3 Amazing Hair Masks with Ayurvedic Herbs

Some herbs have been used in India for centuries to promote healthy hair. For example, shikakai, which literally translates into “fruit for hair”, is widely used as a shampoo because of its high content of saponins (natural compounds with mild surfactant properties). In addition, it produces a conditioning effect, helps detoxify the scalp, and balances the scalp’s pH.

Neem has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it a great dandruff treatment. Tulsi (holy basil) stimulates microcirculation in the scalp and thus reduces hair loss and promotes the growth of healthy hair. Amla (Indian gooseberry) has strong antioxidant properties. It protects hair follicles from free radicals and prevents breakage and split ends. Other Ayurvedic herbs used for hair care include arjuna, bhringraj, brahmi, ashwagandha, chameli, neutral henna, reetha, shatavari, vijaysar, and more.

These simple hair masks with Ayurvedic herbs will take good care of your hair and help make it stronger, softer, and shinier. You can find most ingredients in your pantry, and the rest can be easily bought online.

Amla & Shikakai Mask for Gorgeous Hair

Why does this mask work? Shikakai is a rich source of phytochemicals that nourish hair follicles, strengthen the hair from root to tip, and relieve itchy and flaky scalp. Amla has a high vitamin C content, which enables it to protect your hair against free radical damage. In addition, the mask contains fenugreek (methi), yogurt and lemon juice. These ingredients nourish and condition the hair, ensuring it remains strong and manageable.

Mix 2 tbsp amla powder with 1 tbsp shikakai powder. Add some warm water and stir well to make a lump-free, thick paste. Let it stand overnight. In the morning, add some plain yogurt – the exact amount depending on the desired consistency – and let the mixture stand for an hour. Finally, add 1 tbsp fenugreek powder and freshly squeezed juice of one lemon.

Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, leave for an hour, then rinse thoroughly.

Herbal Hair Mask with Green Tea

This mask is packed with herbs that will make your hair feel and look amazing. It contains neutral henna that strengthens the hair and leaves it silky smooth; amla that prevents premature graying and relieves itchy and flaky scalp; shikakai that provides the hair with vitamins and conditions it; brahmi oil that moisturises the hair and repairs its structure; green tea that is a rich source of antioxidants; yogurt that nourishes the hair with protein and stimulates blood circulation in the scalp.

Place a bag of green tea in a cup of hot water, let it steep. Once the water has cooled down, take the teabag out. In a non-metallic bowl, mix ½ cup neutral henna, ½ tsp shikakai powder, and ½ tsp amla powder. Add all liquid ingredients: green tea, 1 1 tbsp brahmi oil, 1 tbsp unsweetened and unflavored yogurt, 5 drops of lemon or lime juice, and, optionally, 2–3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Apply the resulting paste to your hair and scalp. Let the mask sit for at least an hour. Rinse thoroughly.

Brahmi Hair Mask for Hair Growth

Brahmi provides hair follicles with nutrients and improves circulation in the scalp, helping strengthen the hair and promote its growth. It is also useful in relieving itchy and flaky scalp, reducing dandruff, and preventing brittle hair and split ends. To complement and enhance the effect of brahmi, the mask contains amla and ashwagandha.

Combine 2 tbsp brahmi powder, 2 tbsp ashwagandha powder, and 2 tbsp amla powder in a bowl. Add ½ cup organic yogurt. Mix the ingredients together until you get a smooth mixture. Apply the mask to your hair from root to tip, section by section, until all your hair is covered. Leave the mixture for an hour, then shampoo and rinse your hair with lukewarm water.