Gorgeous, Glorious Hair

Ayurvedic Herbal Hair Treatments

Ayurvedic hair powders, available online, from specialty markets and health food stores, are hair powders that originated thousands of years ago in India. Crafted from bark, seeds, leaves, and other plant parts of medicinal herbs, these traditional hair care ingredients are known to increase volume, encourage growth, boost color, impart silkiness, and improve the overall manageability of hair without the use of toxic chemicals.

Shikakai Fruit Powder and Coconut Oil Healing Hair Mask

Shikakai fruit powder, made from a prickly shrub found throughout the jungles of India, has been used for centuries for dried-out, dull and lifeless hair that feels rough, exhibits split ends, and is difficult to comb or brush. Shikakai fruit powder is an excellent treatment for both dry and oily hair. The word shikakai means “fruit for hair” and when mixed with water is a traditional shampoo that leaves hair clean, soft, and shiny.

Shikakai fruit powder, blended with coconut oil and other healing natural ingredients, combines to create a healing hair mask that strengthens hair from the root to tip and supports new hair growth. Shikakai fruit powder works as a natural astringent for hair and is also a great dandruff control and detangler.

• ¾ cup of extra-virgin coconut oil

• ½ cup of organic honey

• ½ cup aloe juice

• Three tablespoons shikakai fruit powder

• Juice of one lemon

Combine ingredients in a blender, mix well and set aside. Rinse hair with warm water and towel dry. Work in a generous amount of the conditioner (refrigerate extra) and comb to distribute evenly. Massage well into the scalp. Wrap hair in a hot steamy towel and leave for 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse well and towel dry.

Brahmi Hair Rescue Mask

If your hair is lifeless, lackluster, thinning, and going grey, a weekly application of a Brahmi hair rescue mask can revitalize the scalp, stimulate new hair to grow, repair split ends and return hair to its youthful shine and vigor. Brahmi powder helps nourish hair roots and accelerates hair growth by thickening the roots. Brahmi also helps to keep the scalp healthy and strengthens hair follicles; regular application of Brahmi powder can help reduce split ends dramatically.

Brahmi powder, also known as water hyssop, or thyme-leaf gratiola, is a plant native to India that has been used for ages to nourish hair roots and accelerate hair growth. The potent powder is obtained by grinding dried Brahmi leaves into a fine powder. Brahmi makes hair dark, dense, and lustrous. This hair mask is especially useful if your hair is very kinky or curly.

To craft a hydrating, conditioning and growth-stimulating hair mask, combine the following ingredients in a high-speed blender and mix well. Set aside. Shampoo hair with a gentle, organic shampoo and towel dry.

• ½ cup powdered Brahmi leaves

• 1 cup almond or grapeseed oil

• 12 drops rosemary essential oil

• 12 drops thyme essential oil

• ½ cup plain yogurt

• ½ cup of coconut milk

• Two egg yolks

• ½ cup honey

Apply blended ingredients generously to the scalp and work the mixture through to the ends (refrigerate extra in a tightly sealed container.)

Wrap hair in a moist, hot towel and cover with a shower cap to retain heat. Leave the mask on for 45 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly, shampoo with organic shampoo, and rinse well with lukewarm water and towel dry. Because both Brahmi leaf powder and rosemary tend to darken the hair, natural blondes should use only ¼ cup of Brahmi leaves and substitute chamomile essential oil for the rosemary oil.

Soothe Hair and Scalp With Cassia Powder

Is your hair brittle, flyaway, and difficult to manage? Cassia powder offers body, bounce, and beautiful hair. For hundreds of years, cassia powder has provided a safe and chemical-free hair conditioning for persons with all hair types. It is especially helpful for those plagued by eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, or dry, irritated scalp. Cassia powder provides the profound conditioning benefits of henna without the “brassy” orange highlights that result from the overuse of henna. Cassia will, however, give a touch of blonde to light or white hair. The coloration effects are not visible on darker tones of hair. Cassia and soya calm irritation and make hair soft and smooth.

• ½ cup cassia powder

• 1 cups soya milk

• ½ cup yogurt

• ½ cup olive oil

• 8 drops Holy Basil essential oil

Combine ingredients and mix well. Set aside. Rinse hair with warm water and towel dry. Apply mask mixture and massage well into the scalp; refrigerate extra. Allow the soothing mask to remain on the hair for 15 to 30 minutes wrapped with a shower cap: shampoo, rinse with tepid water, and style.