The first and foremost part of a woman's beauty lies in her hair. The female obsession with beautiful long hair is pervasive for ages. The expression "crowning glory" reverts back from Biblical era. According to 1 Corinthians 11: 15, "but for a woman, if her hair is abundant, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering."
A radiant mane is both an integral part of beauty and sets the tone for the entire appearance. From the children's book to the movies, hair has an important role to play.
In 1947, film director S. Sylvan Simon made a movie in which a scientist invents a formula that removes old, thinning hair and restores it with thick, new hair. We have seen in movies change in women's hairstyle as a retort to life changes like divorce, ambition, trauma. It shows what hair connotes to a woman.
Why Hair Fall is Disastrous
In the present time, women's hair lingers as an image of femininity. A good hairstyle isn't possible without shiny and voluminous hair. Hair and prettiness industry is a multibillion-dollar industry. This is not just because appearance is given utmost importance, but because the hair epitomizes the personality.
Hair loss is a universal problem that affects 50% of women during their lives. Though, it can occur anywhere in the body, but the most common being the scalp. The causes of hair loss hinges on many factors such as scalp infection, hormonal imbalance, medical issues, poor diet, lifestyle changes, etc.
Genetics is also one of the causes of hair fall. Both men and women experience hair fall due to this. If baldness runs in the family, the chances of the next generation having baldness is high. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are different stages of women's life when they undergo hormonal changes. Hormonal changes cause unexpected and sudden hair fall in women, although it is reversible.
Psychological effects of hair loss
Whatever the cause, it affects a woman emotionally and psychologically. For many, a bad hair day means a bad day. Thinning and balding hair is more traumatic for a woman than a man in our society.
Studies have found that considerable amount of hair loss may lead to lack of self-image and a host of other psychological issues ranging from anxiety, depression, social phobia to suicidal tendencies in some severe cases. Depression makes one feel lack of energy, sleep deprivation, lack of interest in social activities. Fear of humiliation leads to social evasion followed by anxiety.
Hair care and Ayurveda
Ayurveda categorises hair into three basic types based on dominant dosha, which diktat hair types.
Vata hair: Vata hair is thin and wavy. It lacks moisture and the scalp is dry making the hair brittle and lacking lustre. Hair fall is common in vata hair and is prone to split ends and breakage.
Kapha hair: Kapha hair is strong, curly, and lustrous in texture. Scalp is moisturized and the excess oiliness leads to clogged follicles accompanied by dandruff.
Pitta Hair: Pitta hair is of medium strength and thickness. Hair is mostly straight and not as brittle as vata hair. Overactive pitta leads to thinning and premature greying of hair.
Ayurveda has century-old secrets of caring and maintaining glossy and thick hair as per the hair type. These are the key ingredients that are widely effective on hair:
Bhringraj
Bhringraj is one of the best revitalizing herbs in ayurveda that improves blood circulation in the scalp and hair follicles which in turn enriches the roots by bringing in more nutrients through the blood supply and helping in the growth of new hair.
Brahmi
Brahmi nourishes the scalp and provides strength to the roots of hair. It helps reduce stress, which is a major cause of hair fall.
Jatamansi
Jatamansi is good for hair growth since it lengthens the hair growth phase and increases the size of the hair follicle.
Paras Pipal
Paras Pipal has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that clear off sebum oil and other debris from your scalp. This reduces inflammation, itching and irritation, which leads to hair loss.
Triphala
The combination of three herbs - amla, haritaki, vibhitaki, is one of the best reviving agents of hair.
A nourishing hair product with all the above key ingredients in the form of hair gel is available as Hair Growth Promoter or HGP. This hair gel works on the dermal papilla and promotes hair growth. It has a quick absorbing formula that helps the nutrients to easily assimilate down the roots.
Winding up
Ayurveda has plenty of remedies for hair problems. Shinier, healthier and stronger hair requires nutrition. Ayurvedic herbs are rich in nutrition as well as have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to make hair regrow and reverse the receding hairline.
Trust ayurveda to master the art of caring and maintaining shinier, thicker, and healthier hair.