All about the Ayurvedic oils ( snipped from elsewhere)
Which oils might be right for you?
Coconut -– cooling oil
Used for scalp and length of hair, the body, and for cooking. Herbs can be infused in it, flavoring/scenting the infusion by immersing oils in it and letting it sit in the sun without high heat as heat from cooking a long time will alter the properties of unrefined coconut oil slightly. Prevents protein loss from hair during washing.
Applied both pre-wash and on the days between washing.
For dry or damaged ends: Wet/ mist the ends of the hair and liberally apply coconut oil, then braid. Let the oil soak in for at least a day.
Sesame –– Warming/ neutral oil
Commonly used for hair and cooking. The best oil to use when infusing other herbs by cooking. Can be applied between washing but, referred as a pre-wash oil as it has a stronger scent than coconut.
Mustard -– warming oil
It is used more in Northern India, for the scalp and for medicinal body massages. It brings circulation to the scalp due to its mild irritating properties, similar to cayenne pepper. It has anti-bacterial properties. Do not try to infuse herbs in this by heating as it produces noxious fumes. Applied pre-wash to scalp only. Has a strong scent.
Amla Oil -- cooling oil
Conditioning astringent. A cooling, pitta soothing oil. Used for hair loss, premature graying, strengthens the roots, reduces dandruff. Prevents split ends. A small amount is applied to hair and scalp after washing or massaged in pre-wash. Promotes sound sleep when massaged into the scalp.
Brahmi Gatu Kola (Bacopa monnieri)
Herb infused in oil. A cooling, pitta soothing oil.
Used to combat dandruff and dry scalp.
Bringraj (Eclipta alba)
Oil of the herbs called the king of herbs for hair infused into oil such as sesame. Aids in hair growth. Used for prevention of premature balding, and helps with sun damaged and color treated hair. Massage into the scalp pre-wash.
Commercial Products
compiled by Shell
Indian women, like women everywhere, want to take good care of their hair using the best ingredients, but they also want the convenience of prepared commercial products. The following links will take you outside of this page to learn more about commercial options in Indian Herbal hair care. Many people here at TLHC have used these products.
One quite popular brand is
Dabur. They make a variety of oils and shampoos, a few of which I will highlight here. Please be sure to click on their website for more in-depth information. All information on their products comes from their page.
Dabur Amla Oil is described by its manufacturer thusly: "...a scientific blend of the purest mineral and vegetable oils. Mixed hygienically in the correct ratio these oils nurture the scalp, give hair a luxurient glossy look, keep them silky and long, and prevent hair damage from the extremities of weather, premature graying & falling of hair. When massaged into the scalp it relaxes the mind, eases out stress and promotes sleep. It also nourishes and strengthens the hair roots." A lighter formula of this oil is also available.
Dabur Vatika Oil is described by its manufacturer thusly: "...a premium coconut hair oil enriched with Henna, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Lemon and five other trusted herbs. Vatika's unique natural formulation ensures deeper oil penetration. Giving your hair and scalp complete nourishment for problem free, healthy hair. While Henna forms a protective coat to prevent oxidation, Amla strengthens the hair-roots and the astringent action of Lemon prevents dandruff."
Dabur Special Hair Oil s described by its manufacturer thusly: "...a non-sticky light hair oil with the goodness of Lemon and Hibiscus. Lemon gives hair a natural shine while Hibiscus and other natural ingredients strengthen the roots and nourish the hair from deep within - making them thick, lustrous and healthy." It also contains rosemary.
Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil is described by its manufacturer thusly: "For ages, the enchanting fragrance of Jasmine has spellbound people. Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil has the same fragrant goodness of Jasmine. That gives your hair a new life and makes them long, thick and beautiful." Jasmine is the only ingredient listed.
The Dabur company also makes a variety of shampoos for all hair types, including a dandruff shampoo. The ingredients of their shampoos are similar to western commercial products (including SLS) with Indian herbs added.
Song of India Herbal Shampoo comes in both liquid and powdered forms. Contains oils and herbal extracts. The powdered form supposedly contains no preservatives, but I couldn't get ingredient lists for either product.
Shikakai Shampoo Bar: this appears to made of shikakai and saponified oils. It contains no animal products and doesn't list any SLS.
Hesh Ayumix Shikakai, Neem, and Amla Shampoo Bar is a product for those looking for convenience and Indian herbs. See Keenkitty's review linked below.
Ayurvedic Shampoo Bar Neem Plus5 80g Auromere is described by its manufacturer thusly: "This unique Ayurvedic formula in a handy bar includes Neem, the premier herb for skin and scalp, plus 5 other potent herbal extracts: Reetha, Shikakai, Henna, Amla and Methi, all prized for their natural cleansing, nourishing and rejuvenating effect on the hair and scalp. Recommended for all types of hair: (Vata-Pitta-Kapha body types).
Ingredients: Coconut oil, Palmyra oil, Castor oil, Alkali,Wax, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine (from Coconut oil), Cocoamidopropyl Amino Oxide (from Coconut oil), Sandalwood fragrance, Soya Lecithin, Neem, Reetha (Indian Filbert/Soapnut), Shikakai (Acacia cancinna), Henna, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Methi (Fenugreek).
Neem oil is commonly used in India for dandruff control and against lice. This site sells an
organic variety
Meera Herbal Hair Wash Powder: Ingredients listed (courtesy of naj): shikakai, aritha, tulsi, hibiscus,vetiver, green gram,and fenugreek.
New Meera Gold Powder Ingredients listed (courtesy of LittleFlower): Phaseolus mungo - (black gram, green gram, or mung bean), hibiscus, shikakai, tulsi, usilai, vaagai, sirisa, vetiver,fenugreek (methi)
Both of the Meera products are herbs packaged in jars or sachets for traditional Indian hair washing. Both are shikakai based. Reports are that it lathers though, and that may mean that other ingredients are in the powder than are listed. This is reported an issue with some Indian commercial products. Both may contain fragrance oils. See
for more information and for ordering.
Meera Herbal Oil contains a variety of beneficial herbs in a base of coconut and mineral oils. The herbs continue steeping in the oil through an innovative cylinder in the bottle.