How To Select Hair Oil  For Yourself? Choices And Examples

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD
Hair care is a most incoming generating business in the world. Even though shampoo, soap, hair gels, colorants etc. have significant amount of share, hair oil also takes major portion in this respect. 

Unlike hair products that often contain chemical ingredients Ayurvedic hair oils adopt an holistic approach, by utilizing herbs and plant based components to nourish and revitalize the hair.

Ayurveda acknowledges three doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which Are the energies that govern our bodies. Each dosha has specific characteristics, and an imbalance in any of these doshas can affect our hair health. For instance, an excess of Vata can lead to dry and brittle hair, while an imbalance in Pitta can cause hair to become thin and prone to premature graying. On the other hand, an excess of Kapha can lead to oily scalp and hair.

Keeping your doshas in balance is crucial for maintaining hair. Ayurveda provides a range of techniques and remedies to help restore equilibrium and enhance hair health with one of the approaches being the utilization of Ayurvedic hair oils.

For instance if you have Vata you might require an oil that adds nourishment and moisture to your hair. If you have an excess of Pitta, you may benefit from a cooling and soothing oil. And if you have an excess of Kapha, an oil that promotes scalp detoxification and oil balance may be ideal.
Here is a quick review of classical hair oils and its main indications.

Hair oils for Vata Prakriti

For Vata prakriti people – 
Asanabilvadi taila – used in the treatment of diseases related eyes, ear and headache.
Malatyadi taila – used in treatment of alopecia, premature baldness, dandruff and excessive hair fall.
Amritadi taila

Hair oils for Pitta Prakriti

For Pitta prakriti individuals –
Chandanadi taila – It is a natural coolant oil. It is used to relieve burning sensation, dizziness, etc.
Triphaladi taila –  used in the treatment of headache, hair fall, grey hairs, etc.
Asanaeladi taila –  used in the Ayurvedic treatment of headache, ear and eye diseases.
Utpaladi taila – containing lotus and white lily, it is coolant and useful to treat early greying of hairs, burning sensation in the head, eyes, redness of eyes, short temper and high blood pressure
Chandanosheeradi taila – Containing sandalwood, vetiver and many other coolant ingredients, this is used similar to Utpaladi taila.
Brahmi taila – calms the mind, improves focus, memory and concentration. It deepens the sleep.
Doorvadi keram

Hair oils for Kapha Prakriti

For Kapha prakriti individulas-
Asanadi taila,
Asanaeladi taila,
Asanamanjishthadi taila,
Manjishthadi taila,
Doorvadi keram
Read related: Ayurvedic Hair Care – Principles, Herbs, Oils And Medicines

Should I Heat The Hair Oil Before Applying?

Oils for thick hair

Ayurvedic hair oils are highly valued for their capacity to promote hair growth. The presence of elements, like Amla, Brahmi, Bhringraj and Fenugreek in these oils has long been recognized in Ayurveda for their effectiveness in supporting hair growth. These ingredients collaborate to fortify the roots of the hair, minimize hair loss and encourage the emergence of thicker strands.

Hair loss is a worry for a lot of people and Ayurvedic hair oils provide a remedy to address this problem. The natural herbs used in these oils work to strengthen the roots of the hair, prevent breakage and minimize hair loss. By nourishing the scalp with nutrients Ayurvedic hair oils support hair growth resulting in reduced hair fall as time goes on.

For getting thick, dense and long hair –
Neelibhringadi taila,
Bhringaraja taila / Tekaraja taila,  – Learn how to make bhringaraj hair oil at home
Kayyonyadi taila, Chembarutyadi taila,
Bhringamalakadi taila

Oils to overcome grey hairs

For overcoming the grey hair-
Amalaki taila / Amla hair oil – Learn how you can prepare it at home, easily
Triphaladi taila,
Neelinyadi taila,
Gopatmajadi taila,
Kayyonyadi taila,
Doorvadi keram,
Madhuka taila

Oils to reduce burning sensation of scalp

To reduce the burning of scalp-
Himasagara taila,
Amalaki taila,
Baladhatryadi taila,
Brahmi taila
Read related: Oral Ayurvedic Medicines For Hair Loss And Hair Growth

Oils to reduce itching

To reduce the itching, dandruff of the scalp-
Durdurapatradi taila,
Nalpamaradi taila,
Eladi keram,
Mandara taila,
Marichadya taila,
Dineshavallyadi keram,
Doorvadi keram

Oils to reduce hair root pain

To reduce the pain of the hair roots-
Bala taila,
Ksheerabala taila,
Balahathadi taila

Oils for healthy strong hair

If you find yourself dealing with fragile hair Ayurvedic hair oils can make a difference. These oils have nourishing qualities that provide moisture and conditioning to the hair resulting in texture, softer strands and easier manageability. Consistently using hair oils can also aid in repairing hair minimizing split ends and reviving the innate shine and luster of your locks.

To get long and healthy hair-
Neelibhringadi taila,
Kayyonyadi taila

Oils for blisters of scalp

Ayurvedic hair oils are meticulously crafted using a combination of ingredients, botanical extracts and natural oils. They work wonders by nourishing the scalp reaching the roots and providing nutrients to promote a conducive environment for healthy hair growth. Consistently applying hair oils can greatly enhance the wellbeing of your scalp leading to more vibrant hair.

To overcome the blisters/boils on the hair root/scalp-
Mahamaricha taila,
Jatyadi taila etc.

What a noble thinking of our Acharyas…..!
Each and every detail is inspected and accordingly, suitable oil is prescribed. Individualistic drug approach made Ayurvedic prescriptions unique and more accurate.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD

5 Best Ayurvedic Hair Oils

1. Bhringraj Oil: Bhringraj, also referred to as Eclipta alba is a component found in Ayurvedic hair oils. It is widely acknowledged for its reputed capability to stimulate hair growth, minimize hair loss and enhance the texture of hair. It is commonly blended with ingredients to maximize its positive impact.

2. Amla Hair Oil: Amla, also known as gooseberry, is known for its abundance of vitamin C and antioxidants. Many people believe that using amla hair oil can help strengthen hair follicles, delay the onset of graying and give the hair a shine.

3. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is frequently utilized in hair care although it is not limited to this practice. It has the ability to nourish the scalp, prevent protein loss, from hair strands and effectively address concerns, like dandruff and dryness.

4. Neem Oil: Neem is renowned for its ability to combat bacteria and fungi. When applied to the hair neem oil can effectively tackle scalp problems such as dandruff and itchiness. It is commonly combined with oils to create a balanced formula..

5. Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is commonly utilized as an oil in hair products. It has long been thought to enhance blood flow, to the scalp, hair and ward off the occurrence of split ends.

Heating of hair oil

Should you heat the hair oil before application? 

As per Ayurvedic principles, once the oil is prepared, it is best not to reheat.

Between hotness and coldness, coldness is healthier for the scalp, hair roots, face and eyes. This is why, Ashtanga Sangraha, an ancient Ayurvedic textbook recommends cold water wash for head and warm water bath for the rest of the body.

So, if you do not live in an extremely cold place, then there is no real need for heating your hair oil. Just apply it as it is.

But if you are living in a very cold place, if the hair oil has a coconut oil base, then it can solidify. Only in this case, it is best to warm the oil a little, before application.

There are two more unrelated points to consider –

Though cold water wash for hair is recommended, if you have applied the hair oil, before hair wash, it is best to use lukewarm water to wash hair. Because the cold water will not get rid of the oil from hair completely.

If you are living in a very cold place, it is not ideal to use coconut oil as hair oil. Coconut oil is a coolant. Remember, for all practical purposes, Ayurveda recommends sesame oil.  Sesame oil is slightly hot in nature. So, generally, sesame oil for hair is best. But for people in extremely hot places, coconut oil, which is coolant is ideal for hair.

Summing up, if your coconut hair oil has solidified due to cold weather, only then warm it a little. During cold winters, it is not ideal to use coconut oil has hair oil. Sesame oil is better.

During extreme hot summers, coconut oil is a better choice for hair when compared to sesame oil.