Ayurvedic Hair Care Tips for Your Kerala Vacation

Ayurvedic Hair Care Tips for Your Kerala Vacation

Kerala, which is often called "God's Own Country," is a beautiful place known for its lush scenery, calm backwaters, and rich cultural history. Kerala is known for more than just its natural beauty. It is also known for its long-standing Ayurvedic customs, which give visitors a unique chance to learn about holistic health practices. 

As you plan your Kerala vacation, it's essential to consider the impact of the region's climate and embrace Ayurvedic hair care rituals to maintain healthy and lustrous locks throughout your trip.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes a holistic approach to haircare, considering factors like doshas, herbs, oils, and lifestyle.

In this article, we will explore Ayurvedic hair care tips specifically tailored for your Kerala vacation, helping you protect and nourish your hair amidst the tropical climate, and embrace the rejuvenating power of Ayurveda.

Understanding Ayurvedic Hair care

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to haircare that goes beyond superficial treatments. 

According to Ayurveda, our hair health is closely connected to our overall well-being and is influenced by the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

• Vata dosha: Vata dosha is associated with dryness and roughness, which can lead to brittle and frizzy hair. 


• Pitta dosha: Pitta dosha represents heat and inflammation, often causing oily scalps and premature graying. 


• Kapha dosha: Kapha dosha is characterized by excess oil and heaviness, resulting in greasy and lank hair.

To address these imbalances and maintain optimal hair health, Ayurveda recommends a combination of internal and external care. 

Herbal remedies play a crucial role in Ayurvedic hair care, with the use of natural ingredients such as Amla, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Neem, and Hibiscus. 

These herbs stimulate hair follicles, strengthen the hair shaft, promote hair growth, and treat numerous hair issues.

Ayurvedic Hair Care Rituals in Kerala

Ayurveda has a rich history in Kerala, dating back over 5,000 years. It originated in ancient India and has been practiced and preserved through generations in Kerala. The region's abundance of medicinal plants and favorable climate contributed to its development as a hub for Ayurvedic treatments. 

Kerala's traditional Ayurvedic centers, known as "Kerala Ayurvedic Centers," attract visitors seeking natural healing and rejuvenation. Today, Ayurveda remains an integral part of Kerala's culture, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Ayurveda offers various natural remedies and practices for maintaining healthy hair. Here are some Ayurvedic hair care tips you can follow during your Kerala vacations:

1. Oil Massage

Oil massage, or Abhyanga, in Ayurveda offers several benefits for hair care. It nourishes the scalp, stimulates blood circulation, and strengthens hair follicles. It moisturizes the hair, prevents dryness and flakiness, reduces hair fall, enhances hair shine, and promotes healthy hair growth. 

Here is how you can practice Oil Massage:

• Heat a suitable Ayurvedic oil like coconut oil or sesame oil until it is comfortably warm. Avoid overheating the oil.


• Divide your hair into manageable sections using a comb or your fingers.


• Take a small amount of warm oil in your palms and start applying it to your scalp. Gently massage the oil into your scalp using circular motions.


• Once the scalp is covered, apply the remaining oil to the length of your hair, from the roots to the tips.


• With your fingertips, massage your scalp in circular motions. Apply gentle pressure and cover the entire scalp.


• Allow the oil to penetrate your scalp and hair for at least 30 minutes. For deeper conditioning, you can leave it on overnight.


• After the desired duration, rinse off the oil using lukewarm water. Follow up with a mild herbal shampoo to remove any excess oil.

During your Kerala vacations, you can dedicate some time for oil massage before or after taking a shower. You can leave the oil on for a few hours or overnight for better absorption before washing it off with a mild herbal shampoo. Ensure to use shampoo that contains either ginger or red onion. Two of them are Lotusbotanicals’ Red Onion Hair-Fall Control Shampoo and Ginger Root Dandruff-Control* Shampoo. They both are mild on your hair and provide excellent care.

Also, remember to use a towel or shower cap to protect your bedding or clothes. This traditional Ayurvedic practice will leave your hair nourished, rejuvenated, and prepared for the day's activities in Kerala.

2. Use Herbal Shampoo

Herbal shampoos are important for your hair care routine. One specific ingredient that can be beneficial is aloe vera. Aloe vera has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for its healing and moisturizing properties.

Aloe vera is known to have a soothing effect on the scalp and can help alleviate dryness and itchiness. It also has conditioning properties that can make your hair softer and more manageable. Additionally, aloe vera contains enzymes that promote hair growth and can help maintain a healthy scalp.

When choosing a herbal shampoo, look for one that includes aloe vera as one of its key ingredients. One such product that you can consider is "100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel with Vitamin E" by LotusBotanicals. This product is specifically formulated with pure aloe vera gel and enriched with vitamin E, which provides additional nourishment to the hair and scalp.

Using a shampoo like LotusBotanicals' Aloe Vera Gel can help cleanse your hair gently while benefiting from the moisturizing and healing properties of aloe vera. 

3. Amla Hair Pack

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its beneficial effects on hair health. Here's a more detailed explanation of how to prepare and use an amla hair pack:

• Obtain Amla Powder: You can find powdered amla at Ayurvedic stores or online. Alternatively, you can grind dried amla fruits into a fine powder at home.


• Prepare the Hair Pack: Take a tablespoon or two of amla powder in a bowl and add enough water to form a paste. Adjust the water quantity as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.


• Apply the Hair Pack: Part your hair into sections and apply the amla paste to your scalp and hair using your fingers. Make sure to cover the roots and lengths of your hair. Gently massage the paste into your scalp for a few minutes to promote blood circulation.


• Leave it On: Once applied, leave the amla hair pack on for about 30 minutes. You can cover your head with a shower cap or a towel to prevent the pack from drying out.


• Rinse Off: After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all traces of the amla paste from your scalp and hair.


• Follow with Shampoo: Proceed with washing your hair using a mild herbal shampoo or a herbal hair cleanser. This will help remove any residue and leave your hair clean and fresh.

The amla hair pack nourishes the hair follicles, strengthens the hair shaft, and helps prevent hair fall. It also adds natural shine to the hair and promotes a healthier scalp. 

Regular use of the amla hair pack can result in improved hair texture, reduced hair fall, and overall hair health.

4. Hibiscus Conditioning

Hibiscus flowers and leaves have long been recognized for their beneficial properties in Ayurveda. They serve as a natural conditioner for the hair. To create a conditioning treatment, follow the steps given below: 

• Take a handful of hibiscus flowers and leaves


• Grind them into a paste


• Apply it to your hair after shampooing


• Allow the paste to sit on your hair for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Hibiscus helps in reducing frizz, improving hair texture, and preventing split ends. Its natural properties nourish the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. Additionally, it adds shine and luster to the hair, making it appear vibrant and healthy. 

Regular use of hibiscus conditioning treatments can help restore moisture to dry and damaged hair, leaving it soft, manageable, and revitalized. 

Embracing this Ayurvedic practice will contribute to maintaining healthy and beautiful hair during your Kerala vacations.

5. Scalp massage

Scalp massage is an important aspect of Ayurvedic hair care as it offers numerous benefits for your hair and scalp health. Here's a more detailed explanation of point 5:

Scalp massage involves gently massaging your scalp using your fingertips or a wooden comb in circular motions. The massage can be performed with or without oil, depending on your preference. Here's why scalp massage is beneficial:

• Improved Blood Circulation


• Stress Relief


• Increased Sebum Production


• Removal of Scalp Build-up


• Relaxation of Muscles


• Promotion of Hair Growth

To perform a scalp massage, use your fingertips or a wooden comb and apply gentle pressure in circular motions all over your scalp. Start from the front and work your way to the back of the head. You can also include the temples and the area behind the ears. Aim to massage for at least 5-10 minutes regularly to reap the benefits.

Scalp massage can be done daily or a few times a week, depending on your preference and availability. It is a simple yet effective Ayurvedic practice that can significantly improve the health and appearance of your hair.

Ayurvedic Dietary Recommendations

Following an Ayurvedic diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair, whether you're on vacation in Kerala or any other location. 

Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between diet and hair health, suggesting that a balanced and nourishing diet supports strong and vibrant hair. By incorporating fresh, whole foods, favoring seasonal produce, consuming herbs and spices, and practicing mindful eating, you provide essential nutrients, antioxidants, and natural intelligence that promote hair growth, strength, and vitality. 
Prioritizing an Ayurvedic diet helps maintain healthy hair, regardless of your travel destination.

Here are some Ayurvedic dietary recommendations for hair care:

• Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: Include a variety of fresh and whole foods in your diet to ensure you get a wide range of nutrients necessary for healthy hair. Focus on foods rich in vitamins (particularly vitamin A, C, and E), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and protein. Some examples include leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.


• Favor Cooling Foods: According to Ayurveda, excess heat in the body can affect the hair negatively. To balance excess heat, include cooling foods in your diet, such as cucumber, coconut, watermelon, mint, coriander, and fennel. These foods help maintain a balanced and harmonious internal environment, which is beneficial for hair health.


• Include Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are essential for nourishing the hair and maintaining its shine and texture. Include sources of healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds), and oils (coconut oil, olive oil). These fats provide essential fatty acids that support hair health.


• (almonds, walnuts), seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds), and oils (coconut oil, olive oil). These fats provide essential fatty acids that support hair health.


• Avoid Excessive Spicy and Oily Foods: Excessively spicy and oily foods can aggravate the pitta dosha in Ayurveda, which may negatively affect the hair. Limit your intake of spicy, fried, and processed foods, as they can contribute to imbalances in the body.


• Practice Mindful Eating: In Ayurveda, it is essential to have a mindful approach to eating. Chew your food thoroughly, eat at a moderate pace, and avoid overeating. This supports proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, which in turn promotes healthy hair.

It's important to remember that Ayurvedic diet advice can change depending on a person's constitution (dosha) and any imbalances they may have. If you have specific concerns or health conditions, it's best to talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner or a qualified healthcare expert for personalized diet advice.

Final Words

Incorporating Ayurvedic hair care tips into your Kerala vacation can be a transformative experience for both your hair and overall well-being. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to haircare, emphasizing natural ingredients, personalized treatments, and mindful practices. By embracing these principles during your Kerala getaway, you can nurture and rejuvenate your hair, allowing it to thrive amidst the lush beauty of this enchanting destination. From nourishing oils to a balanced diet, these tips provide a harmonious blend of tradition and relaxation, ensuring that your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and beautiful throughout your Kerala adventure.