Although everyone may not desire to attain long lush manes, everyone wants healthy hair. Healthy hair begins at the roots. For optimum hair and scalp health, add a scalp/hair cleanse and exfoliation using ayurvedic powders at least once a month. You may purchase them at your local health food store or online. A great online resource is www.ayurnaturalbeauty.com. Search under the "herbs" tab. Excellent ones to try starting out are the Shikakai and Amla powders.
Shikakai Powder (Acacia) has a naturally mild pH and gently cleanses the hair and exfoliates the scalp without stripping the natural oils. It has been know to gently exfoliate the scalp, help eliminate dandruff, strengthen hair from the roots, and cause less shedding over time.
To use: Start by adding one tablespoon of Shikakai powder to a glass bowl. Slowly stir in hot water to make a soft mud. Add more water if needed. Gradually add more powder/water to accommodate the length of your hair. The consistency should be like gravy. Cover mixture and let sit for about 10-15 minutes. Section hair and carefully apply the mud, concentrating more on the scalp and roots, then down the hair shaft. Be careful, as the application process can be messy. Cover hair with a processing cap for 30 minutes, then rinse THOROUGHLY. Follow up with a deep conditioner.
Amla Powder (Indian Gooseberry) is one of the highest sources of vitamin C. It has been known to strengthen hair at the roots, stop and reverse abnormal hair loss, and encourage healthier hair growth. Vitamin C helps maintain healthy collagen, a connective tissue that strengthens your hair follicles. Vitamin C is also a robust antioxidant, which means it can offset cell damaging free radicals. Amla powder tonics strengthens and conditions newly growing strands, which gradually strengthen hair and helps prevent hair loss.
To use: Steep one heaping tablespoon of Amla powder in 4 oz. of hot water in a glass bowl over night. Strain with cheese cloth. The consistency should be like tea. Carefully apply to scalp and hair. Massage gently, then rinse. *Depending on application, Amla powder may naturally darken hair.*
**ALWAYS perform a small patch test on your skin to determine sensitivity.**