Hair fall is a common problem for people across all age groups, affecting both men and women. While it’s normal to lose 50–100 strands of hair per day, excessive hair fall can be distressing and is often a symptom of underlying health issues, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or hormonal imbalances. Modern treatments usually focus on quick fixes, but Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that not only targets the symptoms but also manages the root cause of hair fall.
In this blog, we explore the Ayurvedic perspective on hair fall, the underlying causes according to Ayurveda, and effective natural treatments to restore hair health.
Understanding Hair Fall in Ayurveda:
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, believes that hair health is a reflection of your overall health and is closely linked to the balance of your doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda:
- Vata imbalance can lead to dryness and brittle hair, resulting in hair breakage and split ends.
- Pitta imbalance is one of the main causes of hair thinning and premature graying, as it affects the metabolic functions in the scalp and hair follicles.
- Kapha imbalance causes excess oiliness, clogging the hair follicles and leading to scalp infections or dandruff.
Ayurveda recognizes hair fall as a result of imbalances in these doshas, especially an aggravated Pitta dosha, which leads to inflammation in the hair roots and weakens them, causing the hair to fall out.
Types of Hair Loss:
There are two main patterns of hair loss: localized hair loss (known as Indralupta or Alopecia Areata) and generalized hair fall, which affects the entire scalp. These two have different causes and thus require different treatment approaches. Proper diagnosis and differentiation between these two types are essential before planning any treatment protocol.
Common Causes of Hair Fall According to Ayurveda:
- Unhealthy Diet – Improper nutrition, and regular consumption of junk food, spicy and oily food can disturb Pitta dosha and reduce nourishment to the scalp.
- Stress and Anxiety – Emotional stress increases Vata dosha, which results in weakened hair roots and hair shedding.
- Poor Lifestyle Habits – Irregular sleep patterns, excessive screen time, lack of physical activity, and overuse of chemical-based hair products lead to dosha imbalances.
- Seasonal Changes – Ayurveda links certain seasons like autumn (Sharad Ritu) with increased hair fall due to aggravated Pitta.
- Chronic Illness or Hormonal Imbalance – Conditions like thyroid disorders, PCOD/PCOS, and other metabolic issues are also linked with aggravated doshas and hair loss.
- Genetics: Hereditary hair loss is a major cause of thinning hair and baldness, especially in men. Male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss are both conditions that are influenced by genetics.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, harsh chemicals in hair care products, and extreme weather conditions can damage hair and lead to increased shedding.
- Age: As we age, hair growth slows down, and hair follicles become weaker, which leads to thinning and shedding.
Scalp infections are a common yet often overlooked reason for hair fall. Conditions such as fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis, or even lice infestations can affect the scalp’s health. Unless these issues are treated first, any hair regrowth treatments may not give desired results. Therefore, it’s essential to clear these scalp infections or allergies before starting any therapy to boost hair growth.
Hair loss can sometimes be a sign of internal health imbalances, particularly anemia, where the body has low levels of hemoglobin. In such cases, performing some basic medical tests becomes necessary. These include checking thyroid function, hemoglobin levels, and looking for vitamin deficiencies. Addressing these underlying health issues is crucial to achieving lasting improvement in hair health.
Link Between Bone Strength and Hair Health:
According to Ayurvedic principles, hair is considered a byproduct (mala) of bone tissue (Asthi Dhatu). If bone tissue is weak, it directly affects hair strength and quality. To improve this, herbs and minerals like Padmak, Khair, and Mandur Bhasma are used. These ingredients help improve bone density and indirectly enhance hair health by strengthening the body’s foundational tissues.
Choosing the Right Shampoo:
The type of shampoo you use plays an important role in hair health. Shampoos with strong fragrances and heavy foaming agents can strip the scalp of its natural oils and damage hair. At Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, patients are prescribed mild Ayurvedic shampoos that don’t foam excessively but still clean the scalp effectively and provide nourishment to the hair.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Fall:
Ayurveda aims not just to treat the symptoms but to fix the root cause. Treatment involves internal purification (Shodhana), herbal remedies, dietary changes, and external applications. Here are some effective Ayurvedic treatments and remedies for hair fall:
- Shirodhara: Shirodhara is a classical Ayurvedic therapy where medicated oil or decoction is poured steadily over the forehead. It calms the mind, relieves stress, and balances Vata and Pitta doshas. This therapy improves blood circulation to the scalp and helps in hair regrowth.
- Nasya (Nasal Administration of Herbs): Nasya therapy is the process of administering herbal oils through the nostrils. This technique is especially effective in managing hair fall due to hormonal imbalance, sinus issues, or excessive stress.
- Herbal Hair Oils: Ayurvedic oils like Bhringraj oil, Brahmi oil, and Neeli oil are renowned for their hair-strengthening properties. Frequent scalp massage with these oils improves circulation, strengthens hair roots, and prevents hair fall.
- Ayurvedic Herbs and Formulations: In Ayurveda, several herbs and natural substances are known for their role in improving hair health. Among them, Bhringraj and Maka are widely recognized. Alongside these, Laksha (commonly referred to as Laccife lakka) is another powerful medicine used for various therapeutic purposes, including hair care. Mandur Bhasma, an iron-based formulation, and Lohakalpa, which is rich in iron, are also used to strengthen the body from within and enhance hair growth. Adaptogenic herbs like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and Giloy (Guduchi) contribute to improved immunity, stress reduction, and hormonal balance, all of which play a role in reducing hair fall.
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) – Known as the “King of Herbs” for hair, it promotes hair growth and reverses baldness.
Amla (Indian - Gooseberry) – Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it nourishes hair, prevents greying, and strengthens roots.
- Ashwagandha – An adaptogen that helps decrease cortisol (stress hormone), it plays a key role in controlling hair fall related to stress.
- Brahmi – Improves memory and reduces anxiety, contributing to healthier hair.
- Triphala – A combination of three fruits that detoxifies the body and supports overall health, including hair health.
These herbs are often consumed in powdered form or as part of Ayurvedic supplements, under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) – Known as the “King of Herbs” for hair, it promotes hair growth and reverses baldness.
- Diet and Lifestyle Modification:
For hair to grow strong and healthy, the body must receive the right balance of nutrients. Micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin D3, zinc, iron, protein, and biotin are essential for hair growth. Deficiencies in any of these can lead to thinning hair, breakage, or excessive hair fall. Hence, a well-balanced and wholesome diet is more beneficial than just taking external supplements, as nutrients from food are more bioavailable and effectively absorbed by the body. A healthy diet is important for maintaining strong and healthy hair.
Include: Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts (especially almonds and walnuts), seeds (like flaxseed and sesame), whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
Avoid: Excessively spicy, oily, and processed foods.
Drink adequate water and herbal teas like cumin-coriander-fennel tea for detoxification.
Ensure sound sleep and manage stress through yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom and Bhramari.
Ayurvedic Dietary Remedy from Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™:
At Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, a unique and effective dietary mix is recommended to patients suffering from hair fall. This includes a combination of coconut, black raisins, rock sugar (khadisakhar), dry dates (kharek), and poppy seeds (khuskhus). All these ingredients are ground together and given in the dose of one spoon in the morning and evening daily. Along with this, the diet should also include milk, paneer, leafy greens, and pulses, which are natural sources of essential nutrients for hair. While supplements can help, a nutritious diet has a longer-lasting impact on overall health and hair quality.
Harmful Hair Habits to Avoid:
Several lifestyle habits can negatively impact hair health. These include:
- Tightly tying or pulling hair
- Frequently touching or twisting hair
- Overusing heat styling tools
- Combing hair excessively
- Spending long hours in air-conditioned environments
- Avoiding these habits can help reduce unnecessary stress on hair and prevent further damage.
Panchakarma Detox Treatments:
Ayurveda emphasizes Panchakarma treatments to balance the body’s internal environment. One important therapy is Virechan (purgation), which helps regulate digestion and reduce internal heat. Mild laxatives like Triphala Churna are used for regular bowel movements. Proper sleep and reducing acidity are also crucial aspects of this treatment. If a person is not sleeping well, it may increase stress and indirectly lead to more hair fall, so ensuring sound sleep is an important part of hair fall management.
Basti Therapy for Hair Fall:
A special Panchakarma procedure called Basti involves administering medicated ghee and herbs through the rectal route. A form of this treatment known as Tikta Kshir Basti, which uses bitter herbs boiled in milk, is particularly beneficial for treating conditions like hair fall and baldness (Khalitya and Palitya). This therapy has been highly praised in classical Ayurvedic texts and is found to be very effective in improving hair health.
Conclusion:
Hair fall is not just a cosmetic issue but a symptom of internal imbalance. The Ayurvedic approach to hair fall is unique because it doesn’t merely mask the signs — it heals the root cause. By focusing on personalized treatment, a balanced diet, natural herbs, and lifestyle regulation, Ayurveda offers a long-term solution for hair fall and promotes the growth of strong, healthy, and lustrous hair.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner like Dr. Manoj Deshpande at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ clinic, who can assess your dosha type and suggest a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. With patience and consistency, Ayurvedic treatment can help you restore your crowning glory — naturally and holistically.