Bhringraj, Amla and Hibiscus: The Herbs Behind Ayurvedic Hair Care
Three classic herbs used in Indian hair oils and masks, and what each is known for in tradition.
Open a bottle of traditional Indian hair oil and you will almost always find the same few herbs. Here are three of them.
Bhringraj is called the king of hair herbs in Ayurvedic texts. It is steeped in oil and massaged into the scalp. Read more: Bhringraj.
Amla, the Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C and is used in oils, powders and masks. Read more: Amla.
Hibiscus flowers and leaves are cooked into oils and made into pastes. They give slip and softness to the hair. Read more: Hibiscus.
How herbs get into the oil: fresh or dried herbs are simmered slowly in a base such as coconut or sesame oil until the water cooks off. The oil carries the herbal character.
How to use them in a routine: oil the scalp weekly, wash with a gentle shampoo, and use a mask once every two weeks. Try Root Revive Hair Oil and Rich Tone Hair Mask.
Traditional uses described here are cultural and are not medical claims.