THE CONCEPT OF HAIR AND HAIR CARE IN AYURVEDA

*Dr. Neethu Kesavan, Sangeeta Kamaliya and D.B. Vaghela

ABSTRACT

In an individual, condition of hair is reflection of the complete constitution of his physical and mental health. Irregular dietary habits, sedentary life style, inadequate sleep, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, lack of scalp hygiene, fungal infections etc affects the quality of hair and invites the problems like dandruff, thinning hair, early baldness and premature greying. Ayurveda has a treasure of knowledge which includes many formulations and treatment methods for hair care. The branch trichology is still under development and many unauthorised products are available in the market which uses the name of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, different Deha Prakriti persons will have different hair texture. Hair care can be explained as both protective and curative measures. Scalp hygiene is important in maintaining the health of hair. Scalp should be clean before providing any nourishment therapy to the hair. Protective measures includes Snana(bath), Ushnishadharana (covering the head), Abhyanga, Pratimarsa Nasya and proper Ahara. Curative measures includes Kaya Shodhana, Dhoomapana, use of Murdha Taila, Marsa Nasya, Rasayana Prayoga etc. Proper purificatory measures of body should be done followed by nourishing treatment is the principle to be adopted for proper hair care. By practicing proper Dinacharya like Shiroabyanga and Pratimarsa Nasya daily and by avoiding Theekshna, Ushna, Katu Lavana Rasa Ahara, one can attain strong and beautiful hair.

Keywords: Hair care, Ayurveda, Murdha Taila.