In the first edition of Free From Living, I talk about how Ayurvedic haircare has transformed my locks. Here’s a recap, along with some insight from a leading Ayurvedic haircare specialist and two of my favourite introductory recipes for Ayurvedic hair treatments. Want to transform your hair? Read on!
What is Ayurvedic haircare?
Ayurvedic haircare and colouring uses 100% natural, plant-based ingredients to achieve unrivalled levels of shine and vibrancy of colour. I can apply it safe in the knowledge that it’s free from anything nasty and supports my free from lifestyle.
How does Ayurvedic haircare compliment free from life?
Ayurvedic hair care starts from within. This herbal approach towards haircare first and foremost starts with your diet. Best practices suggest a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and natural digestive aids such as turmeric and ginger Khadija Carryl, master colourist and Ayurvedic haircare specialist from HennaSooq commented: “Ayurvedic hair care fully supports a free from lifestyle, since the herbs used are in their raw, natural form. You’re fully aware of what you’re using, mixing and what is going into your mind, body and soul.”
Where to start with Ayurvedic haircare
If you’re an Ayurvedic newbie, Khadija recommends you starting with amla, also known as Indian gooseberry. She said: “amla conditions the hair, adds shine and volume and thickens and strengthens hair strands. Mix amla with plain distilled water or a moisturizing liquid like aloe vera juice, and you’re already off to a good start.” You can pick up amla oil online, in some supermarkets and in high street shops. Simply drench your hair in it, wrap it securely with a towel, turban or shower cap and wash it out in the morning.
When you’re ready to take the next step, try one of my simple Ayurvedic recipes:
Recipe for an Ayurvedic growth hair mask
This is 100% natural, colourless hair mask to support the growth and condition of all hair types. Quantities are for mid length hair or shorter, double for long hair.
Ingredients
- 75g cassia powder
- 15g amla powder
- 15g aloe vera powder
- A cup of warm green tea
Method
In a ceramic bowl, add all the dry ingredients together and gradually pour in warm green tea and combine using a wooden spoon until you reach a thick, batter consistency. Apply to your scalp first and then through to your ends. Wrap in cling film or a shower cap and leave on for one hour. Rinse and style as normal.
Cassia is Chinese cinnamon and it can also be used on blonde or light hair for a golden shine. Combine cassia with lemon juice and leave on overnight for a golden gloss
Recipe for an Ayurvedic intense copper hair dye
This is a 100% natural copper hair dye recipe. The lighter your hair, the brighter the colour. If you’re light blonde or grey, this will make your hair bright copper, fading back to a copper blonde. If your hair is mid brown, it will develop into an auburn. If your hair is dark brown or black, it will give it a warm copper gloss. Always perform a patch test before dying to test out the colour. Quantities are for mid length hair or shorter, double for long hair.
Ingredients
- 50g cassia powder
- 50g henna powder
- 15g amla powder
- 15g aloe powder
- Juice of one lemon
- A cup of warm chamomile tea
Method
In a ceramic bowl, add all the dry ingredients together, pour in the warm chamomile tea and combine using a wooden spoon until you reach a thick batter consistency. Cover the bowl with cling film and tea towels to keep in the warmth. Allow the mixture to develop for one hour and you’ll see the dyes begin to release. Mix the ingredients once more before applying to your hair. Start at the root and bring through to the ends. It’s messy, so lay down some old towels first! Once your whole head is covered, wrap in cling film and a towel and leave on for up to four hours. The longer you leave it, the deeper the colour and the deeper the gloss. Rinse and style as normal. Try not to wash your hair for three days after dying to allow the colour to set into your hair.
Avoid using metals around natural masks and dyes. Always use a ceramic bowl and a wooden spoon when cooking up your recipes to avoid any possible reactions with the products you buy.
For more hints and tips, check out Henna Sooq online or on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.