Today, people are aware of the deadly side effects of allopathic drugs, and are turning towards Ayurveda. Ayurveda not only provides long term solutions but also prevents recurrence of the disease. Here, we focus on the Ayurvedic treatment of hair problems.

Hair is a filamentous outgrowth of protein, found only on mammals. The average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles. Everyday, we lose around 70-100 hairs and new hair replaces the old. Any disturbance in this gives rise to baldness.

Hair loss is the most common problem of today`s youth. Faulty eating habits, stress, lack of sleep, overuse of chemicals, etc, are to be blamed.

Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affect the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning hair, balding, premature graying, etc, spoil the hair.

In an individual, the condition of the hair is a reflection of his complete constitution. If the person is not healthy then the health of the hair will be deplorable.

Home remedies for hair ailments

For example, if a person has vata constitution, the hairs are dark, dry, coarse, wiry or frizzy and tend to tangle easily; are prone to dullness, split ends and dandruff. Those comprising Pitta constitution have hair that is light brown, blonde or red and tends to grow gray or thin prematurely and is fine and silky with a tendency to become oily. Hair are thick, wavy and shiny if the composition is of kapha.

Regular cleaning and brushing of hair is very important. When the hair is brushed, oil-producing glands in the scalp get stimulated. This natural oil makes the hair glossy and healthy. To give extra shine to the hair, after washing, rinse the hair with some lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water.

BDST: 1710 HRS, December 06, 2014