Short answer: Ayurvedic hair care uses herbs such as hibiscus, shikakai, amla, neem and brahmi in shampoos and in medicated coconut oils. Products like Rajah Ayurveda Rootz Herbal Shampoo, Veni hair oil and Nupal Hairomax are traditionally used to cleanse and care for the scalp and hair. They work gently, so most people see changes over weeks, not days.
In Kerala, hair care has always been part of the daily routine. Hair is oiled before a bath, washed with herbal powders and shampoos, and the scalp is cared for through the seasons. This guide looks at three popular ranges sold at Ayurvedic Mall, what is in them, and how people use them.
The herbs behind Ayurvedic hair care
You will see the same herbs again and again on the labels of Ayurvedic hair products:
- Hibiscus (the flowers and leaves, called chembarathi in Malayalam), traditionally used to leave hair soft and shiny.
- Shikakai (Acacia concinna), a natural cleanser that is gentle on the scalp.
- Amla (Indian gooseberry), a common ingredient in hair tonics.
- Neem leaves, traditionally used for scalp care.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and curry leaf, often cooked into hair oils.
- Bhringaraja and neeli (indigo), the key herbs in the classical hair oil Neelibhringadi.
- Coconut oil, the traditional base for most Kerala hair oils.
Rootz Herbal Shampoo by Rajah Ayurveda
Rootz is a herbal shampoo made without harsh chemicals. According to its maker, its ingredients include hibiscus leaves and flowers, shikakai, henna, neem leaves, Indian gooseberry and sandalwood. It is designed to cleanse the scalp while leaving its natural oils in place. People use it when they are concerned about dandruff, hair fall or early greying, and it is sold in several pack sizes.
See it here: Rootz Hibiscus Herbal Shampoo, 200 ml, or read more about the Rootz range.
Veni hair oil
Veni is a medicated coconut oil prepared with brahmi and curry leaf. It is traditionally used on the scalp and hair, and the maker describes it as good for dandruff, itching and hair loss. A little massaged into the scalp, left for a while and then washed out, is the usual way to use it. See Veni hair oil.
Neelibhringadi
Neelibhringadi is a classical Kerala hair oil, named for its two main herbs, neeli and bhringaraja. It is traditionally used for hair and scalp care and is often chosen by people with thinning or brittle hair. You can find it as Neelibhringadi Velichenna (Keram), 200 ml.
Hairomax by Nupal Ayurveda
Hairomax is a range from Nupal Ayurveda that includes a coconut-based shampoo and a hair oil. The Hairomax Nalikera Shampoo is described by its maker as free from sodium lauryl sulphate, a common foaming agent in many shampoos. Nalikera means coconut. It is meant to be used daily.
A simple routine many people follow
- Oil the scalp once or twice a week. Warm a little oil, part the hair and massage it into the scalp with your fingertips for five to ten minutes.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes or longer. Some people leave it overnight, but this may not suit everyone.
- Wash with a herbal shampoo. Use lukewarm water, and rinse well.
- Dry gently. Pat the hair with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
What to expect
Herbal products do not act overnight. Most people use a product for several weeks before they judge it. Hair fall can have many causes, including diet, stress, illness, thyroid problems, hormonal changes and some medicines. If you are losing a lot of hair, or have patchy hair loss, a painful or flaky scalp, or sores, please see a doctor or a skin specialist rather than relying on a shampoo.
How to choose
- Choose for your scalp. If it is oily, a shampoo is the better starting point. If it is dry, a medicated oil may suit you better.
- Read the ingredients, and avoid anything you are allergic to.
- Do a patch test behind the ear before using a new oil or shampoo.
- Check the maker, the batch number and the expiry date.
- Be wary of products that promise to regrow hair.
You can browse everything in Hair Care.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use an Ayurvedic shampoo?
Follow the directions on the pack. Many people use a herbal shampoo two or three times a week, and daily-use shampoos such as Hairomax can be used more often.
Can I use hair oil every day?
Some people do, but oiling once or twice a week is more common. Too much oil can clog the scalp.
Are Ayurvedic hair products safe for coloured hair?
Ingredients such as henna can affect colour. If you colour your hair, ask your hairdresser before you try a new product.
Are they safe for children?
Check the label, and ask a paediatrician if the child is very young or has sensitive skin.
This article is for general information. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic physician about hair loss or scalp problems.