helps prevent premature greying, conditions the hair, and prevents dandruff and itchy scalp. It provides nourishment that penetrates the scalp and strengthens hair at its root to promote stronger, healthier new growth and helps with hair loss by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. It also has collagen, which is good for boosting the rate at which hair grows. Used on the skin, it can also reduce the appearance of skin blemishes.

How can I use Amla in my regime?

• Use oils made with Amla such as our Shine & Seal Hair Growth Oil to use as a pre-poo, hot oil treatment, scalp massage oil, and hair oil to seal in moisture. You can mix it a deep conditioner to add extra nutrients, shine aid, and add "slip" for detangling during the conditioning process. Think of it as a conditioner booster. 
• Amla powder can be used as a deep conditioner. Add it to yogurt or your ready-made deep conditioner for more conditioning properties. Be sure to strain it before using in your hair. If not, it'll be grainy and washing your hair over and over to get the residue out isn’t fun, trust me.
• Use dehydrated Amla or the powder to make a tea. The tea can be used to mix with a deep conditioner.

Massaging the scalp with amla oil helps boost blood circulation.

 

Bhringraj 

Bhringraj, also known as False Daisy, is said to be the “King of Herbs” for hair growth. Think of it as a multivitamin for the scalp.

Bhringraj used for treating various hair and skin woes. It has been scientifically proven to regrow hair, soothe the scalp, and it has antibacterial and antifungal properties to treat scalp infections and dandruff. Bhringraj also strengthens the root of the hair and encourages the growth of new hair follicles, increasing the volume of hair. It improves the blood circulation to the scalp, stops hair fall and encourages new hair growth.

How can Bhringraj be used in my regime?

• The powder can be infused in a carrier oil or botanical butters such as shea butter that you can apply to your hair and scalp. 
• The powder can also be mixed with herbal tea, aloe vera, water, or yogurt for a deep conditioner. Always strain the final product with cheesecloth or pantyhose to reduce grainy residue in the hair.

Bhringraj oil can be used for treating various hair and skin problems.

 

Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi dana is one treasure spice that may not have originated in India, but has grown to be an essential part of Ayurveda thousands of years ago. 

It's naturally softens and conditions the hair. It stimulates blood flow to the root of the hair and provides "slip" for detangling. It is also used to preserve the hair’s natural pigment meaning it'll help prevent premature graying.

Fenugreek has high protein and nicotinic acid content, also known as Vitamin B3, which encourages growth, eliminates frizz, reduce dandruff, and aids in treating a variety of scalp issues like dryness of hair, baldness and hair thinning. It also has lecithin, which strengthens the hair follicle. It has zinc to help provide protein to the hair and iron that assists with hair fall.

Fenugreek also has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties which can reduce scalp inflammation, dandruff, irritated or sensitive skin, and itchiness.

How can Fenugreek be used in my regime?

Fenugreek can be used in the powder or seed form.

• Mix the powder with herbal tea, water, or yogurt, and other herbs for a deep conditioner. Always strain this mixture.
• Soak the seeds in water or herbal tea overnight. Use the liquid as a final rinse, add other herbs to the liquid to make a herbal tea, or use the liquid to mix your deep conditioner for easily detangling.
• Infuse the powder or seeds in an oil to create a scalp oil to use to massage your scalp and add nutrients to your hair.

Fenugreek seeds are rich in folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin C.

 

Brahmi

Brahmi is also known as Bacopa Monnieri, and Centella Asiatica. It's like the wonder herb of Ayurveda that could prove to be a charm for your hair. Brahmi is mostly popular to calm down stress and clear the mind, but the herb also packs many haircare and beauty benefits.

Brahmi is an outstanding herb that is responsible for strengthening the hair root, nourishing the scalp, and promoting hair growth. Like Fenugreek, Brahmi also has conditioning properties that help tame frizz and reduce hair shedding, increasing thickness.

How can I use Brahmi in my regime?

Brahmi can be used in the leaf or powder form.

• Soak the leaves in water, herbal tea, or aloe vera to make a hair rinse or Brahmi tea.
• Mix the powder with an herbal tea, yogurt, water, or other liquid to make a deep conditioner.
• Soak the powder or leaves in a carrier oil to make Brahmi oil to use as a scalp, hair, and/or body oil.

Massaging the scalp with Brahmi oil has a very soothing effect.

 

Henna

Henna is probably one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs in the world. It’s used for body art, health problems, and of course hair.

Henna is a natural hair conditioner, natural protein treatment, hair strengthener, natural hair dye, repairs damage, and hair volumizer. With constant use, Henna can be deposited and attached to the hair cuticle in order to increase the strength and thickness of hair strands. This is due to Henna coating the hair and adding weight to it.

It has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and astringent properties that help with dandruff, inflammation, irritated or sensitive skin, and itchiness. It also adds shine and removes excess oils from the scalp, preventing clogged pores. Be aware that Henna can be messy and stain, so use gloves and wear something you don't mind staining when using henna. It has dye properties when you allow mixture to sit overnight before using and let sit on your hair for 1-2 hours.

Also, know that some people have documented that their hair texture loosened after using Henna, while others did not notice a difference. Lastly, Henna can be a lot to manage for some people. Use it as a gloss by mixing Henna with a moisturizing conditioner first to see how your hair responds.

How can I use Henna in my regime?

• Henna can be mixed with water, herbal tea, yogurt, apple cider vinegar (ACV), or any liquid. Let the mixture sit overnight so the Henna can release its dye properties; that’s where all the nutrients are. Use the mixture on your hair and then follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to maintain the moisture/protein balance in your hair.
• Henna can be added to water, aloe vera juice, or another liquid to be used as herbal tea. If using the tea on dry hair, follow up with a moisturizing leave in to balance out the strength from the Henna.
• Use it as a gloss by mixing Henna with a moisturizing conditioner and herbal oils to nourish, moisturize, and strengthen all at the same time during the deep conditioning process.

Henna is a natural hair conditioner, hair strengthener, and hair volumizer.

 

Cassia

Cassia is an excellent alternative to henna. It is molecularly similar to keratin, which makes up the outer layer of hair.

Like Henna, Cassia helps repair damaged hair by settling into the surface of the cuticle and fills any holes in found in the cuticles. This gives each hair strand protection against harmful substances in the atmosphere and gives more strength to the hair.

Cassia also has antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic properties that make it excellent for scalp conditions ranging from inflammation, dandruff, irritated or sensitive skin, itchiness, and dermatitis. Cassia is a great conditioner as it smoothes the hair cuticle and proving shine and extra, temporary volume. Long term use of Cassia is needed to maintain added volume because the deposits aren’t permanently placed in the cuticles.

Unlike Henna, Cassie doesn't have dye properties.

How can I use Cassia in my regime?

Cassia can be used in the powder or leaf form.

• Mix the powder with herbal tea, water, or aloe vera juice for a strengthening deep conditioner.
• Add the powder to water, aloe vera juice or herbal tea, strain, and use as a tea for a final rinse or spray midweek.
• The powder or dried leaves can be infused in a carrier oil to use as a scalp oil, hot oil treatment, or to add to deep conditioner as a conditioner booster.

Cassia is an excellent alternative to henna if you don't want to dye your hair.

 

Hibiscus

Hibiscus, also known as Gudhal, is a vibrant flower that has outstanding benefits for hair, skin, and the body. Hibiscus is packed full of amino acids providing the hair with mild proteins. It also has Vitamin A and Vitamin C, both aiding in hair growth and regrowth of bald spots.

Hibiscus also has mucilage, which aids in detangling the hair. It is an excellent conditioner for dry, frizzy hair. Lastly, Hibiscus helps relieve itchiness, dry scalp and dandruff.

How can I use Hibiscus in my regime?

• Hibiscus flowers, petals, or powder can be used in multiple ways.
• Infuse the flowers, petals, or powder with a carrier oil for scalp massages.
• Soak the flowers, petals, or powder in water, aloe vera, or a different liquid for an herbal tea. The tea may have a red hue to it and could stain, so protect yourself and your clothes when using it in a tea.
• Mix the powders with other powders, liquid, yogurt, or herbal tea for an extremely moisturizing deep conditioner.
• Use the herb mixed with water or herbal tea for a natural shampoo.
• Soak the flowers, petals, or powder in water and use that water as a final rinse.

Hibiscus is packed full of amino acid, vitamins A, and C aiding in hair growth and regrowth of bald spots.

 

Neem

Neem leaves or powder are probably the most discussed when it comes to scalp issues. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as nimbidin, an anti-inflammatory component. These all work together to curb dry scalp, itchiness, dandruff, and inflammation.

Neem leaves and powder have azadirachtin, a powerful insecticidal ingredient that blocks reproduction of lice, eventually killing them! Neem also has antioxidants that aid hair growth. Fatty acids in Neem help with nourishing the scalp and hair, and provide moisturizing properties to tame frizz and dryness.

How can I use Neem in my regime?

Neem can be used in the leaf or powder form.

• Soak the leaves or powder in water, herbal tea, or aloe vera juice to have a potent scalp rinse or scalp spray.
• Mix the powder with a liquid, other powders, or by itself for a moisturizing and soothing deep conditioner.
• Add the leaves or powder to a carrier oil and let it infuse for weeks. Use the oil on your scalp, for sealing, hot oil treatments, or adding to a deep conditioner mix for an Ayurvedic boost.
• Neem powder can also be used to treat stubborn acne and eczema.

Neem is great for reducing dry scalp, itchiness, dandruff, and inflammation.

 

Nettle

Nettle, also known as Stinging Nettle, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It has essential amino acids, calcium, and iron. Nettle is used to stimulate the scalp and improve circulation. Nettle is great for reducing hair shedding, reducing dandruff, inflammation, irritated or sensitive skin, and itchiness.

Because of the numerous vitamins and minerals, Nettle is a great hair conditioner promote fuller, softer, and more radiant hair. It is also great for strengthening the hair shaft.

How can I use Nettle in my regime?

Nettle can be used in the dried leaf or powder form.

• Add the leaves to a carrier oil for an oil infusion. The oil can be used for scalp massages or sealing the hair.
• Boil water and create a tea with Nettle leaves or powder. Let the mixture sit overnight and then strain. This tea can be used as a pre-poo, scalp spritz, or to mix your own DIY deep conditioners.

Nettle is great for reducing hair shedding, reducing dandruff, inflammation, irritated or sensitive skin, and itchiness.

 

Shikakai

Shikakai, also known as “fruit for the hair,” is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, K, and D. It is a gentle cleanser for the hair, and it’s antiseptic and antifungal properties make it excellent for soothing the scalp and preventing dandruff. Vitamin C and other antioxidants aid in hair growth and protecting the hair from free radicals. Shikakai is a natural conditioner that strengthens the hair root and gives the hair shine.

How can I use Shikakai in my regime?

Shikakai can be used in the powder or nut form.

• Mix the powder with water, herbal tea, aloe vera, or another liquid for a natural shampoo.
• Add the powder to water, herbal tea, or yogurt, for a deep conditioner.
• Add the powder to a carrier oil for an oil infusion.

Shikakai is a gentle cleanser that is excellent for soothing the scalp and preventing dandruff.

 

Aritha 

Aritha, also known as Reetha or Soapnut, is used as a natural cleanser. It is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and promotes healthy hair growth. These vitamins and saponins add body and shine and make hair feel thicker, silky and smooth. It also helps with detangling! It has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help with dandruff, inflammation, irritated or sensitive skin, itchiness, and dermatitis.

How can I use Aritha in my regime?

Aritha can be used as a powder or the soapnuts in their full form.

• Mix the powder with water, aloe vera juice, herbal tea, or other powders for a no lather shampoo.
• Aritha can also be used in an oil infusion.

Aritha is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and promotes healthy hair growth.

 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng, is a herb responsible for boosting mental and physical health while boosting your immune system. It is rich in vitamin, antioxidants, and iron. For the hair, it’s equally amazing.

The hormone cortisol, a stress hormone, causes hair loss and slows down hair growth. Ashwagandha, when applied to the scalp controls cortisol levels and aids hair loss. It also boosts antioxidant activity and helps scalp circulation, which results in stronger, thicker hair. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat scalp issues such as inflammation, dandruff, irritated or sensitive skin, and itchiness.

Ashwagandha is also known to increase melanin production in the hair, preventing premature greying.

How can I use Ashwagandha in my regime?

Ashwagandha can be found in a powder or dried form.

• Use the leaves, roots, or powder mixed with a carrier oil to make an infused oil for scalp massages or add to shampoo or deep conditioner.
• Soak the leaves, roots, or powder in water to make an herbal tea to mix with deep conditioners or cleansers.

Mix the powder with an herbal tea, water, or aloe vera for a deep conditioner.

Ashwagandha is known to increase melanin production in the hair, preventing premature greying.

 

Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is widely known all around India. It has vitamin A, C, K, and E. It has outstanding medical and hair benefits. There is research to support that Tulsi can be used to reduce stress, regulate blood sugar levels, protect the liver, aid weight loss, and boost immunity.

For the hair, Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to treat scalp irritations, itchiness, flaking, and dandruff. By improving blood circulation to the scalp, it reduces shedding and promotes hair growth.

Tulsi also reduces frizz and gives the hair shine.

How can I use Tulsi in my regime?

Tulsi can be used in the leaf or powder form.

• Use leaves or powder for an oil infusion with a carrier oil for scalp massages or hot oil treatments.
• The leaves or powder can be infused with water, herbal tea, or aloe vera juice in order to make an herbal tea for mixing deep conditioners or spritzing on the scalp for massages.

Tulsi improves blood circulation to the scalp reducing shedding and promoting hair growth.

 

Aloe Vera

Ayurveda refers to aloe vera as the miracle plant that can be used to naturally treat just about everything… skin issues such as acne and dry skin, heal wounds, minor cuts, severe burns, aid in weight loss and digestive issues, as well as help resolve hair problems like hair loss. The list goes on for this amazing plants healing benefits.

For hair, aloe vera helps to hydrate and strengthen your scalp and hair. It deeply nourishes your hair and helps you manage a wide range of scalp and hair problems. It is well suited for all hair types.

Aloe Vera contains a translucent inner gel that is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and lastly, vitamin A, B, C and E.

Aloe Vera helps rejuvenates dry scalp and hair by acting as a moisturizer due to it's high water content which makes it a great humectant for your scalp and hair. It also acts and deep conditioning agent as well as an effective natural hair cleanser that helps you remove dead skin cells, excessive sebum, dirt, and product build-ups from your scalp and hair. This helps you to fight off dandruff while keeping your scalp clean and smoothens hair texture by reducing frizz.

Also, it is power-packed with minerals such as zinc, copper along with proteolytic enzymes. They aid you in stimulating the dormant cells in your follicles and promote faster hair regrowth.

How can I use Aloe Vera in my regime?

Aloe Vera can be used in gel, liquid, or powder form.

• Use powder as an oil infusion with a carrier oil for scalp massages or hot oil treatments.
• The powder can be infused with water, herbal tea, or aloe vera juice in order to make an herbal tea for mixing deep conditioners or spritzing on the scalp for massages.
• Apply the raw gel or liquid (juice) topically so it can penetrate into your scalp and hair tissues directly. This imparts enhanced conditioning and nourishment to your hair. They aid you in stimulating the dormant cells in your follicles and promote faster hair regrowth. 

Aloe Vera helps rejuvenates dry scalp and hair by acting as a natural moisturizer.

 

Ayurveda for Natural Hair Cheatsheet

Here’s a quick summary of herbs that can be used for various problems: 

Use	Herbs
Cleansing	Aritha, Hibiscus, Neem, Nettle, Shikakai, Tulsi
Conditioning	Amla, Cassia, Fenugreek, Hibiscus, Aloe Vera
Strengthening	Bhringraj, Brahmi, Cassia, Henna, Aloe Vera
Scalp Issues	Ashwagandha, Bhringraj, Neem, Nettle, Tulsi, Aloe Vera

 

Top Ayurve Organics Ayurvedic Hair Products: 

Nourishing Mist & Refresh Hair Spray

 

 

 

Nourishing Shine & Seal Growth Oil

 

 

 

Nourishing Hair Butter