Ayurvedic Hair Oil: Nani Was Right About Some of It

The first thing you need to know about Ayurvedic oils is what actually makes them Ayurvedic? It's quite simple – these are basically your regular base oil (coconut, sesame, almond etc), which has been infused with some herbs. Your base oil will have done all the conditioning for you while the addition of herbs brings back the Ayurveda factor.

In short, if it doesn't have any herbs, it can't be considered as Ayurvedic anymore. So next time when you spot 'Ayurvedic' on your favorite oil's bottle try reading what else is written on it other than the name.

A quick cast list of what you'll see most often, with the honest caveat that most of the evidence here is traditional use rather than big, tidy clinical trials.

• Bhringraj: the headline act. Traditionally linked to hair and scalp care, and the reason it's nicknamed the "king of herbs" for hair.
• Amla: rich in vitamin C and often used for conditioning. Many people find it makes hair feel softer.
• Brahmi: a classic in scalp massage oils, traditionally associated with a calming, nourishing ritual.
• Neem: used traditionally for scalp care, which is why it turns up in oils aimed at flaky or itchy scalps.
• Hibiscus: a fixture in hair oils for conditioning and shine.

You are not going to wake up after a fortnight with Rapunzel's hair! First thing first, your hair takes time to grow. So if you are using some oils and seeing changes, it might be too early. I suggest you keep track of your usage for at least a few months and see what happens!

So what do these oils actually help us with? Well, they're not exactly magical, but they do help condition your hair and also provide necessary massaging to the scalps. Which is awesome! But there isn't much we can expect from them regarding reversing your genetics (And don't get me wrong, those products exist!) Or helping with issues like thyroid problems/vitamin deficiencies etc. Those are definitely out of their scope, so make sure you check the label well before buying.

"Best ayurvedic hair oil" is a slippery search, because the best one depends on what's bothering you. A rough guide:

• On ayurvedic hair oil for hair growth: oils don't make follicles produce more hair. What they can do is help hair stay longer, by cutting breakage, so what you grow actually sticks around. Subtle, but real.
• And ayurvedic hair oil for hair fall? It can support the scalp and reduce breakage, but if the shedding is heavy, that's a different conversation, which we'll get to.

If you want a bhringraj-based option for hair fall and scalp care, Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Oil is a sensible place to start. Bhringraj is the herb it's built around, which lines up with that traditional scalp-care reputation.

I'd frame it as part of a routine, not a rescue mission. It's something to use consistently, over months, alongside decent food, enough sleep and a proper wash schedule. Treat it as a good support act, not the headliner, and you'll be far less likely to feel let down by it.

I could argue this point with my grandma! (Though if you're looking for someone who will listen... please don't give her your oils.)

Step 1: Warm it lightly: A bit of warmth makes spreading the oils much easier and helps provide a pleasant sensation along your scalp. Try a couple drops on your wrist to test how comfortable the temperature should be.

Step 2: Massage gently: We recommend using your fingertips and doing small circles to massage the oil into your head. Scrubbing your skin too hard can actually tug at your precious hair follicles and cause unnecessary damage to those delicate strands.

Step 3: Leave it for just 30 minutes to a few hours: The overnight soak is now gospel, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better for everyone.

Step 4: If you have an oily or flaky scalp: Leaving your hair conditioner on overnight may actually encourage more build-up than good. Start by using it for 30 minutes or up to two hours to see how your scalp responds.

Step 5: Wash out the oil well with a shampoo followed by a good rinse: Don't forget! It leaves residue behind that attracts dirt — and this makes you feel stuffy instead of refreshed.

Remember that "herbal" doesn't automatically translate to "harmless". There are natural ingredients that might cause irritation on your skin, or trigger allergies.

You want to perform a patch test first before using an oil you haven't used before. Apply some drops of this oil (on your inner forearm or behind your ear) and see if there is any irritation after 24 hours.

If there's a flare-up — with redness, itching or swelling — wash it immediately off and move to another bottle.

An oil is a lovely thing to do for your hair. It is not a diagnosis. Book an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice:

• Sudden hair loss
• Patchy hair loss, with bald spots
• Heavy shedding that continues for weeks
• A scalp that's painful, inflamed or very itchy

Those can point to something that needs proper medical attention, and no amount of champi will fix that.

In conclusion, ayurvedic hair oil makes an amazing addition to your self-care regimen but keep your expectations in check. While applying it regularly will give you beautiful results by minimizing hair breakage, making sure your hair remains healthy and maintaining your scalp's well-being, be careful about soaking up too much.

Remember, herbs such as Bhringraj and Amla work wonders on our hair, but there's no way oiling can change your genes or cure problems from within because of poor health. So use this treatment constantly and pay attention to what your scalp feels like and reach out to your dermatologist for solutions if experiencing sudden hair fall (patchy or otherwise).