How To Manage Your Frizzy Hair With Herbal Shampoos?

How To Manage Your Frizzy Hair With Herbal Shampoos?

Is that matted little frizz ruining your beautiful hair style? Frizzy hair is a common nuisance that keeps coming back with the change of seasons.

So why not choose something that can help you tame your frizz with ease? Herbal shampoos are great options. They are mild in nature and can treat your frizz problems from its roots.

Read on to know how you can use herbal shampoos to manage your frizzy hair.

Is Shampoo Good For Frizzy Hair?

Let us first understand the nature and cause for frizzy hair in order to decide its need for a shampoo.

What Causes Frizz?

Frizzy hair generally occurs when the outermost cuticle layer of the hair shaft is raised preventing the hair from laying flat. This often happens when your hair shaft is dry and damaged due to mechanical (improper brushing, wear and tear) or thermal stress (heat styling).

Another reason for a frizz can be humidity. During the monsoon season, the reason you notice more frizz is that moisture seeps into the cortex of your hair, making the protein inside swell up. This changes the structure of the hair shaft, making it look deformed.

Frizzy hair can also be a product of your genes. Sometimes naturally wavy or curly hair can have a few strands that don’t curl the same way as the rest of the hair. This does not mean that your frizzy hair is damaged, but just different. “Prakriti plays a major role in determining our hair type. A kapha may have straight thick hair or curly hair. Pitta dominants have fine straight hair, and Vata dominants have wavy hair. Imbalance in the natural balance of tridoshas especially Vata can lead to frizziness,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Is It Good To Shampoo Your Frizzy Hair?

Now that you’ve determined the reason behind your frizzy hair, let’s discuss if shampooing your frizzy hair is a good idea.

Since frizzy hair is commonly caused by a raised cuticle layer [1] in a damaged hair shaft, frequently shampooing may harm your hair even more. However, you cannot completely write off shampooing from your hair care regime. Grease, sweat and dirt that accumulate in your hair must be removed to prevent clogging up your hair follicles. Sweat and sebum build up in your hair and scalp will soon result in bacterial and fungal growth otherwise, leading to scalp infections.

The best option is to choose an Ayurvedic shampoo formulated with natural ingredients that will improve the condition of your hair without stripping off its natural oils. The Ayurvedic solutions aim for a holistic improvement of the human body without causing any side effects.

As per Ayurveda, dryness and damage of your hair is caused by an imbalance of your Doshas or Life Energies. A Vata Pitta Dosha aggravation in your scalp can cause your hair strands to dry up leading to frizz. A Pitta- Kapha Dosha aggravation, on the other hand, can cause moisture build-up in your hair shaft, resulting in frizzy hair. Hence, it is advisable to consult your Ayurvedic doctor to find out the reason responsible for your frizzy hair in order to select the shampoo that fits your needs.

What Is The Best Herbal Shampoo For Your Frizzy Hair?

handmade bath soaps with ayurvedic herbs

Best Ayurvedic Shampoos For Frizzy Hair

The below mentioned Ayurvedic concoctions improve your hair quality and nourish your frizzy hair to bring back its lost shine and health.

1. Japa, Methika, Brahmi, Tulsi and Shikakai/ Reetha

Soak Reetha or Shikakai or both overnight in water. Boil them to form shampoo like lather and cool down the mixture. Now grind Hibiscus flowers (Japa) and leaves (Japapatti), Fenugreek (Methika), Brahmi and Tulsi into a fine paste. Add some water to adjust the consistency of the paste. Now massage it onto your scalp and through the length of your hair. Leave it on for 30 mins and wash off with lukewarm or cold water for a frizz free experience. For better absorption of the shampoo, cover your head with a shower cap or towel.

2. Amalaki And Kumari

Soak 4 to 5 amla pods in water. Boil them in the morning for better extraction of the amla juice. Grind the mixture into a paste after it reaches room temperature. Now add aloe vera (Kumari) gel to this mixture. You can use aloe vera gel that is directly extracted from the plant. Apply this shampoo on your hair and scalp and wash it off after 30 mins for shiny, smooth and nourished hair.

3. Reetha, Shikakai And Neemba

Soak 4 to 5 Reetha pods, 5 to 6 Shikakai and about 20 Neem leaves overnight in water. Boil the mixture and let it cool down to room temperature. Grind the ingredients to a paste and apply it on your hair, massaging in a circular motion with your fingertips. Leave it on for 15 to 20 mins before washing off with water. Use this shampoo weekly twice to prevent frizzy hair.

4. Bhringraj, Bakuchi And Triphala

These herbs are easily available in whole or powdered form in any Ayurvedic store. If bought in whole form, grind them together with some water to make a paste. Heat this mixture in a pan, preferably an iron pan, and gently saute it till the mixture heats up. The Amla is likely to turn black, as it absorbs iron from the pan. Bring the mixture to room temperature and apply like a normal shampoo. Wash off after 15 mins. Bakuchi, Bhringraj and Triphala work wonders for frizzy hair. It restores the pH balance of your hair and seals in the required amount of moisture within the hair shaft.

Best Homemade Shampoos To Manage Your Frizzy Hair

woman applying mask to hair roots

These easy to prepare homemade shampoos work wonders to curb your frizzy hair problem, giving your hair a smooth texture naturally.

1. Yogurt, Avocado and Honey

This unique combination of ingredients work like magic on dry, dull and frizz prone hair giving you healthy locks that radiate a natural shine. The natural oils present in Avocado nourishes your hair from the inside while the Biotin in it promotes hair growth. Lactic acids present in Yogurt cleanse your scalp and unclog your hair follicles to better absorb nutrients. Honey is a natural moisture sealer and gives your hair added hydration.

To use them, blend all three ingredients into a thick paste and apply it on your hair. Keep for 15 minutes or till yogurt begins to dry up and then wash off.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera deep conditions hair that is lacking in moisture and nutrition. The anti-inflammatory property of aloe vera soothes the scalp, leaving your hair hydrated and nourished. You can apply aloe vera gel directly onto hair or even mix it with some avocado for better nourishment.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

An increase in your hair’s pH level makes your hair more alkaline in nature, thus opening up the cuticle layer. This gives your hair a frizzy, malnourished look. Apple Cider Vinegar’s mild acidic nature balances the pH level of your hair, thus bringing about a shinier appearance. It is also considered a good hair cleanser that removes sebum build up on your scalp and prevents scalp infections.

4. Coconut Milk, Honey and Almond/ Sesame Oil/ Tea Tree Oil

The deep conditioning nature of both coconut milk and honey nourishes your hair from the roots to the tips. Honey having emollient and humectant properties smoothens the surface of the hair shaft and seals in moisture to prevent dryness. Mix half cup of coconut milk with honey and any of your favourite essential oils such as Almond/ Sesame/ Tea Tree oil and apply throughout your hair and scalp. Wash off after 20 mins to get hair that feels like silk.

How To Choose A Shampoo For Your Frizzy Hair?

Since a Vata Pitta or a Pitta Kapha Dosha imbalance are the two main reasons that cause frizzy hair, you need to look for Ayurvedic shampoos with ingredients that help to harmonize your Doshas. The right combination of herbs can prevent dryness and moisture seepage into the hair shaft, which are the results of the three Dosha imbalances.

Ingredients To Look For

1. Japa (Hibiscus)

Japa [2] is a known Pitta dosha pacifier. Rich in amino acids and Vitamin C, Japa has many hair benefits. It helps to regulate the amount of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands and prevents blocking of hair follicles. This makes it very effective on frizzy hair and oily scalp. Japapatti or Hibiscus leaves act as a mild hair cleanser, keeping dry scalp problems such as dandruff at bay. Japa also prevents premature greying of your hair and maintains its natural shine.

2. Methika (Fenugreek)

Methika is your one stop solution for treating dry, frizzy hair. In Ayurveda, Methika is used to cure ailments caused due to a Vata imbalance. An amazing source of high protein, Methika helps to repair your damaged hair shaft giving way to healthy, strong hair.

3. Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Brahmi has a soothing effect on all three Doshas and hence considered as a wonder herb in Ayurveda. It cleanses your scalp and nourishes your hair. Brahmi is also known for its ability to promote new hair growth.

4. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

A great Vata and Kapha Dosha calmer, Tulsi is a common herb used in Ayurveda to treat damaged hair problems. Vitamin K and antioxidants in Tulsi improves blood circulation to your hair follicles and prevents them from miniaturizing. This allows proper nutrition and oxygen to reach your hair roots, resulting in thick, lustrous locks.

5. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)

Indian Gooseberry [3] is an excellent supplier of Vitamin C, E, A, Iron and Calcium. Though it works on all three Doshas, Amalaki is known majorly as a Pitta Dosha pacifying herb in Ayurveda. Containing the goodness of essential fatty acids, Amalaki nourishes, softens and adds volume to your hair.

6. Kumari (Aloe Vera)

With a low pH level, Kumari prevents the cuticle of your hair shafts from opening up and giving a frizzy appearance. Kumari harmonizes the Vata Pitta Dosha effects on your hair and scalp that cause dryness and frizz. A natural conditioner, Kumari protects your hair from heat damage by containing moisture in the hair shaft.

7. Reetha And Shikakai

The use of Reetha and Shikakai to cleanse hair has been an age old practice for generations. These mild natured surfactants clean the scalp without stripping your hair off its natural oils. Retha and Shikakai are your ultimate hair care herbs that nourish, nutrify and promote hair growth.

8. Neem

Rich in fatty acids, Neem [4] helps in controlling hair problems such as frizz, split ends and dryness. Its antifungal properties keep your scalp clean and infection free. Neem which is cool in nature reduces heat and helps calm the effects of a Pitta Dosha aggravation on your scalp preventing drying of the hair shaft.

9. Bhringraj

Bhringraj is a boon to frizzy, damaged hair. A great pacifier of both Vata and Kapha Doshas, Bhringraj gets easily absorbed into the scalp and hair shaft and prevents premature hair loss. It also stimulates blood circulation to your hair follicles, thus strengthening the hair shaft and adding volume to thin frizzy hair.

10. Bakuchi

Listed under herbs with Keshya properties in Ayurvedic literature, Bakuchi helps in balancing elevated Vata and Kapha doshas that make hair frizzy and unmanageable. Apart from improving hair growth, Bakuchi helps prevent dandruff and dry scalp conditions.

Vedix Tip: Methika or Fenugreek seeds are magic elements that promote hair growth. You can soak them overnight and blend them next morning to form a paste. This paste can be applied directly onto your scalp or mix it with coconut oil and apply.

What To Avoid In Shampoo To Protect Your Frizzy Hair?

chemical components on the shampoo label

Many popular shampoo brands in the market offer frizz free, smooth hair. But, a number of them contain harmful chemical components [5] that may give a temporary shine but cause more damage to your hair overtime. Frizzy hair is a result of excess dryness or humidity, making your cuticle raised. Hence, it would be wise to choose shampoos with ingredients that are mild or have a low pH level. Here’s a list of ingredients that you should better avoid while choosing your shampoo.

1. Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

ALS and SLS are high foaming surfactants that create the lather in your shampoo. High levels of both ALS and SLS dry out your hair shafts as they remove the natural oils along with the cleaning dirt from your hair. Since, women are more prone to shampooing their hair frequently these agents leave your hair dry, damaged and frizzy with repeated use.

2. Paraben

Parabens are often considered carcinogenic in nature. They are added to cosmetic products as preservatives to increase shelf life.

3. Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride or salt is added to shampoos to get that thick creamy consistency. Constant exposure to salt dries and irritates your scalp making your hair dull and lifeless.

4. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is another cancer causing preservative used in shampoos to prevent bacterial growth in cosmetics. Formaldehyde [6] can be easily absorbed by the human skin. With continuous use, you may get scalp irritations and experience hair loss.

5. Artificial Scents And Colours

Don't go by the look of your shampoo. Ayurvedic shampoos may not smell as enticing as shampoos that have harmful synthetic fragrances and colours. These are usually chemicals that have a petroleum base and can cause skin allergies while drying your hair out.

6. Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine is commonly added to shampoos to balance the pH level of the product. But constant exposure may be toxic to both skin and hair.

7. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical agent added in soaps, detergents, cleaning liquids, deodorants and your shampoo to prevent the growth of bacteria on various surfaces. Triclosan's harsh effects on the scalp gradually block your hair follicles causing hair loss.

How To Shampoo Your Frizzy Hair?

woman washing hair with shampoo

Frizzy hair requires extra care, especially while you clean it. Follow these 6 simple steps to gently clean your frizzy hair, preventing any further damage.

1. Use a natural shampoo that does not contain any of the above mentioned harmful ingredients.

2. If your scalp is oily/dirty or your hair has a lot of product build-up, consider first soaking your hair with lukewarm water. This helps to detach dirt and grease from hair.

3. Gently massage the shampoo all over your scalp and hair. If possible, use a little amount of shampoo and dilute it with water to prevent it from drying your hair.

4. Rinse off with cold water. Using warm water to rinse will open up your hair’s cuticles making hair look more frizzy. Whereas, cold water will flatten the cuticles, giving your hair a smoother appearance.

5. Condition your hair with a natural conditioner that is free of synthetic chemicals. Rinse well to avoid product build-up.

6. Avoid a blow-dryer for frizzy hair. Let your hair air-dry or gently blot it with a soft towel. Do not rub your hair to dry it, instead you can consider plopping your hair with a soft fabric.

Hair Plopping is a popular anti-frizz hair drying technique followed by women worldwide who have wavy or curly frizzy hair. All you need is a soft fabric - a long sleeved t-shirt or any rectangular cloth and a little bit of practice.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair If It's Frizzy?

If frizz is your problem, don’t wash your hair frequently. Washing your hair frequently will strip your hair off its natural oils that make your hair look smooth and shiny. If you are prone to washing your hair often, consider using an Ayurvedic shampoo, which is mild in nature. Shampoos that have a high pH level will expand the cuticle layer of your hair, causing more frizz and dryness.

Hair experts advice deep conditioning at least twice a week to moisturize and nourish dry frizzy hair. If you have an oily scalp along with frizzy hair, use a hibiscus shampoo twice a week that will control the sebum secretion on your scalp while boosting volume and shine of your hair.

The Last Word

Frizzy hair is a common problem for all hair types. It is important to find the root cause of your frizz and deal with the problem holistically. A consultation with your Ayurvedic doctor will help you choose the right shampoo for your Prakriti (body constitution) that will harmonize your Doshas and give you healthy, smooth and lustrous hair.

At Vedix, we evaluate your Doshas and prepare a customised hair care regimen that suits your hair types and needs.

Know Your Dosha Now
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