Unlocking Hair Growth with Ayurvedic Scalp Massages for Strong, Healthy Strands
Written by: Zahabiya Ali
@Pexels
Unlocking the Secrets of Ayurveda: A Collaboration with Siddhalepa
The Beautiful Societies joins forces with Siddhalepa Ayurveda, a leading Sri Lankan Ayurvedic company, to bring you a series on harnessing the power of Ayurveda for your well-being.
In this series, you'll:
Gain insights from the source: Learn directly from Siddhalepa's registered Ayurvedic doctors, all People of Color (POC) experts preserving this heritage.
Discover practical applications: Explore time-tested practices to integrate Ayurveda into your daily routine, addressing concerns like sleep, stress, and overall well-being.
Transform your life: Unveil the holistic philosophy of Ayurveda and empower yourself to achieve optimal health, naturally.
This collaboration takes you to the very heart of Ayurveda in South Asia. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, happier you.
What rice water is to K-beauty and shea butter is to A-beauty, the ayurvedic scalp massage is to the Indian beauty sphere. The ancient ayurvedic science has had substantial relevance in the Indian beauty practices, being lovingly passed on through generations. Owing to the ever rising, cross-border beauty traction, the core Indian rituals, be it scalp massages, turmeric lattes or yogic poses, are making it to the self care checklists of global beauty mavens. Hair oiling is one such traditional remedy incorporated under mundane wellness and holistic hair treatments, across the Indian subcontinent.
This natural hair care method involves rich and aromatic hair oils with organic ingredients like coconut, amla, Bhringraj, sesame and many more. These oils are used for de-stressing and indulgent massages offering intense nourishment and promoting healthy hair growth among a bevy of scalp benefits.
We turned to the expert Dr. Gihani Weerasekara from Siddhalepa Ayurveda and she shared her best kept secrets and tips for a wholesome ayurvedic hair massage that you can delve into without stepping out for salon runs.
The Expert
Dr. Gihani Weerasekara is a registered ayurvedic doctor at the leading Siddhalepa Ayurveda Hospital in Sri Lanka where local and international patients receive therapeutic ayurvedic treatments.
Weerasekara has completed her BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery) at the University of Colombo, a diploma in Ayurvedic Panchakarma and a certificate in Herbal Cosmetology. Every ayurvedic treatment at Siddhalepa Hospital begins with a personalised consultation and diagnosis of "Prakurthi" which is your biological constitution according to the basic principles of vata, pitta and kapha.
The Benefits of Ayurvedic Scalp Massage
For wholesome root to tip hair care, Indians are introduced to the concept of champi (hair oiling with mild kneading of the scalp), early on during their childhood. Whether it’s a pre-hair wash ritual or an overnight treatment, the oil-drenched hair massage is unskippable in South Asian households.
These simple massages, filled with motherly love and care, stem from the Ayurvedic science of Shiroabhyanga. Involving pure, herbal hair oils, the ayurvedic head massage (Shiroabhyanga) is all about, “pressure techniques that stimulate the blood circulation, relax the muscles and nourish the hair follicles in the head”, says Weerasekara.
While the primary perks of applying oil include overall hair rejuvenation and enhance scalp health —from glossy and thick strands to mane-soothing properties, Weerasekara emphasizes the following benefits:
Promotes deep relaxation, release of tension and stress reduction.
Improves memory, cognition and alertness.
Enhance the sense and perception of the environment.
Supports healthy hair growth, boosts hair density and prevents hair loss.
Balances the brain chemistry and hormones.
Induces sound sleep.
Effective management of stress.
Brings down the blood pressure and improves blood circulation.
Useful in the management of cranial nerve disorders.
Unlock the Ritual with a Step-by-Step Guide to Ayurvedic Scalp Massage
The first step is to create a concoction of your favorite oil blends, heat them as required and pour a sizable amount of oil over the scalp, smearing it generously. However, this is not all, here enters the catharsis of oiling — a dedicated massage. Weerasekara iterates the most effective massage techniques, curating a guided lowdown:
For a basic scalp massage, ideal for a quick fix before heading for a hair wash, all you need is to smear the oil well into your scalp and “run your fingers through your hair from front to back”, says Weerasekara. “Gently but firmly press the tips of your fingers to your forehead and run them steadily through your hair. Apply moderate downward pressure, paying attention to the little bumps and contours in your scalp. Repeat this about 10 times, making each stroke last around 10 seconds”, she adds.
To enhance your self massage techniques, incorporate the circular massage method. “Use your thumbs to apply soft pressure to the base of your skull for a minute, moving them in small circles. Then use the rest of your fingers to make small circles higher on your scalp, working your way to your forehead. Lastly, continue these small circular motions all along the top and back of your scalp for 4-5 mins”, explains Weerasekara.
Another one from the expert’s routine is the side scalp massage. This requires “using your fingertips to make small circles near your temples”, tells Weerasekara . “Work your way over your ears and to the base of your neck”, she adds.
When you are in the mood for some self pampering and an invigorating head massage, try your hands at the following revitalising and nourishing massages, which are professional hacks from the expert.
If you watch videos of ayurvedic hair massages you will see it is an amalgamation of various massage techniques and can be challenging to understand so Weerasekara helpfully broke down the elements of an ayurvedic head massage for us.
“Scalp massage can maintain your scalp health by improving blood circulation, oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. This can help prevent or reduce hair loss, inflammation and scalp infections. Scalp massage can also remove dead skin cells, excess oils and products build up from the scalp which can improve the cleanliness and breathability of the scalp. Additionally, scalp massage can relax the scalp muscle nerves which can lower the stress levels and promote a sense of wellbeing.”
Massage from top to the back of head
The first one is the ‘massage from top to the back of head’. In short, this is the process of applying oil to the hair where you apply oil to the hair and smooth your hair from the top of the forehead all the way to the nape of your neck. According to Weerasekara, after smearing the oil, “ you must massage the complete area of the scalp, using your palm with firm pressure and gentle strokes from the top of your head to the back of your head”.
Picking Strokes Technique
Next up, under Weerasekara’s radar is the ‘picking strokes technique’. “This approach requires moving all fingers of your hands as if picking up tufts of the hair. The technique involves pulling your fingers in an upward direction using quick and firm strokes,” she instructs.
Flat Palm Strokes
The ‘flat palm strokes’ works as its name suggests. “With the palms of your hands, gently and rotationally stroke the crown, occipital and temporal region of your scalp”, explains Weerasekara.
Rocking Strokes
For a deeply nourishing massage, she suggests the ‘rocking strokes’ method. “Here the strokes are gentle yet rapid. Form a cup shape with both your hands and press them onto your head as though you're applying a herbal compress making sure you maintain the cup shape.”
Finger Strokes
Another from the classic cases of head massages, the ‘Finger strokes’ is a simple method which involves, “stretch your fingers out and tap your scalp as though you're playing a piano very fast (but your fingers should be straight not bent). ”, says Weerasekara.
Fist Strokes
The best way to end a head massage, after the oil has been generously seeped in, would be the ‘fist strokes’ technique. “This involves making a fist with your hands and pressing the fists on the top of the head with gentle pressure”, explains Weerasekara. The light-handed movement relaxes your whole mind and body.
Squeezing Technique
As you glide your fingers through the hair strands, grab tufts of hair in a steady grip and softly pull the hair. “You are primarily squeezing the tufts of hair in this method”, tells Weerasekera.
Pressing Technique
To compliment your scalp massage, add an ear massage to the routine.
“Pressing is a technique which is performed at the end of the massage for relaxation. It involves pressing the scalp (including the sides of your scalp) with the palms of your hand to apply gentle pressure.”, iterates Weerasekara.
Marma Therapy
Speaking about Shiroabhyanga, the importance of marma points is indispensable. According to Ayurveda, there are 107 marma points in the human body.
Translated as the meeting place, these fatal or vital points are situated at joints where muscles, veins, ligaments, joints and bones intersect. “Marma points therapy aims to change or improve your biochemistry by releasing stagnant energy and stimulating internal organs, hormones and other chemicals”, explains Weerasekara, as she tells how marma therapy can be helpful for scalp massages.
“Marma points are specific anatomical locations in the body where prana (life) is believed to flow. These points are associated with three doshas: vata, pitta, kapha. Marma therapy balances doshas, improves scalp health, relieves tension and stress, reduces anxiety and improves skin health”, she adds.
To understand the doshas, scroll on to the next section.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Thriving Hair
To enhance your hair health, Weerasekara emphasises the importance of hair TLC from within. From recognizing your particular hair concerns to its dedicated haircare, here are her favourite ayurvedic lifestyle mantras:
Apply oil regularly, at least once a week to nourish the hair follicles. Nirgundi oil, Divyanganadi oil, Triphala oil, Keshawardani oil and Bhringamalaka oil are some of the most beloved and best ayurvedic oils, according to Weerasekara.
Each dosha influences hair health differently, understanding them is crucial. For instance, people with vata hair dosha may have dry and wavy hair. To combat this issue, use nourishing oils and avoid excessive heat. Subsequently, pitta hair dosha can lead to premature greying. This is common among young adults today and calls for regulated stress management, along with controlling the consumption of cooling foods (foods that reduce pitta in your body). Lastly, the kapha hair dosha which involves oily and greasy scalp must be regularly cleansed and massaged only with light oils.
Your diet: The key is a balanced and healthy diet, along with adequate hydration and sleep hygiene.
Regular haircare practices: When it comes to hair-care, regular trimming, yoga and scalp treatments like herbal remedies and hair masks are important. Try to avoid heat styling which involves hot tools and blow drying on a daily basis.
The act of oiling one’s hair in Sanskrit (Indian ancient language) is called ‘sneha’, which also translates as ‘to love’. This poetic coincidence envelopes the essence of ayurvedic scalp oiling and massage. It is not only a form of self-love and self-care, but also an act of service which can be obtained from your loved ones.
With numerous hair and scalp benefits, ayurvedic methods of skincare and haircare are gaining traction, globally. Dr. Weerasekara fills us in with all-things-ayurveda and shares her favourite hacks to incorporate an ideal oiling and scalp massaging session. “Scalp massage can maintain your scalp health by improving blood circulation, oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. This can help prevent or reduce hair loss, inflammation and scalp infections. Scalp massage can also remove dead skin cells, excess oils and products build up from the scalp which can improve the cleanliness and breathability of the scalp. Additionally, scalp massage can relax the scalp muscle nerves which can lower the stress levels and promote a sense of wellbeing”, she explains.
Whether you put oiling on a pre-shower roster or make it a semi-weekly bedtime ritual, a thoughtful massage will help you with gaining regenerative and nourishing properties of ayurvedic hair oiling.
FAQs: Demystifying Ayurvedic Scalp Massages
How often should you massage the scalp?
If you want to improve your hair growth or thickness, massaging your scalp with your fingers twice every day is preferable. For relaxation, massage your scalp whenever you want. When using herbal oils for massaging, morning time is the best of the day.
What is the best time of the day to apply oil to your hair and how long should you keep it on?
Morning time is ideal for oiling, especially before heading for a shower. It's generally recommended to apply oil to your hair for about an hour, before you plan to wash it. For those with dry and damaged hair, it is advisable to oil the hair overnight.
Are there any side effects to be aware of with Ayurvedic scalp massage?
There are no known side effects specifically related to scalp massage. After treatment you might experience a slight chill or a mild increase in body temperature. These symptoms are your body's natural way of eliminating toxins and usually resolve on their own.
What is the role of the mind and body connection to growing hair?
The mind body connection plays a fascinating role in various aspects of our health including hair growth. Scientifically, the mind body connection involves intricate communication between the brain, nervous system, hormones and immune response. For instance, stress hormones like cortisol can influence hair follicles and disrupt their functions. Similarly, conversely positive emotions and relaxation can promote overall well being, including healthy hair growth. Practising mindfulness, meditation and relaxation techniques can migrate stress and positively impact hair health too.
How long does it take to see results and what results should we expect?
The results of scalp massage may vary depending on your hair type, condition and frequency of massage. You can expect to see some improvement in your hair thickness, growth and health after several months of regular scalp massage. The results are not guaranteed and you may need to try different oils, techniques, and durations to find out what works best for you. You may also need to combine scalp massage with other treatments such as meditation, supplements and lifestyle changes.
