Ayurvedic Hair Care: How to Build a Simple Routine

In short: An Ayurvedic hair care routine is simple: oil the scalp and lengths before washing, wash with a mild shampoo, condition, and repeat regularly. Our vegan range covers each step: Herbal Hair Oil with sesame and coconut oils, Nalikera Shampoo with coconut oil, lavender and ylang ylang, Ayurvedic Hair Conditioner with shea butter and lavender, and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Hair oiling has been part of daily life in Kerala for generations. Here is how to build a simple Ayurvedic hair routine at home in the UK.

What plant ingredients are used in Ayurvedic hair care?

• Coconut oil: the classic Kerala hair oil, used before washing or as a finishing oil.
• Sesame oil: a traditional base for Ayurvedic oils.
• Jojoba oil and shea butter: used for softness and a smooth feel.
• Lavender, ylang ylang and tea tree: essential oils that give a pleasant scent.

Which Holy Lama products make up a hair routine?

• Herbal Hair Oil: sesame seed and coconut oils with botanical extracts, massaged into the scalp and lengths before washing.
• Nalikera Shampoo: a coconut oil shampoo with vitamin E, lavender and ylang ylang.
• Ayurvedic Hair Conditioner: with shea butter, lavender and vitamin E, to leave hair feeling soft and easier to comb.
• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: use it before washing or as a light finishing oil on the ends.

How do you build an Ayurvedic hair routine?

1. Oil the scalp and lengths and leave for about 15 minutes, or overnight once a week.
2. Wash with a mild shampoo.
3. Condition the lengths and rinse.
4. Air dry where you can, or use a heat protectant.
5. Repeat two or three times a week.

What everyday habits help?

Limit heat styling, try a silk or satin pillowcase, and enjoy a short scalp massage as a moment of self care. A balanced diet and drinking enough water support your general wellbeing.

Who makes Holy Lama hair care?

Our hair care is hand filled and hand labelled at our own factory in Kerala, India, by a family business that dates back to 1946. The factory is a government recognised women's enterprise following the 10 principles of Fair Trade, and more than 80% of the workforce is women. Production waste is used as fuel or as cattle feed rather than sent to landfill. Spas, salons and retailers can buy through our Trade page.

See our guide to choosing a natural hair oil or the full hair care range.