Hair loss can be distressing. Luckily, Ayurveda offers a natural and holistic approach to restoring hair health! Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, Ayurveda addresses the underlying causes of hair loss. By understanding the imbalances in the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), Ayurvedic treatment for hair loss aims to promote hair growth.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of hair loss from an Ayurvedic perspective and outline effective treatments, including:

Samshodhana (Detoxification)
Nasya (Nasal Instillation)
Scalp massage with oil
Shirolepa and Pralepa (Application of Medical Paste)
Bloodletting
Herbal remedies (such as Amla, Bhringraj, and Neem)
Dietary changes

Before diving into hair loss treatments in Ayurveda, let’s first understand what hair loss is.

What’s the Leading Cause of Hair Loss?

Hair loss can occur due to various factors, but one of the most common causes is alopecia, an autoimmune condition that affects the scalp, face, and sometimes the entire body. Alopecia occurs in different forms:

Alopecia Areata – hair loss occurs in small, unnoticeable patches.

Alopecia Totalis – complete loss of hair on the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis – a more severe form where complete hair loss occurs across the entire body.

The first sign of alopecia is often the sudden appearance of bald patches, usually smooth and normal in texture. Hair loss can happen within days or weeks, sometimes accompanied by mild pain. In some cases, nail abnormalities like pitting or rough texture (trachyonychia) may be present.

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. In normal conditions, hair follicles are protected by immune privilege, but when this is lost, hair growth is disrupted. T-cell activity, genetics, and autoimmune diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk.

Did you know? While often used interchangeably, hair loss and hair falling are distinct concepts. Hair falling is a normal process that occurs when individual strands shed and regrow. In contrast, alopecia (hair loss) can lead to significant, long-term hair thinning or balding.

Diagnosis of Hair Loss

Trichoscopy – Examining the scalp for yellow dots (clogged follicles), black dots (destroyed hair), and “exclamation-point” hairs (short, broken hairs).

Hair Pull Test – gently pulling hairs at the edge of bald patches to check for easy shedding.

Hair and Follicle Examination – assessing abnormalities in hair shape and follicle structure.

Scalp Biopsy – a small skin sample taken and analysed under a microscope to confirm diagnosis.

Additional Tests – Skin Tests for fungal infections and Blood Tests for thyroid or immune-related issues.

Consult a Physician for Proper Diagnosis

If you experience sudden or excessive hair loss, please consult a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and personalised treatment plan.

Hair Loss in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, hair loss is known as Khalitya, which is caused by an imbalance in all three doshas – leading to weakened hair follicles and excessive shedding.

Alopecia areata is closely associated with the Ayurvedic condition Indralupta, where small bald patches appear on the scalp due to aggravated doshas.

Nidana (Causes)

Excessive consumption of Kshara (alkaline foods) – weakens hair follicles.

High intake of Lavana (salt) – increases Pitta dosha, leading to hair thinning and premature hair loss.

Virudha Ahara – combining foods that are incompatible, such as salt with milk.

Neglecting Pratishyaya – ignoring untreated sinus issues or colds.

Purvaaroopa (Premonitory Symptoms)

While Ayurvedic texts don’t specify distinct early symptoms, occasional minimal hair shedding could be considered. It indicates an underlying dosha imbalance that may eventually lead to significant hair loss.

Samprapti (Development of Disease)

The progression of hair loss is a gradual imbalance of the doshas. The process unfolds as follows:

Vata and Pitta dosha aggravate the roots of the hair (Romakoopa), leading to premature hair shedding.
As the condition advances, Shleshma and Rakta (blood) accumulate and block the hair follicles, disrupting the natural cycle of hair regeneration.

The obstruction caused by these doshas and dhatu (tissue) imbalances prevent hair from regrowing. These conditions can be known as Indralupta (patchy hair loss), Khalitya (generalised hair loss), or Ruhya (complete loss).

Lakshana (Symptoms in Ayurveda)

Divisions

Vataja Khalitya – caused by an imbalance in Vata dosha. Results in dry, brittle hair and a rough scalp.

Pittaja Khalitya – caused by excess Pitta dosha. It leads to an inflamed, itchy, or burning scalp.

Kaphaja Khalitya – caused by an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. It causes a greasy scalp.

Sannipataja Khalitya – occurs when all three doshas are imbalanced. It presents all symptoms described above.

Rakta (Blood) Involvement – causes the scalp to develop pus or inflammation.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair Loss (Chikithsa)

Samshodhana – detoxification; prepares the body for the treatment.
Nasya – Nasal Instillation cleanses the head area and promotes healing of the scalp.
Head Massage with Oil – massaging the scalp with medicated oils helps to nourish follicles.
Shirolepa – First application of medicinal/herbal paste to the scalp. This further nourishes the roots and treats any underlying imbalances.
Raktamokshana – Bloodletting performed by scratching the scalp using tools like Suchi (needle), Kurchika (small lancet), or even rough leaves. This provess helps remove toxins and stimulate the scalp.
Pralepa – Second application of medicinal/herbal pastes to the scalp. This cleanses, heals, and rejuvenates the hair follicles.

Commonly Used Medicines

It’s advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any medications. Consider booking a free online consultation with us.

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Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Loss and Growth

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair roots.
Bhringraj – known as the “King of Herbs,” especially for hair, it strengthens hair follicles and promotes growth. Bhringraj oil can help strengthen hair roots and improve hair texture.
Neem – has antifungal and antibacterial properties that keep the scalp healthy and free from infections.
Brahmi – helps rejuvenate hair roots and promotes growth.
Ashwagandha – helps with stress-related hair loss and strengthens hair roots.
Hibiscus – promotes thicker hair.
Fenugreek – strengthens hair roots.
Aloe Vera – soothes the scalp and hydrates the hair.

Discover how Ayurveda uses a range of herbs and oils to promote healthy hair.

Home Remedies

Oil massage to the scalp with warm oils or a few drops of rosemary oil mixed with coconut oil. This improves blood circulation, nourishes hair follicles, and prevents hair fall.
Herbal pastes like a mixture using henna powder, bhringraj powder, and amla powder combined with curd/milk. Apply to the scalp to strengthen hair roots and promote growth.
Herbal Henna helps restore the natural colour and texture of hair.
Apply onion juice or lemon juice on the scalp to improve blood circulation. Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the scalp.

Dietary Changes

Foods to Avoid:

Processed foods
Salty and spicy foods

Foods to Add:

Legumes and nuts
Unpolished rice
Vitamin E-rich foods (avocados, almond, and seeds)
Leafy vegetables
Bright-coloured fruits (berries, pomegranate, and papaya)
Protein-rich foods (milk, eggs, and soy)

Mindful Practices

Stress and emotional strain are often linked to hair loss. It’s important to maintain a healthy mind to prevent further hair shedding. Yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Yoga Poses:

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Sirsasana (Headstand)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog)

Supporting Research

Madhumita Panigrahi et al. Management of Khalitya (Hair fall): A Case Report. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2019;10(4):65-67. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335756146_MANAGEMENT_OF_KHALITYA_HAIR_FALL_A_CASE_REPORT
Shivgotra R. Conceptual study of khalitya and its management. International Journal of Research and Review. 2020; 7(11): 371-374. https://www.ijrrjournal.com/IJRR_Vol.7_Issue.11_Nov2020/IJRR0051.pdf
Madhumita Panigrahi et al. Management of Khalitya (Hair fall): A Case Report. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2019;10(4):65-67. https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/2267_pdf.pdf
Aosemba Jamir, Latika, Jitender Gauttam, Prasanth D, & Santosh Kumar Bhatted. (2019). AN AYURVEDIC MULTIMODULAR TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA TOTALIS (KHALITYA) W.R.T PANCHAKARMA: A CASE REPORT. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 7(11), 25-33. https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1283

Frequently Asked Questions

What to drink to stop hair loss?

Drinking amla juice, coconut water, or green tea can help improve hair health. These drinks are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals that nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

How to prevent hair fall?

To prevent hair fall, maintain a balanced diet, avoid stress, and follow a regular hair care routine.

Does hair grow naturally?

Hair regrowth is unpredictable. If hair loss is limited to a few small patches, it may regrow within a few months to a year.

Is alopecia curable?

There is no guaranteed cure for alopecia, but treatment options can help stimulate hair regrowth. In Ayurveda, if all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are severely imbalanced (Sannipataja type), it is considered Asadhya (incurable).

What are potential effects of hair loss?

While not physically harmful, aside from mild pain in rare cases, hair loss may lead to psychological challenges, including:

Anxiety and depression
Lowered self-esteem
Social withdrawal

Disclaimers

The information provided in this article is for education purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a health care professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of Ayurvedic remedies.

It is important to note that the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) do not regulate alternative medicines. Anyone interested in these remedies should discuss them with a doctor first and always purchase them from a reliable source.

While Ayurvedic treatments may help alleviate symptoms or speed the healing of hair loss, they are not intended to cure alopecia. Always talk to your health care provider before trying any new treatment, and be sure to research the quality and purify of any product before use. Always conduct a patch test before trying new essential oils or topical treatments.

Dr. Rajesh Nair. Expert, Ayurveda Medicine, India

Reviewed by: Dr. Rajesh Nair, the co-founder and chief consultant of AyurvedaForAll and AyurvedaForAll UK. Dr. Nair graduated from the esteemed Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College (affiliated with the University of Calicut) in Kerala, India, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University.

With over 20 years of experience in Ayurveda, Dr. Nair specialises in Panchakarma, Yoga, and Ayurvedic Massage. He consults at two busy clinics in the Southern state of Kerala, renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic practices, and offers online consultations to patients worldwide. Dr. Nair is the chief editor of the Ayurveda Medical Association of India’s online portal and frequently speaks at Ayurveda-related conferences. He has also visited Germany to propagate Ayurveda.

Dr. Nair’s expertise ensures that all content on this website is medically sound and adheres to the highest Ayurvedic standards.

Visit AyurvedaForAll UK for more information.