Tea rinses - the easiest way to include ayurveda in your Hair Routine

TEAS FOR HAIR CARE

Everyone knows teas are great antioxidants, really good for relaxation and have loads of hair benefits. But did you know that teas can be used for hair care as well? The best part is that you probably have some tea in your cupboard you can use right now. Whether it is an Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Green Tea or a Black Tea all work really well. They can be used singly or in combination and you don’t even have to have faith it's working because from the very first application you are going to see a difference in your hair strength and an immediate decrease in hair shedding. This post includes 3 super quick and efficient Tea recipes. If you are dealing with hair thinning, alopecia, postpartum shedding or even a slow growth rate, these can be a game changer. 

RECIPE NO 1

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp of Ashwagandha roots/powder
• 2 Tbsp of Green Tea
• 2 Tbsp of Jamun Fruit

Ashwagandha helps the body to deal with endocrine disruption so if your hair loss is due to hormonal issues such as stress and postpartum changes to your hormonal profile, it can help dampen the effect of these on the endocrine system and thus your hair cycle.  Green tea on the other hand, helps blocks the DHT cascade of processes in the body that cause hormonal surges leading to hair loss. It is also rich in antioxidants which is great for revitalizing and waking up follicles. It also has an abundance of Vitamin B which play a key role in follicular health. It prevents splitting and softens the hair whilst the caffeine strengthens the hair. Lastly, on our list of ingredients we have Jamun fruit. Proven studies have shown Jamun fruit to have potency in inhibiting hair fall and increasing hair growth rate. It is full of antioxidants. Jamun fruit powder has be said to be more potent than Jamun seed powder for use in hair health.

 RECIPE NO 2

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp of Henna Tea
• 2 Tbsp of Fenugreek
• 2 Tbsp of Jata masi powder

Henna is super strengthening and it's benefits can be seen from the very first application. It improves the formation and definition of curls as well as moisture retention. The long-time build-up of henna in the hair continues to have an effect on the hair.

Fenugreek has its own mucilage that it produces when added to teas.  It replenishes the hair, gives the hair a bit of smoothness and an added slip which helps prevent snagging and in turn breakage. It contains lecithin which conditions the hair, as well as bio-available protein. Lastly, the Jata masi powder gives amazing slippage. It is renounced for darkening the hair, and a really good ingredient to balance the potency of henna. It is strengthening, elongates the growth phase of the hair and has also been reported to reverse greys with consistent use.

Instructions

Brew 2tsp of each ingredient and leave it to sit in a closed container for at least 4 hours.

RECIPE NO 3

Ingredient

• 2 Tbsp of Camomile
• 2 Tbsp of Aloe Vera
• 2 Tbsp of Nettle

This tea is the gentlest of all of the teas and can be a good one to start with. 

Camomile is a great at detoxifying the hair and promoting follicular health. It can relieve itchy scalp, dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin ailments. A good alternative for the Camomile is Calendula.  

Aloe vera contains vitamin A, C and E which contributes to the cell turnover, promoting healthy scalp, cell growth and hair growth. It is also rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid which are good for sealing the cuticles as well as locking down moisture.

Nettle which is rich in Silica and Sulphur helps with hair loss and regrowth. It's benefit extents to its ability to counter alopecia and hair loss. Several studies have given weight to nettle’s the potential to promote hair growth and foster thicker hair.

Instructions

Brew 2tsp of each ingredient and leave it to sit in a closed container for at least 4 hours.

 This can be used as a rinse over hair after a wash. Leave it in for about 15 mins then follow with your deep conditioner and rinse all out. It can also be used to spritz and strengthen the hair throughout the week by applying it to the hair a maximum of three times a week.

Keep teas refrigerated and discard after 7-10 days. 

Adding in good essential oils like lavender, peppermint, basil and rosemary can really boost the potency of tea mixtures. These oils have shown regrowth in patients with alopecia and undergoing chemotherapy. A good time to add these oils would be after the tea has cooled and immediately before application.