Hair loss, premature greying, and scalp issues are increasingly common concerns among Indians living in UK. The shift in water quality (especially hard water and hot showers), cold climate, poor vitamin D levels, stressful work-life balance, and change in diet all contribute to these hair problems.
While many turn to hair oils as a solution, choosing the right oil is often confusing, especially when shelves are filled with countless brands and labels. But Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, offers time-tested, herbal remedies through classical hair oils that are suitable for specific conditions and body types (doshas).
Let’s explore how to choose the right Ayurvedic oil, understand your dosha, and learn how to apply oil the right way — because using the wrong oil or using it wrongly can often do more harm than good.
Why Hair Loss and Baldness Are Common in UK
- Hot showers and hard water weaken the hair shaft and roots.
- Lack of sunlight (Vitamin D) affects scalp health and hair strength.
- Dietary deficiencies (like iron, zinc, or B12) contribute to thinning.
- Stress, sinusitis, dandruff, and skin conditions like psoriasis worsen hair health.
So, while applying hair oil helps, it’s also important to address these underlying causes.
Understanding Your Dosha Before Choosing Hair Oil
In Ayurveda, our body constitution is based on three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has a different impact on hair health:
- Vata (dry, thin, brittle hair) – prone to frizz, dandruff, early hair fall
- Pitta (heat, inflammation) – causes premature greying, scalp burning, thinning
- Kapha (oily, heavy scalp) – leads to greasy scalp, blocked follicles, hair fall
Best Ayurvedic Hair Oils for Specific Hair Problems
Hair Loss and Baldness (Alopecia)
- Neelibhringadi Tailam – Classic oil made with Indigo (Neeli), Bhringraj, and Amla. Strengthens roots, stops hair fall, and darkens hair naturally.
- Prapaundrikadi Tailam – hair loss and heat over head.
- Bhringamalakadi Thailam – regenerating hair growth, prevents grey hair.
- Kayyunyadi Tailam – strengthening hair roots and preventing baldness.
- Malthyadi Tailam – Especially effective for Alopecia, bald patches and stubborn scalp dryness.
Premature Greying of Hair
- Triphaladi Tailam – Made with Triphala, this oil is cooling and rejuvenating for scalp. Helps reduce greying due to pitta imbalance.
- Neelibhringadi Tailam – Doubles up as an anti-greying and anti-hair fall oil.
- Nimba thailam – Although not good in smell effective in grey hair.
Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, and Flakes
- Doorvadi Keram – Coconut oil infused with Doorva grass(Arugampul). Great for dry scalp and dandruff.
- Kayyunyadi Tailam – Soothes inflamed, flaky scalp.
- Eladi Tailam – Helpful in dermatitis, allergic rashes, and chronic scalp issues.
Scalp Psoriasis or Chronic Skin Conditions
- Ayapalakera Tailam – A classic oil used in skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema.
- Eladi Tailam – For dermatitis, skin allergies, and itchiness.
Sinusitis, Headache & Migraine Relief
- Suku Tailam – Soothes head, neck and body aches due to vata and kapha.
- Asana Bilwadi Tailam – Ideal for sinus congestion, tinnitus, and tension headaches.
- Balahatadi Tailam – Beneficial for dizziness, sleeplessness, migraine, and tiredness.
Memory, Sleep & Mental Clarity
- Brahmi Tailam – Calms the nervous system, improves memory, reduces stress-induced hair loss.
- Ksheerabala Tailam – Good for calming pitta and vata – promotes better sleep and calmness.
How to Apply Hair Oil Properly
Best Practice for Oil Application:
- Warm the oil slightly before use.
- Apply with fingertips and massage it well.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes before shower.
- Shampoo gently with lukewarm water – avoid hot water.
Avoid These Mistakes:
- Don’t leave oil overnight.
- Avoid leaving oil daily on scalp – this can clog pores and attract dust.
- Never apply oil on wet scalp – can lead to cold, sinus issues, and even hair breakage.
In cold UK weather, oiling before bath helps restore scalp moisture and keeps hair nourished without greasiness.
When to Use Hair Oil & How Often?
- Twice a week oiling is ideal for most people.
- For dandruff or scalp psoriasis – consult an Ayurvedic expert for correct frequency and combination.
- Avoid oiling during acute cold, fever or sinusitis unless it’s a specific sinus-clearing oil like Asana Bilwadi Tailam.
Can’t Find These Oils in UK? Try These Herbal Alternatives
If you’re unable to source these classical oils easily, you can use base oils available locally and infuse herbs or essential oils at home.
- Coconut Oil – Best base oil for all doshas, especially pitta.
- Castor Oil – Thick and nourishing, great for hair regrowth and dandruff.
- Almond Oil – Light and protein-rich, softens dry hair.
- Argan Oil – Non-sticky, bhjmyjhest for frizz and dry weather in the UK.
- Olive Oil – Penetrates scalp well and softens hair.
Make Your Own Herbal Hair Oil at Home
Use base oils like coconut or almond oil, and add:
- Dried curry leaves (for greying)
- Fenugreek seeds (for dandruff)
- Amla or Brahmi powder (for hair strength and memory)
- Onion, Tulsi and neem leaves (for itchy scalp and dandruff)
Warm gently, cool, strain, and use as your homemade herbal hair tonic
Where to buy hair oils for hair loss? Available in stores like Holland & Barrett, Boots, and online health shops.
Precautions
Some oils must not be applied on a wet scalp or during cold seasons. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using oils for chronic conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hair oil is not just about brand or fragrance. It’s about understanding your body, your environment, and your condition. Ayurveda teaches us that the same oil will not suit everyone.
Before rushing to treat hair fall, it’s wise to check for iron or vitamin deficiencies, hormonal issues, dandruff, or poor sleep, as these are often the real culprits behind hair loss.
But when used right, Ayurvedic oils can work as powerful allies — healing, nourishing, and restoring your hair naturally.
AI Ayurveda Imma – Your Guide to Ayurvedic Living in the UK | Zen Wellness
Be slow in choosing, sure in living – Choose Ayurveda.
With Wellness
Imma Antonisamy
