Ayurvedic knowledge originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is a form of healing science. Modern life can make us feel like we should be using the latest beauty products to achieve the looks and hair we desire. But tried and tested methods that have been used for thousands of years by the women of India might be better at achieving thick, healthy, shiny hair.

Bright Side is here with a list of these ancient techniques that have proved to be helpful in attaining luscious locks.

1. Using the Balayam technique

This is a yoga technique that is also a form of acupressure and reflexology. It involves rubbing the fingernails against each other (not the thumbs) with equal force for about 5-10 minutes a day. The thumbs should be upright.

It’s believed there are pressure points below the nails that can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, thus promoting hair growth. This method is a slow burn and takes patience, and results may take several months.

2. Using shikakai in your routine.

Shikakai is a shrub-like tree that grows in India, and its hair health benefits have been harvested and used for centuries. It’s known as a natural shampoo and the plant pods are packed full of vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with other antioxidants. These help to provide micro-nutrients to nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

The shikakai leaves, pods, and bark are dried and ground into a powder, and when mixed with water, it makes a paste that is used on hair. The benefits are endless and can give a boost in hair growth, detangle hair, reduce dandruff, prevent split ends, and make the hair soft and shiny.

3. Using hair oils

Many different types of hair oils are used in India to help add moisture back into the hair, each with different properties. Hair oiling has been practiced for centuries and has been recommended in Ayurvedic medicine.

It works by promoting blood circulation, adding moisture, and stimulating the hair follicle through massaging oils into the scalp, but too much may be damaging, so balance is key. Some of the oils used in India are amla oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and almond oil.

4. Putting hair in plaits or braids

Indian women have been braiding or plaiting since ancient times. While there is little evidence to show this promotes hair growth, there are benefits to plaiting our hair.

While our hair is in a braid, there is less friction against other fabrics, which means it’s less likely to break. There’s also less tangling of the hair and not as much brushing is required. The key is to have the braid loose and not too tight at the scalp.

5. Using homemade hair masks

When our hair needs a little extra love, a hair mask can help to provide concentrated nourishment and moisture to our hair, but Indian women make use of the benefits of natural ingredients to give their hair a little refreshment and stimulation.

Many of the homemade masks are a mix of ingredients we already have in our kitchens, such as honey, avocado, yogurt, apple cider, and aloe vera, to name a few.

6. Using henna to tint hair

Henna is a natural plant that can dye hair black or burgundy, or even orange colors. It also has anti-fungal properties, which is why it helps with dandruff and can reduce hair loss, and it contains vitamin E, which helps to soften the hair.

If opting for this, be careful as to what henna you use, as some may be mixes that contain chemicals.

7. Using eggs to nourish the hair

Eggs have been used since the eleventh century to strengthen hair. They contain proteins and fats that help give hair a beautiful shine.

Eggs can be used in hair masks or on their own by applying egg whites to the roots and leaving them there for 15-20 minutes.

Have you tried any of these techniques? If so, what were the results like? Would you try any of these techniques?

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