Losing hair is not less than a dreadful nightmare! And honestly, I feel you. If you are battling hair thinning, scalp build up, sensitivity, or chronic hair fall, transplant might seem like the only solution. But ayurvedic hair loss treatment focuses on targeting the root cause while strengthening overall hair health.
Why Choose Ayurvedic Hair Loss Treatments
Hair transplants could be the last resort, however, the best is to treat your scalp and hair follicles the natural ayurvedic way. I say this because ayurveda can correct scalp inflammation, hormonal imbalance or poor nutrition, unlike hair transplant.
Additionally, adopting ayurvedic hair loss solutions restore scalp health, reduce oxidative stress, balance trisdoshas, improve hair cycle and more. In this article, I have covered everything you can refer to or alter in your lifestyle to save your falling hair.
Core Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Loss
According to a Traya Study, over 150 million Indians in their early 20s face hair fall, balding, or greying. Additionally, it was found that >500,000 men, 50.31% of Indian men experiencing hair loss are under 25 years old.
Since, the numbers are so high, altering lifestyle to save hair and consuming some herbs mentioned below is a given.
Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba/ E. Prostrata) – A well-researched study on a mice reveal that “Bhringraj increased hair proliferation and delayed catagen,” where the Bhringraj extract significantly increased follicular keratinocyte proliferation (p < 0.001) and downregulated TGF-β1, which helps delay the transition to hair-resting phase.
Popularly known as “The King of Hair Herbs,” Bhringraj is the primary herb for reversing hair fall, premature greying, and weak roots. Also, it pacifies Vata and Pitta, which are the two major doshas responsible for hair thinning and scalp inflammation.
Amla (Amalaki – Emblica Officinalis) – Amla is considered the most potent Pitta-pacifying Rasayana, which is essential for hair because of excess heat burning the follicles. (Causing premature greying, thinning, & dandruff)
From an Ayurvedic perspective, use of Amla rebuilds Ojas, which directly enhances hair retention. Also, it enhances Rasa & Rakta dhatu, which strengthens the internal nourishment. Another reason for hair loss is scalp inflammation, which is reduced by cooling Virya. Additionally, for better nutrient absorption Amla improves digestive fire (Agni).
The bonus perks of including Amla in your routine for hair include increase in hair shine, thickness, prevent premature greying, and strengthen hair follicles.
Neeli (Indigofera Tinctoria) – Neeli is a classical Keshya Dravya which is used in several Kerala formulations like Neelibhringadi Thailam by Vaidyaratnam. Incorporating this herb improves Rakta circulation, reduces scalp heat (Aggravated Pitta), strengthens root sheath, and reduces premature greying.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) – At the top of Medhya Rasayana is Brahmi, which strongly reduces stress-induced cortisol imbalance by calming Vata and nourishing Majja Dhatu. Brahmi improves sleep quality, which is one of the biggest factors in chronic hair loss. If you wish to include this in your hair care routine for hair loss, pair it with Amla & Ashwagandha.
Methi / Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) – Methi is Vata-pacifying and Keshya, which is used traditionally to increase hair thickness and reduce scalp dryness. This Indian spice is the best when it comes to manage hormonal imbalance and deeply moisturize dry scalp due to it causing hair loss.
Drinking overnight soaked methi water is a holy grail when it comes to rescue falling hair as it improves follicular nourishment and balances aggravated Vata.
Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi) – This herb is a powerful anti-stress, anti-vata Himalayan root used in serious cases of hair fall. Jatamansi is used in hair formulations because it is excellent in severe Vata-related thinning by reducing stress-induced hair loss, improving sleep cycle, and nourishing the nervous system.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) – Ashwagandha is used when hair fall is due to hormonal imbalance, weakness, or chronic stress. It reduces cortisol which is responsible for stress-triggering shedding. Not just that, it enhances all seven dhatus and supports thyroid function.
Dadi Ke Nuskhe (Effective Ayurvedic Hair Loss Treatment)
I am going to share some treasures concerning hair loss given by my own grandmother. These nuskhes are not just easy to follow but also very practical. Let’s know all of these hair loss treatments approved by ayurveda.
1) Bhringraj Oil Massage (Weekly) – As mentioned above Bhringraj is the king of herbs for hair, it improves local circulation which calms Vata. Also, it delivers phytochemicals to follicles, which promotes hair growth and reduces breakage.
How To Apply: Warm Bhringraj oil, apply directly to a clean scalp, and massage it for 10 to 15 minutes. Followed by leaving the oil for 1 to 2 hours or overnight before washing your hair. A bonus tip is to wear a warm spa electric cap, which provides regulated heat for the oil to steep into the scalp.
2) Amla + Coconut Oil Tonic – Amla’s antioxidants properties and lipid delivery enhance follicle resilience with slow premature greying.
How To Apply: You can take either Amla powder or whole Amla and boil them in coconut oil. Cool the oil or paste and apply it twice weekly to wash it after 2 to 3 hours.
3) Fenugreek Paste (Methi) Mask – Proteins and saponins nourish scalp, reduce dandruff and breakage. You can mix a bit of curd into this paste to enhance its effectiveness.
How To Apply: Soak methi seeds overnight, grind to paste, and apply it for 30-60 mins. Use weekly to see visible results. You can also mix curd into the paste as curd reduces irritation and restores scalp moisture.
4) Hibiscus Flower-leaf Paste Rinse: Hibiscus flowers have amino acids/vitamins that support follicular health shown in well-researched studies.
How To Apply: Boil Hibiscus leaves/flowers, cool and rinse hair with the water after shampoo.
5) Licorice + Aloe Vera Soothing Gel: Licorice and aloe vera are anti-inflammatory which soothe scalp dermatitis that can reduce hair loss.
How To Apply: Mix Licorice powder with aloe pulp, and apply on the inflamed scalp for 20 mins minimum.
6) Coconut Oil & Currey Leaves: Coconut oil is sheeta (cooling), snigdha (nourishing), and reduces Pitta’s heat that is the primary cause of premature greying and follicle inflammation. Also, they contain Keshya (hair supporting) properties that repair damaged hair roots, rebuild melanin and more.
7) Onion Juice & Amla Juice: This combo improves blood flow, reduces dandruff, and deep scalp detox. Onion juice is pungent but penetrates and breaks scalp toxins that enhances blood supply. Also, Amla is the strongest Pitta Pacifier and adds Vitamin C to improve follicle strength.
Note: Always patch-test topicals especially if you are on any medications, pregnancy, or have certain allergies. (Licorice can affect blood pressure levels)
Why Ayurveda Can Outperform Transplants
- Targets root cause of hair fall (hormones, inflammation, poor digestion, and more)
- Improves hair quality, scalp health, and reduces recurrence of hair loss
- Lower side-effects when supervised by a qualified vaidya
Vaidyaratnam Products for Ayurvedic Hair Loss Treatment
Vaidyaratnam is one of the oldest institutes in ayurveda promising trust and legacy to its users. Besides offering classical Panchakarma treatments, Vaidyaratnam manufactures ayurvedic formulations, oils, and medicines based on Ashtaviadyan traditions.
1) Kesaranjini Kera Thailam: Formulated for hair fall, premature greying, and scalp health, it contains Bhringraj, Amalaki, and Yashtimadhu. On a clean scalp, apply this oil before washing your hair.
2) Neelibhringadi Thailam: Classic Kerala formula is ideal for strengthening hair, reducing dandruff, and removal of split ends, and is widely available and recommended for topical therapy.
