Today, Dr. Oz is discussing Ayurvedic Solutions for Your Biggest Health Complaints. The segment will discuss secrets to your best health with an ancient healing practice that treats your body type.
While I will be turning in, I figured it was a great time to share how Whitney and I have benefited for years by using Ayurvedic oils specifically with our hair for several years. From powders to oils, we have relied on these treatments to help with our hair growth and thickness. Here is an overview of what Ayurvedic hair care is and how to incorporate in your hair regimen.
Ayurvedic Hair Care – Simple Ways To Incorporate Ayurvedic Hair Regimen For All Hair Types
What is Ayuveda?
Ayurvedic Hair Care is native to Ayurveda in India. The practice is made up of natural, herbs, powders, oils and techniques to promote hair health, growth, thickness and length. It’s a holistic approach to hair care. Indians believe that the health of the hair, skin, and nails indicates the health of the person. Basically, Ayurveda is alternative medicine that is native to India and there are forms of Ayurvedic treatments for skin, medicine, etc.
Now, there are a MILLION different mixtures you can make for home made shampoo, conditioner, scalp treatments, etc. But if you are anything like me you don’t have the time or the patience to sit there and mix up Indian herbs and powders in your kitchen.
This post is for those that are interested in going the Ayurvedic route for the new year. Ayurvedic regimens typically include cleansing the hair with herbal infusions, and conditioning the hair with nourishing oils. The result is hair that is extremely healthy, thick and full of body. Ayurvedic regimens can be as simple [incorporating a few elements], or as complex [following a strict regimen, cutting out commercial products] as you choose.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Regimen
The benefit of adhering to a Ayurvedic regimen is that you will be using products free of silicones, preservatives, synthetic ingredients and harsh sulfates. I can honestly say that my hair thrived under these conditions. The drawback to practicing an exclusive Ayurvedic regimen is the amount of time it takes to prepare treatments. (This is why we created the Sporty Afros’ Ayurvedic Oil. We do the work for you!)
However, you can also decide to incorporate highly effective elements of Ayurveda into your regimen, such as Henna treatments, Coconut pre-shampoo conditioning treatments and herbal pre-shampoo conditioning treatments. These inclusions are extremely beneficial for the promotion of healthy, thick, vibrant hair; yet require less time commitment than an exclusive Ayurvedic regimen.
Simple Ways to Incorporate Ayurvedic Regimen
Want to include simple elements of Ayurveda without committing to an entire Ayurvedic regimen?
While there are many ways to use the products mentioned in this post, the following products are Ayurvedic treatments that have been the most effective during my hair journey. These products also include numerous traditional Ayurvedic herbs which is a plus for those that aren’t into complex hair regimens which requires the purchase of tons of different ingredients. Get the benefit of Ayurvedic herbs with only a few easy to find products.
You will need:
Vatika Oil: Vatika Oil is comprised of Coconut Oil and infused with traditional Ayurvedic Herbs [Brahmi, Neem & Amla just to name a few] Coconut Oil strengthens hair at the roots, promotes hair growth, and actually penetrates the shaft to repair areas of the hair damaged from protein loss. – Vatika Oil has been a staple in my home for the past two years! It makes my hair extremely soft, shiny, and manageable.
Sporty Afro’s Ayurvedic Oil: Based on the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda, Sporty Afros Ayurvedic Oil strengthens and thickens hair, and promotes healthy hair growth. It’s created with the best Indian oils, powders and extracts, mixed by us, by hand.
Kalpi Tone: Kalpi Tone works to strengthen hair at the root, strengthen the hair shaft, and promote hair growth. Kalpi Tone leaves your hair noticeably stronger, softer, and full of body. Those that wish to keep their regimen simple will also appreciate that this powder includes other herbs beneficial to hair care [like amla, maka, hibiscus, and methi just to name a few].
Henna: Here is a full post about Whitney’s Henna treatments.
Product Usage
How to use these products in your regimen:
You may notice there are two pre-shampoo conditioning formulas here. You can stick to one, or alternate weekly.
Sporty Afros’ Ayurvedic Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Once weekly [on washday], oil unwashed hair liberally with Sporty Afros’ Ayurvedic Oil and cover hair with a plastic cap for about 45min-1hr. This is known as a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment. Pre-shampooing will help ensure the hair stays moisturized even after shampooing with a product that contains sulfates [which is usually drying to hair]. Another benefit to this quick and easy pre-shampoo treatment is that it also works to strengthen and nourish hair follicles; preventing hair fall and promoting hair growth.
Lock in the moisture with Vatika Oil or Sporty Afro’s Ayurvedic Oil : You can use this oil to seal the moisture in after using your favorite moisturizer. Add a dime size amount of oil to your hands, rub hands together to distribute oil, then apply to the entire length of the hair paying special attention to the tips/ends. (Note: If you can’t find Vatika substitute for Sporty Afros’ Ayurvedic Oil and then add in your own moisture sealant. )
Kalpi Tone/Herbal Pre-Conditioning Treatment: Once weekly [on washday], add 3-4 tablespoons of the herbal product into a clean container. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture is a thick, muddy consistency. Apply the mixture liberally [as you would a relaxer] to unwashed hair. Cover, and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes. To rinse out, add a few generous size dollops of cheap conditioner [TRESemmé Nourishing Moisture Conditioner] to your hair and work it through in a gentle, massaging motion. Rinse immediately, as the tiny flecks of herbal product should rinse clean with the aid of the conditioner.
*Kalpi Tone is safe to use on relaxed and transitioning hair alike.
DIY: Affordable, Natural Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner
1/4 cup Aveeno Nourish and Moisturize Conditioner
1/8 cup Castor Oil (You can substituent for any sealant oil: jojoba, olive, carrot, or coconut)
5-8 tbs of Sporty Afros’ Ayurvedic Oil
I followed the same instructions from the original Ayurvedic deep conditioner mix.
Adjust the amount based on your deep conditioner and hair length.
Before you apply any of these Ayurvedic conditioners, it is recommended that you oil your hair thoroughly beforehand.
I have used Aveda products in the past and believe they are great on any hair texture in my opinion. I used the Aveda Damage Remedy Conditioner when I was permed and transitioning. Aveda is pricey but it is one of the few products I actually liked and worked. A 6oz typically lasted about 3 months. However, I am on a budget so I choose Aveeno, which is $5 to $7 at Target. I am sure you can substituent Aveeno with another natural deep conditioner. Aveeno seemed to be the closest to the original recipe and was affordable.
Looks like guacamole without the tomatoes and onions. Ha! I personally could care less about color because it goes on rather clear. The results were great. My hair was “baby” soft and smooth. The best part is how affordable the deep conditioner is.
Cost
Sporty Afro’s Ayurvedic Oil - $10
Aveeno Moisturizer – $7
Catstor Oil – $4
Total Price – $21
Will last: 5-6 weeks
I will run out of the moisturizer within 5-6 weeks. I won’t run out the Ayuverdic or castor oil probably until 10-12 weeks. This means I will spend under $30 for 3 months worth of deep conditioner. I typically buy a deep conditioner every 4-6 weeks, which cost $15. This just saved me some major cash. Sweet!
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