Who doesn’t want lush and shiny hair? However, modern lifestyle and stress conspire against the prefect tress. Aggressive toweling, blow-drying, and treatment with chemical-laden products can inflict hair damage. Frequent use of shampoo and conditioner further depletes hair health and damages it.

So, what to do? Many would opt for modern-day hair treatments; however, they mainly focus on treating lengths and ends and the root cause of the problem goes untouched. According to Ayurveda, eating wholesome and nutrient-dense food is the best solution to this problem. Moreover, we can help mend our manes by getting adequate sleep and regular exercise that reduce the effect of stress and promote hormonal balance. In addition, Ayurvedic hair solutions when applied topically promote scalp and root health, resulting in strong, healthy, and shiny hair. Here are four Ayurvedic solutions that you can try at home.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus benefits for hair are due to its nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxyl acids. Hibiscus aids in hair growth and prevents hair loss. Take fresh flowers and blend them in a grinder. This paste can be used directly or mixed with shampoo or oil. Hibiscus paste can be used as a hair mask with bases like yogurt, Indian gooseberry, coconut oil, fenugreek, and ginger. Apply the mask on the scalp and hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before washing it with lukewarm water.

Aloe vera

Use of Aloe vera for hair is known to many. Leaf of this plant has a thick gel-like substance that is used since ages for its healing properties. Aloe vera gel has soothing, hydrating, and cooling properties, which makes it the perfect solution for hair care. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. All these vitamins aid in cell turnover, healthy cell growth, and shiny hair. Moreover, folic acid and vitamin B12 in Aloe vera gel prevent hair fall.

You can buy this gel from a pharmacy store or scoop it out of leaves. Rub this gel into your scalp and hair, allowing it to penetrate the hair follicles. Allow it to sit for an hour and rinse it off with a mild shampoo. It can also be used as a pack when mixed with various ingredients like olive oil, honey, yogurt, and lemon.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds have moisturizing properties and are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize the harmful free radicals present in your hair. Healthy and moisturized hair is bound to be shiny. Fenugreek seeds are generally used as a hair pack. To make this pack, take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and grind them into a powder and mix it in a cup of milk. Coat your hair from root to tip with this pack and leave it on for 20 minutes.

Castor oil

Castor oil is well known to promote thick hair growth. However, very few are aware of its emollient properties. The high protein content of castor oil allows filling of damaged keratin (a type of hair protein) spots in hair, making it smooth and shiny. The stickiness of this oil aids in sealing moisture. However, this thick nature of castor oil makes it hard to apply on the hair and thus can be used with coconut oil. Mix one part of castor oil with two parts of coconut oil and apply it on scalp and hair. Keep it overnight and wash off the extra oil with a shampoo the next morning.

In addition, dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale should be a regular part of your diet as they are rich in proteins, omega-3 acids, and minerals like selenium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium, which nourish your hair.