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Hair growth is a hot topic at the moment, with TikToker’s claiming things like rice water and castor oil can make your hair grow faster. Among these hacks is the ayurvedic massage, a technique grounded in ancient Indian medicine. So, how does ayurvedic massage make your hair grow long and how do you give yourself an ayurvedic massage? Express.co.uk chatted to Farida Irani, Founder of Ayurvedic and Aromatherapeutic brand Subtle Energies to find out everything you need to know about Ayurvedic massage.
Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga, is all about using herbal oils in long, brisk strokes.
The aim of Ayurvedic massage is to bring toxins (Ama) up to the surface of the body, use herbal powders (Ubtans) to absorb the oil, and then take a hot shower to wash away the toxins.
Farida explained: “Ayurvedic massage is sometimes delivered by two people, that is a four-hand massage. The technique is very vigorous and repetitive.”
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Ayurvedic massage always starts with a scalp massage, and this is the trend you’ve been seeing on TikTok and other social media.
However, traditional Ayurvedic massage is difficult to achieve at home because of the complex technique – it often involves sitting in a steam cabinet with herbs after the massage and before the shower.
Farida said: “In Ayurveda, this is called Swedan and it is used to induce sweat and open up the pores.
“The steam generated from the medicated herbal decoctions go through the pores and the person lets out remaining toxins through the sweating process.”
Does Ayurvedic massage help hair growth?
The purpose of Ayurvedic massage is not to stimulate hair growth, but it will help your hair to grow long and strong if you massage your head regularly.
Farida explained: “In a traditional Ayurveda Massage they start with a scalp massage to stimulate the nerves and brain cells.
“The oil itself is very beneficial for nurturing hair growth and revitalising the scalp, and this is in combination with the brisk techniques of Indian Head Massage would assist in stimulating the hair follicles.”
Indian Head Massage has a lot of other benefits too, including “stimulating memory and brain cells, addressing the vital chakras and marmas, and relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating the entire body, mind and spirit,” according to Farida.
The results will vary from person to person, depending on genetics, body type, hair type, diet, and other factors.
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How to give yourself an Ayurvedic massage
Indian Head Massage practitioners and regular folk alike often make a huge mistake when doing Ayurvedic massage.
Farida pointed out that an Indian head massage should always be done while seated with the back straight rather than lying down.
You don’t need to go to a professional to achieve hair growth and a healthy scalp – you can give yourself a head massage at home.
Farida recommends a gentle scalp and hair oil such as the Indian Hair Care Oil (£59) from Subtle Energies for this.
She said: “Massage it into the scalp, first on the fontanelle, then on the Shika or the cowlick and then on the occipital at the base of the scalp.”
In basic terms, massage the oil into your scalp from the front of your head to the back.
Farida advised: Make sure you spread it through the entire scalp and then leave it on for a minimum of two hours before washing it off.
“Ideally leave it overnight to wash off with a gentle and nourishing shampoo such as the Neem and Coriander Seed Shampoo (£45) from Subtle Energies the next day.”
Follow up with a protective and moisturising conditioner, Farida recommends the Neem and Coriander Seed Conditioner (£45) from Subtle Energies.
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