has this been posted anywhere? if so, i apologize for duplicating, but this is interesting especially bolded parts. the yogurt section (there is a thread about yogurt for the hair(topical application) somewhere on this site too).
this is quite long--the whole thing is found here:
http://bath-n-beauty.laurieashton.c...ndian_Herbs_for_Hair_Care#Ayurvedic_Hair_Care
Ayurvedic Hair Care
Indians believe that the health of the hair, skin, and nails indicates the health of the person, and that someone with unhealthy hair needs to manage their diet better.
Specifically they lack protein (Indians generally recommend milk protein to remedy this--especially yogurt), and fruits and vegetables. The ideal exercise according to Ayurvedic practitioners is walking.
Most herbs used in Indian hair and skin care (yes many of the herbs below are also good for your skin!) are good for everyone, regardless of dosha. If you have particular problems or concerns, you may want to contact an Ayurvedic practitioner for a professional consultation.
Oils and Oiling Techniques
compiled by mira-chan
Why oil? Oils are used as a protective conditioner and for treating problems of hair growth and both hair and scalp condition. They can be used daily to protect hair from the elements. Herbal oils are applied to the scalp daily or pre-wash to treat scalp conditions. More thorough scalp and length oiling is done pre-wash as a conditioner to protect the hair from the drying effects of the cleansing herbs and water.
Herbal oils are chosen depending on condition of the scalp and used either together or separately. They are applied on non wash days in the evening or at least 30 minutes before washing to let the herb act on the scalp.
Pre-wash oiling is done on dry hair at least 30 minutes before washing. Non- wash day oiling can be done on dry or damp (misted) hair depending on how hair reacts to oiling. Amount used depends on hair length and how much oil the hair absorbs. Start with small amounts and increase as needed.
Post wash oiling is done on dry or damp hair depending on the hair reaction to oils. Only a small amount is used. It helps in detangling and shine, similar to a leave-in conditioner.
Which oils might be right for you?
Generally using herbs for healthy hair maintenance involves some kind of oiling (see below) and an herbal wash. You may also add an herbal rinse. The wash and rinse can be one mixture, or used separately, but together they should contain at least one cleansing agent (such as shikakai or aritha/reetha and one conditioning agent such as amla). Some Indians also use rice starch as a type of natural emulsifier to bind the herb powders together and make them easier to apply and rinse out.
Indian women tend to oil their hair daily or every other day, and to wear their hair in a single braid or a bun. Very rarely do they wear their hair down.
Please keep reading for some wash and rinse recipes and advice, and for tips on oils and oiling, and some information on the various herbs and commercial products that you can use with Indian herbal hair care.
Violetflower's Wash Mix II
I used the following to wash my hair with. All measurements are in dessert spoons.
1.5 dessert spoons of amla
1 dessert spoon shikakai
1 dessert spoon orange peel
1 dessert spoon brahmi
1 dessert spoon neem
1 dessert spoon tulsi
2 dessert spoons kapoor kachli
2 dessert spoons maka
3 dessert spoons marsh mallow
1 and a half teaspoons of virgin coconut oil.
These I blended in with an aritha (measurement?) and hot water mix, which made a thick gravy. Application instructions?
My hair dried overnight, and was wonderfully silky, and ultra shiny!
[edit] Conditioning Mixes That May Be Used As Gentle Washes
Mira-chan's Wash Mix I
Hibiscus leaf (in the testing process) Take half a cup of fresh hibiscus leaves and crush them. The boil them in about a cup of water for 20 minutes. Strain, let cook and use as shampoo. (Tried once using “Rose of Sharon” hibiscus species, good results). The hibiscus leaf wash is not to be used post oiling or on oily hair unless it is very concentrated. It will not remove much oil. It mostly acts as an anti-dryness barrier for my hair as water can make it dry.
Mira-chan's Wash Mix II
Take two table spoons of powdered hibiscus flowers, mix with a cup of boiling water. Let cool. Apply to hair and leave for 5 to 20 minutes. Rinse well. Gives shine and cleans non-oiled hair well. Would be good for those who want to wash very often (daily or every other day) or for non-oiled naturally dry hair/ scalp. (Tested, several washes done with great success.)
Shell's Herbal CO
Use three tablespoons of amla in about two cups of warm water. Let sit for 5-15 minutes. Apply to hair and scalp. Gently massage scalp with a bit of water splashed on. Leave in for 15 minutes or so. Won't remove any but a very light oiling. Nicely conditioning and gently cleansing. Also makes your hair smell nice.
[edit] Rinses and Conditioners
compiled by Icydove
Traditionally, prewash oilings and using conditioning herbs in the washing mix serve as the Indian herb user's only conditioners. However, some people use Indian herbs for additional conditioning needs or for deep treatments.
Icydove's Herbal Rinse
1 heaping tsp. of hibiscus
1 heaping tsp. of elderflower
1/2 tsp. of honey
Add the herbs and honey to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about 5 minutes, and strain. I dunk my ends in the mixture, then pour it over my head. I rinse lightly to prevent the hibiscus from staining. TIP: Use the mixture while the water is still warm or the honey could stiffen hair. I use aloe vera gel and jojoba oil mixed together as a leave-in. Once my hair dries, I use a little shea butter as well.
mira-chan's Hibiscus Conditioner
3-4 flowers of hibiscus one tablespoon fenugreek seeds ( coarse powder or just crushed) 1 table spoon of arrowroot powder/ starch.
Mix arrowroot powder with a little bit of cool water. Make a large mug worth of strong tea with hibiscus and fenugreek. Strain then add arrowroot. Allow to cool then use as a conditioning rinse.
hibiscus tea
fenugreek (strained)
arrowroot powder
Kissedbyfire's Indian Herbal Wash/Condition This comes from a public thread, so I think we can use it--I have tried emailing KBF for permission.
This is for thick, tailbone length hair, so it creates about half a bowl size of goo.
1 tablespoon neem
1 tablespoon shikakai
1 tablespoon aritha
1 tablespoon amla
1 tablespoon sandlewood
1 tablespoon brahmi
1 tablespoon hibiscus
2 tablespoon marshmallow root
1 cup tea (rosemary, chamomile, lavendar, etc.)
Allow tea to simmer while mixing up the herbs. Add tea to herb mixture, mix well. Let cool to a warm tempture and apply.
Once cooled I hop in the shower, wet down my hair and do an acv rinse. I then towel dry, bend over at the waist and allow my hair to hang down. I start by massaging the goo into my scalp first. Once I'm sure I've covered that, I divide my hair into about four sections and start working the goo into each section. I massage the sections of the hair between the palms of my hands making sure it's massaged in really well. I then bun my hair, wrap a plastic bag around it and a towel for extra bit of heat. I let this sit for about 60 or more minutes.
To rinse out, I bend over at the waist again and rinse really well, massaging my hair as I let the water run over it. I then flip my hair back and rinse some more. Thankfully this doesn't create tangles, but I can see how it would with thinner hair.
?
amazing in your siggy. I may have to try me some Shikkakai (sp?) washing
.
