HAIR CARE IN WINTER SEASON

Winters are all about festivals , celebrations, long cozy nights and good foods, but when it comes to skin and hairs winter seems little disappointing, it becomes really difficult to maintain good quality of hairs throughout the season as extreme cold conditions leads to various hair problems like dryness of hair, hair fall, dandruff, frizzy hairs etc.. So, here’s an introduction to some of the common hair problems arising during winters along with their ayurvedic remedies.

Dandruff is one of the most common problem people face during winters, ayurveda explains it as “darunaka”, it manifests due to vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. Aggravated vata dosha leads to dryness of kapha leading to excessive itching and scaling in scalp region. The flaky layer of dead cells deposits in hair roots making hairs weak and more susceptible to fall off, furthermore these scales (dead cells) fall on face and shoulders resulting in acne problems.

Also hair fall is a common problem among youngsters now a days, ayurveda introduces hairfall as “khalitya” it is considered as a problem of Vata and Pitta dosha vitiation making the hair to loosen from its roots and fall. The kapha and Rakta doshas obstruct the growth of hairs resulting in hairfall.

1. Ayurvedic therapies for hair care-
A) Shiroabhyanga (oiling)– Siroabhyanga is the ancient procedure of hair oiling mentioned in dincharya, frequent oiling in scalp region with some ayurvedic oils containing anti-fungal properties helps to get rid from dandruff problems. some of the effective oils are, “Dhaturpatraditailam” ,”nimbatailam” And “Nilibhringaditailam”. The primary cause of dandruff is a fungi named as “ Candida” And “malassezia” hence the antifungal properties of these oils leads to better results. Also “bhringrajtailam”, “Tilatailam”, and “coconut oil “are helpful in getting rid of hairfall and dry hairs. The head massage in Shiroabhyanga enhances the flow of oxygen and blood into your scalp, thus, ensuring nutrient supply to your follicles. A regular Shiroabhyanga promotes healthy nourishment to your hair.

B) Nasya– Nasya is one of the popular panchakarma procedure mentioned in ayurveda, the practice of lubricating your nasal passages with ayurvedic herbal oils is called “Nasya”. Ayurveda suggests Nasya as one of the best therapy for hair loss related to the imbalance in tridoshas. In Nasya kriya, you need to lie down horizontally and slightly tilt your head backward. Few oil drops are instilled into the nostrils. Regular practice of nasya with “Triphalaghrita”, “Anutailam” Or “goghrita” (Cow’s ghee) leads to better results in hair fall and also promotes lustre and bounce to your hairs.

C) Shirodhara– In this procedure warm oils or liquids formulated with soothing Ayurvedic ingredients are poured on your forehead from an oscillating container hung above. While the medicated liquid or oils comes down from the forehead to your scalp, the therapist gives a gentle massage on your scalp. This has an immensely soothing effect on your nervous system, this therapy is exceptionally beneficial to balance Vata and Pitta doshas in the body. Besides decreasing your hair loss, Shirodhara has a calming effect on your mind. It reduces stress, induces sleep, regulates fluctuations in blood pressure, and relieves you from migraines.

2. Oral medication-
There are some ayurvedic medicines usually prescribed for better hair growth, which includes “Narsimharasayan”, “Chyavanprasha”, “Amalakirasayan”, “Triphalachurna”, triphalaghrita” and many more one can get accurate medication by seeking advice from Ayurveda professional.

3. Home remedies for hair care-
A) Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds (methi) overnight into water, grind softened seeds to make fine paste in morning apply over scalp. Leave for half an hour and then wash thoroughly with water, this is effective remedy for dandruff.

B) Boil neem leaves in water. Cool, strain and rinse hair with it, the anti-fungal properties of neem helps to get rid from dandruff and also promotes healthy and nourished hairs.

C) Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut or neem oil, massage gently in scalp regularly before bed for better results in dandruff.

D) “Ghritku – mari”(aloevera) is a popular plant widely used for hair care, rubbing aloevera gel in hair roots helps to fight against dandruff while it’s application all over helps to achieve frizz free hairs and also adds shine and bounce to hairs.

4. Maintain nutrition and stress free lifestyle- Green leafy and bitter vegetables are good for hairs, also fresh coconut, almonds, and walnuts are rich in vitamin E and hence promotes extra luster to hairs. Also favor healthy fats like olive oil or cow’s ghee and avoid foods which contain high amount of preservatives, refined sugars and food colors. All over foods rich in protein, vitamin A, C and E, Biotin, zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids should be incorporated. Also proper hydration is essential for hair care.

One can practice “pranayama” And “yoga poses” to achieve stress Free State of mind as stress now a day has become one of the main factor responsible for hair fall.

5. Things to avoid-
A) Avoid shampooing too often in winters as it removes vital natural oils and maximize the use of paraben free herbal shampoos and conditioners to maintain lustre and avoid excessive dryness of hairs. Some of the ayurvedic herbs with great hair cleansing properties are Kumari (aloevera), Triphala (haritaki, amlaki, bibhitaki), methika(fenugreek), nimba(neem), shikakai and areetha.

B) One can use head cover made of satin or silk in order to avoid direct contact of pollution and heat to hairs as high amount of pollution leads to hair damage.

C) Avoid excessive use of hair styling products especially those which produce high amount of heat as it leads to permanentdamage and excessive hair fall.

D) Avoid applying oil in dirty scalp as it not only reduce its efficacy but also increases hair fall, hence the appropriate method of oiling is to gently massage lukewarm oil in freshly washed clean and dirt free scalp.

E) Those with the complaint of “premature greying of hairs” Should avoid extra spicy and deep fried foods as it vitiates pitta and triggers further greying of hairs.