Hair is 97 percent protein and three percent moisture. The average person has 100,000 hairs on the scalp, which grow at the rate of .37 millimetres per day and shed at the rate of 50-100 per day The factors that affect hair growth and hair loss include age, health, diet, hormones, seasonal changes and climate. Trauma, stress and anxiety also affect growth because they reduce the blood and oxygen supply to the scalp, which is essential to healthy hair.<\/p>\n
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Weekly scalp massage is, therefore, one of the most beneficial treatments for maintaining beautiful hair and alleviating or reducing the symptoms of common hair problems such as male pattern baldness, alopecia (hair loss), alopecia areata (bald patches), dandruff, psoriasis and premature greying. Scalp massage not only increases the oxygen supply to the brain, it also improves circulation of the life-giving sap, cerebrospinal fluid, which stimulates brain development, relaxes the nerves and muscles, reduces fatigue and loosens the scalp. For dry and sensitive skin, the added essential oils also penetrate the roots to strengthen the hair and alleviate dryness.<\/p>\n
Wet Shampoo<\/span><\/p>\n \u2022 Make a strong herbal decoction :<\/span><\/p>\n For dry skin :<\/span> Lavender or geranium \u2022 Make a shampoo using 8 parts herbal decoction (above) + 1 part liquid olive soap, infusion of dried olives.<\/p>\n \u2022 Shampoo as usual. If desired, rinse with colour enhancer. Then massage scalp with 2 drops lavender or rosemary essential oil before drying for added shine. Follow shampoo with a hair rinse made of the juice of V2 lemon + 1 cup water.<\/p>\n Ayurvedic hair treatments, including hair cleansers, use only herbal powders, herbal essences and oils. As you will see, the “shampoos” \u2014 both wet and dry \u2014 do not produce any lather when you use them because, unlike branded shampoos, they contain no sodium, or aluminium lauryl phosphate or other such agents that destroy hair protein and stop the natural oils. Herbal cleansers wash away the dirt without washing away the natural moisture, so you do not need conditioner to undo the damage of a “squeaky clean” shampoo. The dry shampoo is a good alternative when you are sick or do not have time to wash and dry. It is also good for dull or oily hair. For weekly conditioning treatments, use the scalp massage and hair “mask”.<\/p>\n Dry Shampoo<\/span><\/p>\n \u2022 Mix equal parts ground cornmeal + ground almonds + orris root.<\/p>\n \u2022 Massage a small handful on dry scalp, then brush off.<\/p>\n The Weekly Conditioning Hair Mask<\/p>\n \u2022 Make a paste with 1 tsp each triphala, neem, sandalwood and licorice powders + 10 tsp water. Natural Hair Colour Enhancers<\/span><\/p>\n After shampooing, rinse with :<\/span><\/p>\n For black hair :<\/span> Decoction of sage; rosemary or black walnut.
\nFor sensitive skin :<\/span> Chamomile
\nFor oily skin :<\/span> Sage, bay leaf or rosemary<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Apply paste to dry scalp, leave on for Vz hour, and rinse thoroughly with warm lemon water.<\/p>\n
\nFor red or copper hair:<\/span> Henna paste or a pinch of saffron diluted in water.
\nFor blonde hair :<\/span> Decoction of chamomile flowers.
\nFor dark brown hair :<\/span> Decoction of walnut.
\nFor golden-toned hair :<\/span> Decoction of mullein.<\/p>\n