By Shreelata Suresh

According to ayurveda, a healthy beautiful head of hair requires an ongoing care routine that starts with nourishment. Why wait until you experience hair problems? As with your skin, start taking care of it now, and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.

Massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs, is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically. Not only does the massage work wonders for your hair, but it also relaxes the mind and nervous system. The oil for the massage can be customized by hair and body type. If your hair is thin, dry and frizzy and prone to split-ends, you have Vata hair. If you have fine hair prone to premature thinning or graying, you are Pitta-predominant. If you are predominantly Kapha, your hair will tend to be thick and oily.

The Benefits

A warm oil massage, done at least once a week (if you have more Vata in your make-up, you would want to try to do it two to three times a week), has the following benefits:

• It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.
• It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is tight from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.
• It helps relax the scalp and increase pliability.
• It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.
• It helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable.
• It spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy.
• It helps protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.
• It is replenishing and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.
• It helps pacify Vata dosha. Especially when enriched with Vata-pacifying herbs, a warm oil hair and can be wonderfully relaxing for the mind and nervous system.

When fortified with cooling, Pitta-pacifying herbs, the hair and scalp massage can help balance Pitta dosha and help prevent Pitta-related problems such as premature graying or thinning of hair. It also helps reduce body heat in general, especially if you have been up late a few nights or your eyes are smarting from too much close work on the computer or reading. A Pitta-pacifying massage also helps promote emotional balance.

The massage helps relax the muscles in the neck area.

The massage can help promote sound sleep at night.

Choosing a Massage Oil

If you are Vata-predominant, choose almond oil or sesame oil as the base oil. Both of these oils are very nourishing for the scalp and hair and help reduce stiffness and tightness in the scalp.

For Pitta persons, cooling coconut oil is the ideal choice. Because coconut is very Pitta-pacifying, coconut oil massage can retard hair problems such as thinning and premature graying that are associated with an aggravated Pitta dosha.

If you are Kapha-predominant, sesame or olive oil are good choices. Olive oil has purifying properties that help keep pores open.

While massaging with a dosha-appropriate base oil can be helpful, ayurvedic oils designed for hair and scalp massage typically include one or more hair-friendly herbs to augment the benefit of the massage. Traditionally, these herbs are slow-cooked with the oil, and the oil is then strained and ready for use.

Brahmi helps calm the mind and nervous system, pacifies Vata and is very nourishing for the hair. It helps promote hair thickness and body. Amalaki is cooling, nourishing and purifying all at the same time, so it is wonderful for all types of hair. It is especially beneficial for Pitta-predominant people because it pacifies Pitta and helps ward off premature thinning and graying of hair. It also helps prevent dry scalp and flakes. Bhringaraj, which translates to king of tresses, is also Pitta-pacifying and very nourishing for the hair. Hibiscus is cooling and helps maintain hair color and vitality. Neem is good for Kapha hair; it has purifying and cleansing properties. Rosemary and Lavender are excellent for all types of hair. Rosemary helps stimulate hair follicles and promotes growth, helps retard premature thinning and graying, and soothes and conditions the scalp. Lavender stimulates hair growth, balances oil production and replenishes the hair and scalp. Jasmine helps alleviate stress.

How to Do the Scalp and Hair Self-Massage

Pour some oil into a bowl and warm the oil by placing the bowl in some hot water. The oil should be warm but comfortable to the touch.

Using the pads of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp, parting your hair as needed. Also work some oil along the length of your hair. Then, using the pads of your fingers, work the oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation. Cover your entire scalp, all the way down the sides to your ears and at the back to your neck. Leave the oil on for at least 30-60 minutes, longer if you can. If you like, you can dip a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around your head after your massage for added conditioning and softening of hair. You can even leave the oil on overnightE?place a thick towel over your pillow to protect your linens. Shampoo out with a gentle, natural shampoo.

Note: This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.

The Author

Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor from the Bay Area. She writes for various publications on yoga and ayurveda. For more information on ayurveda or to buy pure ayurvedic skin and hair care products, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.