The Ancient Ritual of Hair Oiling
Rituals and nutrients for improving hair growth. By Corin Sadler
Hair loss can be distressing but is surprisingly common. Around 50% of women experience hair loss during the perimenopause and post menopause years. Nurturing your scalp and hair follicles with the ancient ritual of hair oiling, but also nourishing from within, can play a role in managing this.
Why am I losing hair?
Oestrogen and progesterone help keep hair follicles in the hair growth phase, so as these start to fluctuate and decline hair tends to move more into the shedding phase. The relative increase in testosterone which happens as both oestrogen and progesterone fall, can promote follicle shrinkage. The drop in thyroid function which often accompanies these changes also impacts hair. And that’s before you add in stress, nutrient deficiency and the fact that hair is more fragile through the peri and post-menopausal phases.
Embrace ancient wisdom and ritual
Hair oiling practices have long been used in Ayurveda and across the world to nourish the scalp and hair. It’s a time-honoured self-care ritual for those who want to naturally support hair growth. Regular oiling moisturises the scalp reducing dryness and flaking and encourages blood flow to the hair follicles ensuring the vital nutrients needed for the hair reach them. The act of massage itself stimulates blood flow to the scalp and follicles but also is restorative and relaxing to the nervous system if stress is playing a part. Asanas which invert the body can be particularly powerful in encouraging blood flow to the head area, as can exercise in general.
Restoring nutrients and oils
To restore hair and scalp choose an oil-based hair serum which combines nourishing cold-pressed seed or bean oils with aromatic essential oils. Oils to look for are castor oil which is rich in vitamin E and helps add gloss and shine, black seed which is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and evening primrose, argan and safflower which enhance hairs moisture levels, lustre and shine. Pumpkin seed is a hair hero too, with studies comparing it to standard topical treatment reporting increase in hair regrowth after just 3 months. Whilst rosemary essential oil has long been used for stimulating the scalp and improving hair shine, combining it with cedarwood, thyme and lavender essential oils has been shown to increase hair growth.
Nourish from the inside too
Hair is made from protein so make sure to incorporate protein into each of your meals with eggs, pulses, fish, nuts, seeds, dairy and lean meats. Address any nutrient deficiencies and look to botanicals too. Iron, zinc and essential omega fats are vital for hair growth, deficiency contributing to hair loss and increased inflammation. Millet seed extract supports hair re-growth and hair thickness, whilst natural forms of sulphur like MSM improve volume and shine. Choose targeted clean formulations which include these actives whilst avoiding artificial additives.
Find out more about nutritional advice, natural hair oils and supplements, by visiting your independent health store at: findahealthstore.com
Corin Sadler is a medical herbalist at Viridian Nutrition (viridian-nutrition.com)
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