Hair

Ayurvedic Hair Setting Techniques:

Traditional Methods and Natural Styling
Products
Ayurveda, India's ancient system of medicine and wellness, offers a treasure trove
of knowledge about hair care that extends beyond mere health to include styling
and setting techniques. While modern commercial hair styling products are
relatively recent inventions, traditional Ayurvedic texts and practices reveal that
people have been using natural ingredients to style and set their hair for centuries.
These methods not only provided styling benefits but also nourished the hair
simultaneously.

Traditional Ayurvedic Hair Setting Ingredients

Herbal Mucilage Gels
In traditional Ayurvedic hair care, people relied on plant-based mucilage (natural
gels) to style and set their hair:
1. Flaxseed Gel (Alsi)
Flaxseeds have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic hair care as a natural styling
agent. When cooked in water, flaxseeds release a thick, mucilaginous gel that
works as an effective natural hair setter[3][10]. This gel contains essential fatty
acids and antioxidants that strengthen the hair while providing hold without the
stiffness of chemical products[10].
2. Okra Gel (Bhindi)
Okra, when boiled in water, produces a slippery, viscous gel that has been
traditionally used for hair styling. It provides a medium hold while conditioning the
hair simultaneously[3]. In traditional practices, okra stems would be cut and boiled
to extract their mucilage.
3. Fenugreek (Methi)
Fenugreek seeds, when soaked and made into a paste or extracted as a gel,

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 served as both a conditioning and styling agent in traditional Ayurveda[3][5].
Fenugreek has moisturizing properties that help tame frizz while providing a light
hold[3].
4. Marshmallow Root
This herb, when boiled in water, creates a slippery gel that was used as a hair
setting agent. It provides slip and light hold while detangling and softening the
hair[3][4].

Plant-Based Setting Agents

1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic hair care. The natural gel
extracted from aloe leaves provides moisture and a light hold, making it perfect for
setting styles while keeping hair hydrated[14][15].
2. Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus flower paste or extract was used not only to condition the hair but also to
provide a subtle hold. It was particularly valued for adding shine while helping to
maintain the hair's shape[5].

Traditional Setting Techniques in Ayurveda

Oil-Based Setting Methods
Unlike modern setting techniques that focus on stiffness and hold, Ayurvedic
setting methods emphasized nourishment alongside styling:

1. Scalp Massage and Oil Styling

Warm herbal oils were massaged into the scalp and through the hair, then used to
style the hair in various traditional arrangements. The oils provided weight and
smooth texture, allowing the hair to hold certain styles while nourishing it[1][9].

2. Herbal Oil Infusions

Specific oils were infused with herbs like bhringraj, amla, and brahmi to create
styling preparations that would impart both therapeutic benefits and styling
properties[7]. These infused oils helped weigh down frizzy hair and give it
direction while providing shine[2].

Natural Cleansers as Styling Aids

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 1. Reetha (Soapnuts)
Traditional Indian hair care routines included washing with sudsy reetha
(soapnuts), which not only cleansed the hair but also left it with a specific texture
that facilitated styling[6]. The mild residue left by reetha provided a subtle hold
without stiffness[5].

2. Shikakai
This natural cleanser, when used to wash hair, would leave hair with a manageable
texture that was easier to style and arrange[5]. Shikakai preparations helped set
the hair without artificial ingredients.

Modern Ayurvedic Hair Setting Products

Contemporary Ayurvedic hair care has evolved to include more defined styling
products while maintaining traditional ingredient bases:

1. Ayurvedic Hair Gels

Modern Ayurvedic hair gels combine traditional ingredients like flaxseed,
fenugreek, and herbs such as amla, bhringraj, ashwagandha, and jamun to create
natural styling products[4][10]. These provide hold while nourishing the hair,
unlike synthetic gels that can damage hair over time[13].

2. Natural Hair Creams

Ayurvedic hair creams offer styling benefits without greasy residue or product
buildup. These creams help tame frizz and provide a natural-looking finish while
allowing movement, making them ideal for daily styling[15].

Dosha-Specific Hair Setting Approaches

Ayurveda's personalized approach extends to hair styling, with different
techniques recommended based on an individual's dominant dosha:

1. Vata Hair (Dry, Frizzy, Thin)

For Vata-dominant individuals with typically dry, frizzy hair, oil-based setting
methods were preferred. Heavier oils like sesame provided weight and moisture
while helping to set styles[5][8].

2. Pitta Hair (Fine, Prone to Oiliness)

Those with Pitta-dominant hair types benefited from lighter styling agents like aloe
vera gel, which provided hold without adding excess oil[5][8].

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 3. Kapha Hair (Thick, Heavy, Oily)
For Kapha types with thicker, oilier hair, astringent herbs like neem were added to
styling preparations to balance oil production while providing texture and hold[5].

Conclusion
The Ayurvedic approach to hair setting emphasizes natural ingredients that
simultaneously style and nourish the hair. Unlike modern commercial products
that often contain chemicals that may damage hair over time, traditional Ayurvedic
hair setting techniques relied on plant-based ingredients that offered therapeutic
benefits alongside styling properties.
Today, as people increasingly seek natural alternatives to synthetic hair products,
these ancient Ayurvedic hair setting techniques and ingredients are experiencing a
renaissance. Whether through homemade flaxseed gels or commercial products
based on traditional herbs, Ayurvedic hair setting methods offer a way to style hair
beautifully while maintaining its health and vitality.

Citations:
[1] 8 Hair Care Tips for Strong, Healthy, and Beautiful Hair - Ayutherapy
https://ayutherapy.com/news/ayurvedic-hair-care-tips/
[2] An Ayurvedic Guide to Healthy Hair - Banyan Botanicals
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/pages/ayurvedic-guide-to-healthy-hair
[3] How to make Hair Gel and Leave in Conditioner for Natural Hair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG5dklgz5sY
[4] Ayurvedic Hair Gel - Sarenzo Beauty
https://www.sarenzobeauty.com/products/ayurvedic-hair-gel
[5] 8 Ayurveda Hair Care Tips and Techniques for Healthy Hairs
https://zanducare.com/blogs/exploring-ayurveda/how-to-achieve-strong-
beautiful-hair-with-ayurveda-tips-and-techniques
[6] 8 Ayurvedic Hair Care Tips for Healthy, Lustrous Locks - Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/indian-home-remedies-for-
hair-growth
[7] Indian Hair Care Regimens: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Hair
https://theearthcollective.in/blogs/blog/traditional-indian-hair-care-regimens-
timeless-wisdom-for-modern-hair-care
[8] Naturally beautiful hair with Ayurveda

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 https://www.ayurveda-products.eu/content/ayurvedic-lifestyle-and-
recipes/wellbeing-for-body-and-soul/naturally-beautiful-hair
[9] What are the Ayurvedic methods for treating hair? | Kerala, Wayanad
https://indianayurvedaacademy.com/what-are-the-ayurvedic-methods-for-
treating-hair/
[10] Ayurvedic Flaxseed Hair Gel - Studd Muffyn
https://studdmuffyn.com/products/ayurvedic-hair-growth-flaxseed-gel
[11] The Ultimate Ayurvedic Hair Care Routine for Healthy hair
https://saatwika.in/ayurvedic-hair-care-routine-for-healthy-hair/
[12] Ayurvedic Hair Growth: 7 Powerful Secrets To Achieve Exceptional ...
https://theayurvedicclinic.com/stopping-the-fall-combatting-hair-loss-with-
ayurveda/
[13] AMBANI HEALTH CARE Natural Hair Gel I for Nourishing, Styling ...
https://ambanihealthcare.com/product/ambani-health-care-natural-hair-gel-i-for-
nourishing-styling-strong-long-lasting-hold-i-hair-growth-strengthening-i-
paraben-silicone-free-i-for-women-and-men-with-all-hair-types-100gm/
[14] The Hair Gel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Perfect Styling
https://www.advikayurveda.com/blog/hair-gel/
[15] Buy Styling Hair Cream for Daily Use - Dhathri Ayurveda
https://dhathriayurveda.in/collections/hair-cream
[16] How To Improve Hair Texture? - 10 Tips From Ayurveda
https://www.kamaayurveda.in/blog/how-to-improve-hair-texture
[17] Ayurvedic Hair Care Routine - Vijayan Master's Ayurveda
https://vijayanmastersayurveda.com/blog/ayurvedic-hair-care-routine
[18] My FULL Ayurvedic Hair Care Routine - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXlUr073_7E
[19] 10 Ayurvedic Tips for Beautiful Hair - Banyan Botanicals
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/blogs/wellness/10-ayurvedic-tips-for-
gorgeous-hair
[20] 9 Stunning Traditional Hairstyle Ideas for Short Hair - Zandu Care
https://zanducare.com/blogs/exploring-ayurveda/traditional-hairstyles-for-short-
hair
[21] Your Perfect Hair Spa At Home In 4 Simple Steps | Kama Ayurveda
https://www.kamaayurveda.in/blog/hair-spa-at-home
[22] Ayurvedic Hair Care: Healing Your Hair from the Roots Up
https://shathayu.com/ayurvedic-hair-care-healing-your-hair-from-the-roots-up/

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 [23] Top 10 DIY Ayurvedic Hair Masks At Home Recipes To Try
https://www.kamaayurveda.in/blog/hair-mask
[24] Ayurvedic Hair Care Products - Forest Essentials
https://www.forestessentialsindia.com/hair-care.html
[25] Here's my homemade hair oil recipe. So if you're facing hair loss or ...
https://www.instagram.com/its_shreyajoshi/p/Cx7K_DPvDrZ/
[26] Natural Hair Gel - Ayurveda Hair Active Styling Gel 100ml - YELASAI
https://yelasai.com/en/products/ayurveda-hair-active-styling-gel-100ml
[27] NEUD Premium Ayurvedic hair styling gel is suitable for ... - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rahhul_shahh/reel/DEU478zsKDP/
[28] Ayurvedic Natural Herbs Inside | Bhringraj Hair Oil(200 ml ... - Flipkart
https://www.flipkart.com/vedsaar-hair-styling-set-ayurvedic-natural-herbs-
inside-bhringraj-oil-200-ml-aloe-vera-setting-gel-500gm-helps-calming-nerves-
complete-nourishment-gel/p/itm56263cdb276c6
[29] 10 Ayurvedic Hair Care Tips - Ayurveda centres in Kerala, India
https://www.rajahayurvedakerala.com/10-ayurvedic-hair-care-tips/
[30] HERBAL HAIR WASH PASTE (200g) - Farm 2 Home
https://farmm2home.com/herbal-hair-wash-paste/
[31] Herbal Hair Mask - 100g - Vaseegrah Veda
https://vaseegrahveda.com/product/herbal-hair-mask/
[32] Shikakai Paste with Hibiscus & Amla for Hair Growth - VCare Products
https://www.vcareproducts.com/product/haircare/shampoo-and-
conditioner/shikkakai-paste-for-hair-150gm
[33] Nilini Ayurvedic Hair Color Kit – Natural Black - Shesha Ayurveda
https://sheshaayurveda.com/products/nilini-ayurvedic-hair-color-kit-40g-natural-
black

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