Breathe new life into your mermaid locks with this lush Ayurdevic hair treatment. Hello home spa!
By Chasca Summerville
It is common for hair to dry out due to changes in season, exposure to the sun, salt or chlorinated water, hair dye, styling tools and toxic hair products. These can all cause the hair to break, frizz and thin out, and result in issues such as dandruff, loss of growth and discolouration.
But the good news it, using a few edible ingredients, you can nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair and protect it from the elements, giving you more luscious, vibrant locks.
Rehydrating hair treatment
Makes 1 mask for shoulder-length hair
2 tablespoons besan (chickpea flour)
¼ teaspoon Triphala powder or ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon neem powder (prevents greying and relieves dandruff)
1 teaspoon black sesame oil
1 teaspoon castor oil
½ cup (125 g/4½ oz) coconut yoghurt
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and slowly stir in the wet ingredient.
How to apply:
- Apply to clean, damp hair with your fingertips, starting at the scalp and working your way down to the ends.
- Once evenly applied, gently massage for 1–3 minutes and then wrap your hair in a bun and cover with a shower cap for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse out with lukewarm water and a gentle natural shampoo.
TIP: You can double or halve the recipe, depending on the length of your hair.
This is an edited extract from Ayurvedic Rituals: Wisdom, Recipes and the Ancient Art of Self-Care by Chasca Summerville, published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $34.99, available in-stores nationally.
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