In a nation where hair represents not just a part of the human appearance but a royal aspect of one’s cultural identity, the pursuit of hair health and shine is as old as humankind and civilization itself. From Ayurvedic manuscripts to modern-day beauty habits of Bollywood actresses, Indian thinking has long understood and celebrated the significance of natural hair care. Below are five morning rituals that balance a bridge of vintage principles and modern-day science to help you achieve a naturally healthy hair.1. Abhyanga: The art of oil massageStart your day with a time-honored tradition: Abhyanga is the ancient oil massage that has been passed down through generations. Perform this before your morning shower.How to do it: Slightly warm 2-3 tablespoons of coconut, almond, or sesame oil, or a blend of these. Using your fingers, massage the oil into your scalp with gentle, circular motions. Begin from your forehead and work your way back, making sure you cover the whole scalp. Continue for 5-10 minutes and then work the remaining oil through the length.Why it works: According to one 2015 study published in the International Journal of Trichology, regular scalp massage increases hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles, which thereby promotes follicles to produce thicker hair.

In Ayurveda, it is said to balance the doshas, mainly Vata, which, if agitated, can lead to dry and brittle hair.2. Herbal hair rinse with reetha, shikakai, and amlaReplace your chemical-filled shampoo with this traditional herbal cleanser, which has been the secret of Indian women for centuries.How to do it: Mix equal quantities of Reetha, or soapnut, Shikakai, the fruit for hair, and Amla, or Indian gooseberry powder. Soak 1 tablespoon in a cup of warm water overnight. Strain this liquid the next morning and use it to wash your hair and scalp. Massage just like you would with shampoo.Why it works: A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirms that these herbs contain natural saponins that will cleanse the hair thoroughly without stripping the natural oils off the hair. Amla contains vitamin C and antioxidants, while Shikakai maintains pH balance of your scalp, and Reetha has a gentle cleansing action.3. Scalp detox with neem waterA morning scalp detox does wonders for one’s hair health in polluted urban environments.How to do it: Boil a handful of neem leaves in water until the water reduces to half of its quantity. Let it cool, then strain and store it in a spray bottle. Spray this neem water on your scalp in the morning, leaving it for 10-15 minutes prior to your regular hair wash routine.It works because neem is scientifically proven to possess strong antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action. A study conducted in 2019 in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences revealed that neem extract combats dandruff-causing fungi very effectively, thus helping to maintain a healthy scalp environment, which will, in turn, help in healthy hair growth.4. Protein-packed breakfast with Indian superfoodsWhat you choose to put on your plate can have a big impact on your hair, and kicking off your day with a breakfast rich in protein is essential for encouraging healthy hair growth.How to do it: Add protein, iron, and biotin to your breakfast. You could have moong dal cheela with mint chutney, paneer bhurji with whole wheat paratha, or a bowl of curd topped with soaked almonds and walnuts.Why it works: Hair is essentially made up of a protein called keratin. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in protein, iron, and biotin, can lead to hair loss according to study findings in the Dermatology Practical & Conceptual journal. Indian superfoods like dal, paneer, and nuts are rich sources for these nutrients in easily absorbed forms.5. Wooden comb detanglingThe kind of tool you groom your hair with matters as much as what you apply on your hair.How to do it: Invest in a wide-toothed wooden comb, preferably neem or sandalwood. Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Be gentle and patient because hair tends to tangle at times.Why it works: Unlike plastic combs, wooden ones do not produce static electricity, which is one of the leading causes of frizz and breakage. They help in distributing the natural oils of the scalp down to the hair shaft. A study appearing in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that gentle detangling minimizes mechanical damage to hair cuticles, which can help prevent split ends and breakage.Creating your ritualThe beauty of these rituals is that they’re so adaptable. You do not necessarily need to start with all five. Just pick one or two that appeal most to you and then build up. The key is consistency– just 10 minutes in the morning can change your hair over time.In our fast-paced lives, these morning rituals are much more than just hair benefits; they provide a feeling of connectivity with our heritage and with ourselves. As you care for your hair, you’re also nurturing a piece of India’s timeless beauty wisdom.While daily hair care is necessary, one weekly routine that you really must add is the application of natural, vegan, and organic henna cream. Mixed with herbs from Amazon rainforests, this can give you frizz-free and stronger hair while nourishing your scalp and covering the grey. It is a complete solution and keeps you healthy.Always keep in mind that healthy hair requires time and effort, and is not found overnight. Embrace these habits patiently and tenderly, and in return, your hair will give you the natural shine and strength that has been lauded in Indian culture for millennia.Authored by: Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder & CEO, Surya Brasil