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11/26/2021 How Does Ashwagandha Benefit Your Hair? You must have known ashwagandha as an ancient herb that works wonders for your body. But are you aware of the myriad benefits it offers for your hair? Also known as Indian ginseng, ashwagandha has been used for over thousands of years in Ayurveda as a medicinal herb. Besides, it’s a powerful tridosha hara herb that takes care of your complete hair health. Let’s learn more about the wonder herb and its benefits in your hair care. Highlights:
Does Ashwagandha Help With Hair Loss? In Ayurvedic science, it is believed that every human body physiology is the collaboration of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which exists in a unique ratio in each individual. Vitiation in the ratio of these tridoshas in your body can lead to different dosha-specific ailments, including scalp and hair related problems. To maintain a healthy body, mind, and soul, it is essential to maintain the equilibrium or ratio of these doshas, which govern your overall body and mind functioning. Ashwagandha, which is one of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs, balances all the three doshas in your body. It is especially a good pacifier of aggravated Kapha and Vata doshas, which in turn helps you stop the hair loss caused due to the imbalance of these doshas. “Ashwagandha as a natural adaptogenic herb, helps in controlling chronic stress and hormonal imbalances, which are the key reasons behind ‘telogen effluvium’ hair loss in your body. Also, the herb benefits all Ayurvedic hair types,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix. Did You Know? The word ‘ashwagandha’ is translated from Sanskrit as ‘ashwa’, meaning a ‘horse’ and ‘gandha’, meaning ‘fragrance’. And, the root of ashwagandha is reminiscent of a horse. Benefits Of Ashwagandha For Hair 1. Relieves Your From Hair Loss An increase in stress hormones such as cortisol affects the proper functioning of your hair follicles, eventually leading to hair loss. Ashwagandha can be an instant solution to manage the cortisol levels in your body and thus control follicle damage and hair loss. The herb has natural mood-boosting properties that minimize your hair loss by keeping your anxiety[1] and stress at bay. “Also, ashwagandha is best known for controlling postpartum hair fall caused by hormonal imbalances in women’’, says Dr. Zeel. 2. Strengthens Your Hair Ashwagandha stimulates the production of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)[2], a natural hormone in your body that is an ultimate antioxidant. Thus, ashwagandha helps you combat free radicals from your scalp and hair follicles, thereby promoting healthy hair growth. 3. Enhances Your Scalp And Hair Nourishment The flavonoids of ashwagandha are a rich source of protein, vitamin C, iron, glucose, tannins, potassium, and nitrate, which are essential components for healthy hair growth. “Ashwagandha improves blood circulation in your scalp which in turn supports the delivery of the nutrients to your follicles,” says Dr. Zeel. 4. Conditions Your Scalp And Hair The simulation of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) production caused by ashwagandha can increase the production of collagen and sebum on your scalp. This keeps your scalp and hair texture conditioned while repairing your dry and brittle hair. Also, the collagen and sebum prevent sun damage to your scalp and hair. 5. Controls Your Scalp Irritation With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha improves the overall health of your hair follicles. It controls scalp ailments such as dandruff, itching, psoriasis, eczema, and other allergies caused by inflammation. 6. Reverses Premature Greying Of Hair You can find an amino acid called ‘Tyrosine’ in ashwagandha that helps in stimulating the melanin production in your hair follicles. This helps you restore the lost melanin and reverse your premature hair greying. How To Use Ashwagandha To Stop Hair Loss? 1. Ayurvedic Hair Care Products You can choose hair care products such as hair oil, shampoo, and conditioner which contains ashwagandha as one of the primary ingredients. Also, you can add some ashwagandha powder to your shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in products for topical application of the herb. 2. Ashwagandha Hair Masks
3. Ashwagandha Tea Diet Add a spoon of ashwagandha powder or a couple of dried roots in water and boil it on low flame for about 10-15 minutes with a closed lid. Now, strain the decoction in a cup and add a spoonful of honey and lemon juice into it.  “You can add spices of your choice to it to temper the bitter taste of the tea. You can also mix ¼ spoon of ashwagandha powder in your daily morning coffee,” says Dr. Zeel. 4. Ashwagandha Churna Traditionally, ashwagandha is consumed in powdered form by mixing it with ghee, honey, or warm milk. You can take a spoon of ashwagandha churna every day just after your breakfast. It is recommended to start with a lower dose as ¼ spoon and then increase the dosage gradually. 5. Ashwagandha Supplements Most of the hair growth-boosting Ayurvedic supplements contain ashwagandha in their formulation. You can take the oral supplements with a dosage of 300-500 mg every day. Also, the active components of ashwagandha are fat-soluble and hence, the supplements should be taken with meals that include quality fats. Vedix Tip: Using ashwagandha directly can cause increased hotness in people with Pitta dominant Prakriti. For them, it is best to consume ashwagandha along with ghee or milk to balance the hotness. Also, it is recommended to take ashwagandha during the daytime. Where Do You Get Ashwagandha? You can get ashwagandha in the form of dry roots, stems, powder, and supplement tablets in most of the herbal and Ayurvedic stores across India. While you can also buy it online, it is better to go for reputed brands that deliver you the herb with a standard amount of withanolides (active component)[3]. Ensure that you purchase ashwagandha that has been tested for impurities and is free of contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. How Long Does Ashwagandha Take To Work? Ashwagandha can bring your stress levels down within a week on regular usage. However, for an overall optimization of your hair health, ashwagandha can take at least 12 weeks. Side Effects & Risks Of Excessive Usage Of Ashwagandha 1. Drowsiness, headache, and stomach upset are some of the common side effects of ashwagandha when taken in moderate dosages. 2. In some rare cases, rapid heart beating and allergic reactions can be observed due to overdose of ashwagandha. 3. While ashwagandha can resolve hypothyroidism, it can also promote hyperthyroidism [4]. 4. Women with pregnancy must avoid ashwagandha as it can cause premature delivery. Also, breastfeeding mothers should not consume ashwagandha orally. 5. People who are sensitive to plants belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae) such as pepper, tomato, potato, etc. can be intolerant to ashwagandha. 6. Avoid sedative medications such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol consumption while you are taking ashwagandha. Important Note: As ashwagandha can interfere with several medications and conditions, it’s important to consult with your doctor before using ashwagandha orally. The Last Word With a plethora of benefits for your hair, ashwagandha is termed as the ‘Queen of herbs’ in Ayurveda. You can include the wonder herb in your everyday hair care routine to see the best results. It is a potential hair growth stimulator too and can help you prevent the damage of follicles, scalp and hair tissues. Also, it can be a great option to enhance your innate immunity. Studies have revealed that ashwagandha can be a natural potential drug candidate against COVID-19[5]. From Vedix
 Dangerous Chemicals You Don’t Want in Your Hair Products Yes, I admit it. I am a hair care junkie. People may think I am obsessed with skincare, but the truth is when it comes to products for my golden locks things get out of control. There was a moment in my life when I had so many hair care products that I could open my hair salon (I am not exaggerating, believe me). A huge variety of shampoos, leave-on treatments, hair sprays, masks, serums, straightening balms, curling mists, volume powders – I don’t even remember all the stuff that I had. When I started my Master in Medicinal chemistry I was very passionate about one particular course – Chemicals in Personal Care Products. I admit that I learned a lot from our professor but I also did my research and I don’t regret it. Here is some “intriguing” info about 3 widely used chemicals in hair care products, that made me throw away half of the masks, serums, and mists that I was using at that time. Behentrimonium chloride If you have more than 5 hair masks/conditioners at home (that are not organic, of course) take 3 of them and take a look at the labels. Chances are you’ll find Behentrimonium chloride listed among the first ingredients. Behentrimonium chloride (also known as docosyltrimethylammonium chloride or BTAC-228) is a waxy-like substance that works as a de-frizzer and conditioning agent. It is the manufacturer’s favorite because it keeps your locks frizz-free and makes them manageable and soft. Behentrimonium chloride is considered toxic in concentrations of 0.1% and higher and is suspected to cause skin and eye irritations. Though some claim there is not enough evidence supporting this theory, for me the European laws say it all: In Europe, the amount of Behentrimonium chloride allowed in rinse-off and leave-on products shouldn’t exceed a certain percentage (rinse-off hair care products up to 5.0% & leave-on hair products up to 3.0%.). If this compound wasn’t potentially dangerous, then most probably no one would have set these regulatory requirements, right? PEG 150 Distearate Like most PEG’s (polyethylene glycols), this one serves primarily as an emulsifier and thickener. Though PEG 150 Distearate has a high molecular weight, which makes it unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier, it is suspected to contain traces of harmful impurities like Ethylene Oxide (mutagen which increases the risk of cancer; neurotoxin and skin irritant) and 1,4-Dioxane (cancerogenic compound, often found as a contaminant in various personal care product available on the market). Apart from that, when heated, PEG 150 produces vapors that can cause dizziness, nausea, and eye irritation. If traces of PEG 150 are left on your hair and you use a flat iron after a bath, do the math – slow poisoning over a long period. Silicones & Dimethicones What not to love about silicones and silicone-based polymers, like dimethicones? They make your hair shine, baby soft to the touch, manageable, and healthy-looking (yes, even when it’s burnt after regular flat iron abuse and bleaching). Silicones are probably the most widely used ingredients in the hair care industry and can be found everywhere – starting from shampoos, going through masks/conditioners, and ending at serums for split ends/damaged hair. Similar to mineral oil used in the manufacturing of skincare, silicones coat the hair fiber, helping it retain moisture. Besides that, they “glue” the hair cuticles, making the surface of the hair smoother. Smoother hair reflects more light and appears shiny and healthy. And we all want to be blinding, don’t we? Enough with the benefits, let’s talk about the not-so-bright-and-shiny side of the silicones. While silicones are considered relatively safe, some of them, being not water-soluble, build up, and do not allow your scalp to breathe. They can also clog the hair follicles, stopping the process of normal hair growth. Accumulation of silicones can weigh down your hair making it appear greasy and lifeless. Apart from these aesthetic problems that can occur with regular use, few people know that when heated, silicones (in particular Cyclopentasiloxane) release formaldehyde, which causes breathing problems, skin, and eye irritation, nausea, and headaches. And believe me, your heat-protectant spray contains at least one type of silicone. You can check. What did I do after finding out all these “hidden benefits” of my favorite hair care products? Well, I did some more research and I found that there are safer, greener, and even cheaper alternatives that perform just as well (tested and proven to work!). Natural Hair Care Alternatives Jojoba Oil Thanks to its waxy-like properties, jojoba oil forms a thin protective layer around the hair strand, that keeps the water locked in, making your locks look hydrated and healthy. I use it like leave-on treatment/serum and my hair has never been so shiny and manageable. Be careful with the quantity though and focus on the lengths of your hair, when applying. Jojoba oil is also famous for having a long-shelf-life (without nasty preservatives!) which makes it worth the money. If your scalp is too oily, you can try rebalancing it with weekly jojoba masks. Jojoba oil has a structure similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces. With regular use, I promise, you’ll see the difference! Argan Oil No wonder so many products available on the market have it on top of their ingredient lists. It makes hair softer and shinier, when used, both as pre-shower treatment and leave-on (especially if you have dry, coarse hair –this thing is ah-ma-zing!). It tames frizz, providing a silky smooth finish and glossy look. Thanks to the high content of vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant and nourishing agent), when applied directly on the scalp, Argan oil boosts the growth of healthy, strong hair. True miracle worker. From LAMAV Beauty Insider
 When you exit the shower, it’s not always soap and dirt you’ve left behind. Instead, you may find clumps of hair clinging to your drain.The good news is, even if you feel like the clump looks super-sized, hair falling out in the shower is totally normal — everyone, regardless of gender, sees some shedding during a scrub. Keep reading to find out why hair falls out in the shower — and when you should call your doctor about your hair loss you see in the shower or beyond. The Stages of Hair Growth There are several phases of hair growth. A 2017 research review showed that these phases include the following phases:
A 2018 research review showed that when these phases are in their normal balance, the average person sheds about 100 hairs a day. You shed your hair during the telogen phase. If the phases become imbalanced and more hair enters the telogen phase, you may observe increased hair loss. Additional factors for hair falling out in the shower It’s understandably difficult to go back in your shower and count each hair individually. So, before you worry about shower-related hair loss, consider a few factors:
The shower is usually the place where you notice hair coming out the most. While it may seem like there’s a lot of hair, it’s probably just your body’s natural way of shedding. What Could Be Causing Hair To Fall Out in the Shower If you feel like the clumps of hair you see in the shower are larger than usual — or also are coming out in large amounts on your hairbrush — you should first consider any potential underlying causes. Stress According to a 2017 research review, an increase in clumps of hair in the shower is often due to telogen effluvium. This condition occurs more hairs are in the telogen phase and, thus, fall out more easily. The same research review above showed that the most common trigger is something many people know well: stress. Stress may be physical (such as after an illness or weight loss) or emotional. Usually, if you think back to the past 3 months or more, you may be able to connect higher stress levels to hair loss. When to Call a Doctor About Hair Falling Out in the Shower If you don’t feel like stress could be the underlying cause or you’re still not sure, it may be time to call your doctor. One symptom that could indicate a need to call your doctor is the pattern of hair loss. When you experience telogen effluvium, the hair loss is usually all over your head. If the hair loss is profound, you may feel like your hair is thinning significantly. Hair loss due to other conditions, such as alopecia areata, usually causes patchy hair loss. This is a different, but treatable, underlying cause of hair loss. Preventing Hair from Falling Out in the Shower If you notice your shower hair loss more, there are at-home actions you can take that may slow the shed. These include: Combatting your stress Finding ways to relax can help fight stress, which is known to be a cause of hair loss. Examples could include:
Addressing the source of stress While this isn’t always possible, take a look at what is causing your stress. Perhaps you are taking on too many projects outside of work, or you have a friend or family member who is asking too much of you. When possible, lessening or removing the stress source can help resolve hair loss and make you feel better overall. Talk to your employer or people who are close with you about how they might be able to help you. Changing your diet Your body requires a number of vitamins and minerals to grow hair. These include:
While vitamins are available, often the best way to incorporate these is to add more nutritional foods to your diet. Colorful fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients. Make an effort to add one to two a day, and you can ideally improve your hair health. Taking gentle care of your hair Heat styling, harsh brushing habits, or strong chemicals used on your hair can all increase the rate of hair loss due to breakage. Taking steps such as switching to a gentle shampoo, allowing your hair to air-dry after bathing, or refraining from wearing very tight hairstyles can all help to reduce the amount of hair that falls out later in the shower. Does shower frequency matter? There’s some debate over whether taking fewer showers could reduce hair shedding. If you’re using super-hot water or irritating hair products in the shower, taking fewer showers could likely reduce hair shedding. But waiting longer between showers as a way to reduce hair loss could just mean you notice more hairs in the shower. The hairs that do fall out naturally are always going to, no matter what, and it can look like a lot more shedding that it is since they’ve had a few days to build up. Takeaway Hair shedding in the shower usually isn’t cause for concern — it’s just the place you’re most likely to notice your hair coming out. This is true for males and females. Talk with your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Healthlne Last medically reviewed on March 2, 2021  9/24/2021 0 Comments How to Make Shampoo Soap Bars If you've been making your own cold process soap and using it in your shower, how about using your soap as a shampoo? Many people use their cold process soap as a shampoo bar as well. But hair is different than skin, so you need to do a few things differently in order to have the best results. Most soap makers recommend:
Homemade Shampoo Recipes First, for the best results on your hair, there are a few changes you can make to your regular soap recipe that will help your soap work better on hair. Castor oil makes great shampoo, as do the softer oils like avocado, canola, and almond. Here are three recipes to get you started. Feel free to customize them or use similar oils that you may have on hand. (For example, you can easily substitute palm kernel for the coconut, or rice bran for the olive, or lard for the palm.) Included are the percentages of each ingredient to make a 2 lb. batch of soap. They can be scaled up or down according to your needs. Note: The superfat/lye discount is calculated at 6 percent for these recipes. Some people prefer a low (3 percent or so) superfat in their shampoo bars, others prefer a high (10 to 15 percent) superfat in their recipes. Give 6 percent a try and then adjust up or down depending on your preference. Be sure to always run your recipe through a lye calculator! These recipes will still all probably take at least 48 hours to harden in your soap mold. Basic, Mild Shampoo Recipe
To make a 2-lb batch:
Light Cleansing Recipe
To make a 2-lb batch:
Luxury Shampoo Recipe
To make a 2-lb batch:
To make these soaps, follow basic soap making instructions. The amount of water in these recipes are low so that they will harden quicker in the molds. The high percentage of soft oils in the recipes can make them take a while to harden in the mold. You'll want to make sure to add the salt and the sugar to the lye water. The salt helps the soap to get harder quicker and the sugar helps boost the lathering ability of the soap. Rinse Because of the high pH of cold process soap, most people use a slightly acidic rinse on their hair after using a shampoo bar. The high pH raises the cuticle of the hair follicle, making it more prone to damage. The rinse helps lay it back down. You can make the rinse out of either:
Give shampoo bars a try. Some people rave about them; some people like them, but prefer a traditional shampoo. From The Spruce Crafts For you DIYers:
Learn a practical skill, create gifts, and let your creativity run loose all at the same time by taking up the art of soap making. DIY soap is loaded with natural and aromatic products that are better for your skin and the planet. We've gathered 21 easy homemade soap recipes for beginners. 21 Creative Handmade Soap Recipes for Beginners  I started using apple cider vinegar hair rinse a few years ago when I stopped using shampoos with sulfates or harsh cleansing agents. I was looking for something natural to help clarify buildup from my scalp and hair without having to use a harsh clarifying shampoo. Using apple cider vinegar over the last few years has really helped me improve my overall hair and scalp health. Read on for all the benefits of the ACV rinse and helpful tips on how to apply one for the best hair care. Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse The apple cider vinegar rinse is a really easy way to clarify your hair. It helps to remove product build-up, as well as seal the hair cuticles to prevent frizz and boost shine. Because it’s clarifying, it also helps to give your hair some volume, which is something women struggle with a lot.  Ensuring that your scalp is healthy is a really important part of growing healthy hair. Failing to clarify your scalp well can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, and excess shedding. It can also result in your hair appearing oily more quickly between washes so that you are compelled to wash hair too frequently. Using ACV rinse every now and then clarifies product buildup and excess oils to leave your scalp refreshed. Being an acidic substance, apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for balancing the ph levels of your hair. Hair that is frizzy or dull tends to be more alkaline, so using the ACV rinse can really help to balance that out and leave you with silky, shiny hair. Clarifying curly hair with the rinse can also help you reset your curls, making some ‘proven methods’ finally work for you. How to Use ACV Rinse for Scalp and Hair Care One of my favorite aspects of the apple cider vinegar rinse is how easy it is to make one. All you need to do is mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water in a jar or a bottle. The amount of each is really up to you and your preferences, just stick to the 1:2 ratio. For example, if you want to use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, you should mix it with 2 cups of water. I typically use half a cup of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water, but take your hair length and density into consideration and use what works for you.  Once you have your rinse, it’s time to hop in the shower. You can use this rinse in a few different ways:
I prefer to use it after rinsing out my shampoo. I carefully pour the rinse over my scalp and gently massage it in. Then, I pour the rest over my length and ends and let the hair rinse sit on my hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing with water. I follow with my conditioner as usual – I find that this helps to get rid of the smell more easily. Here is what I get.  If you choose to use it as a final hair rinse, you would apply it the same way after your conditioner and not rinse it out at all. Regardless of which way you choose to use it, one important thing to remember is not to get it in your eyes! I’ve made that mistake once and it was not a great experience, to say the least. For those of you with color-treated hair, the apple cider vinegar rinse is not very acidic, so you can safely use it without stripping your hair color. Vinegar for hair can only affect its color when used more often than twice per week. Helpful Tips and Tricks The only downside of this rinse is the apple cider vinegar smell. I find that it goes away once my hair is completely dry, but if the smell bothers you a lot, I would recommend adding some flower extract or essential oils to your rinse when you make it. Some of my favorites are rosemary, lavender, and ylang ylang. Using the rinse in between your shampoo and conditioner can also help.  The ACV rinse doesn’t need to be used more than once a week. Overall, the frequency will depend on your hair type and how much build-up you experience. I personally use this about once or twice a month, but I don’t use any type of hairspray or styling products on my hair. On the rare occasion that I use dry shampoo, I might follow up with this rinse to clear it all out later. It’s also important to note that if you have low porosity or protein-sensitive hair, this rinse might make your hair feel dry and brittle. If that’s the case, use this rinse once a month at most, and dilute it with some more water. If your hair still feels dry, follow up with a hydrating hair mask on your next wash day. If this doesn’t solve the dry hair issue, try using an alternative clearing product like New Wash, which gets great reviews from those following the no-poo method. As always, listen to your hair, focus on what works best for your hair type and your hair care preferences, and ACV rinse will become the best friend for your hair and scalp.  The apple cider vinegar rinse is one of the DIY treatments that I have been using the longest throughout my hair journey. I’m always really pleased with the results, and it’s really helped me maintain scalp and hair health.
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