Best Ayurvedic Powders for Coloring and Hair Care, with Instructions for Use

Most Ayurvedic hair powder users usually only know about a few hair powders, or in other words, they don't know that there are dozens of Indian powders used to dye hair and treat stubborn problems.

Ayurveda, an ancient life science originating from India, offers a holistic approach to understanding the nature of our hair and how to care for it appropriately. According to Ayurveda, our hair is influenced by three doshas, ​​or biological forces: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these doshas has its unique characteristics that affect hair texture, growth and health.

• Vata: People with a Vata constitution tend to have dry, thin hair.
• Pitta: Pitta people may experience issues related to heat and scalp sensitivity.
• Kapha: People with a Kapha constitution often have thick hair, but they can be prone to excess oil.

According to Ayurveda, Understanding your dominant dosha is the first step in determining which Ayurvedic hair care products are best for you, which helps in determining the right Ayurvedic hair care products.

Let's move on to the next section to find out what Ayurvedic powders are and how they work.

Ayurvedic Powders: What They Are and How They Work

Ayurvedic powders are a mixture of dried plants and herbs that have been used for centuries by people in East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, particularly India, due to their beneficial properties for the hair and scalp, which has also been scientifically proven in the modern era thanks to several researches on their active ingredients. The uniqueness of Ayurvedic powders lies in their purity, being 100% natural and free from harmful chemicals. They can not only clean and treat hair, but also color and dye it, depending on the powder used, a feature not usually found in classic shampoos. Indian herb powders nourish,

Each plant powder has specific properties, although all of these properties can be combined in a single plant:

Deep, gentle cleansing

Deeply and gently cleansing hair is one of the most important features of Indian herbal powders. They have the unique ability to deeply purify the scalp without causing damage to the hair or scalp. These powders are effective in removing dirt buildup, hair product residue, sebum and grease. Among the most commonly used vegetable powders for this purpose are shikakai powder, reetha powder, amla powder, sidr powder, and Kapoor Kachli (or Kashli) powder, as well as other Indian herbs. Thanks to these natural powders, it is possible to make an organic plant-based shampoo that cleans and treats the hair while preserving the natural balance of the scalp.

Hair growth

It is well established through practical experience that most, if not all, Indian herbal powders stimulate hair follicles, thereby promoting increased hair density and length.

Fight Against Dandruff

Many Ayurvedic powders, such as neem powder, are rich in anti-dandruff ingredients. They help eliminate dandruff and treat its underlying cause. By combining several of these Indian herbal powders, one can speed up results and improve the chances of success. This treatment also helps resolve scalp problems by soothing irritation and eliminating dandruff.

Strengthening and revitalization

Indian plant powders have the advantage of soothing and revitalizing the scalp. They strengthen the hair, make it more resistant to environmental and nutritional conditions, and help preserve its vitality in the event of loss.

Natural Hair Coloring

Many Ayurvedic powders, such as henna, indigo, sidr, safflower, katam, Yemeni red henna, beetroot, hibiscus, are used as natural and safe hair dyes. For example, henna produces a red or copper color, while indigo powder produces a dark blue or midnight blue color.

In summary, using herbal powders offers an ideal solution to enjoy the benefits of nature and achieve healthy hair. Now let's move on to the next section to learn about the most popular Ayurvedic powders.

Most popular Indian Ayurvedic Powders and its properties

Several Ayurvedic powders are widely recognized for their exceptional hair benefits, whether for natural coloring, treatment of hair problems or even for preventative hair care.

This is a list of the most popular Indian hair powders:

• Amla Powder: Amla is an Indian Ayurvedic powder rich in vitamin C and promotes hair growth. It nourishes hair follicles, strengthens hair from root to tip, and helps resolve hair problems.

• Sidr Powder: Used to wash hair and soothe the scalp, this Indian powder is renowned for its beneficial properties for hair health.

• Shikakai Powder: Shikakai, an Ayurvedic powder, is famous for its gentle cleansing power. It is ideal for removing impurities from the scalp while maintaining hair softness. This natural Indian powder is essential for healthy hair. It is a washing powder par excellence.

• Brahmi Powder: Brahmi, an Indian Ayurvedic powder, is renowned for its soothing and revitalizing qualities. It helps reduce hair fragility, promotes growth, and treats scalp problems. 

• Indigo Powder: Used for natural hair coloring, this Indian powder gives blue-black tones. It offers a healthy alternative to chemical dyeing. 

• Ashwagandha Powder: This Indian Ayurvedic powder strengthens hair roots, promotes growth, and helps resolve hair problems.

• Kapoor Kachli Powder: Kapoor Kachli powder is a very popular plant-based powder in India. It stimulates growth, strengthens hair, improves texture and controls sebum.

• Kachur Sugandi Powder:  Kachur Sugandi powder helps treat several scalp problems. It  strengthens , beautifies, stimulates growth, without darkening light hair, brings volume and shine to fine hair.

• Hibiscus Powder: Hibiscus powder, of Indian origin, gives shine to hair, prevents split ends, and treats hair problems thanks to its beneficial antioxidants.

• Neem Powder: Neem, an Indian Ayurvedic powder, is an excellent remedy for dandruff and scalp problems. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective treatment.

• Orange Powder: Orange powder, used in India, brings vitality to hair, makes it softer, and offers benefits to resolve hair problems. 

• Beetroot Powder : This Indian powder adds natural color and shine to hair, while providing nutritious hair care.

• Nettle Powder: Promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss, nettle powder is a natural solution for hair problems.

• Clove Powder: Used in India, this powder stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, thereby promoting hair health and helping to resolve hair problems. 

• Henna from Yemen: Although it is "Yemenite" it is also used in India for natural hair coloring and hair care, this henna offers a traditional and natural solution. 

• Bhringraj Powder (MAKA): This Indian Ayurvedic powder is known to combat baldness and promotes hair growth, fights against premature gray hair, and resolves hair problems, very effective in delaying the appearance of white hair

• Chamomile Powder: Naturally lightens hair and soothes the scalp, while providing benefits to resolve hair problems.

• Senna Powder (Cassia Obovata): Used in India to condition hair and add shine, this powder provides benefits for hair.

• Moringa Powder: Rich in nutrients, this Indian powder nourishes the hair and scalp, while helping to resolve hair problems.

• Ginger Powder: This Indian powder stimulates hair growth, provides vitality, and helps resolve hair problems. 

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Powder: Helps maintain a healthy scalp and prevent dandruff, while providing traditional Indian hair care.

• Shatavari Powder: Promotes hydration of the scalp in India and helps prevent itching, thereby solving hair problems. 

• Sariva Powder (Hemidesmus Indicus): Used in India to soothe the scalp and reduce itching, this powder offers benefits in resolving hair problems. 

• Ginseng Powder: This Indian powder stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation, thus providing complete hair care. 

• Turmeric Powder: In India, this powder has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties for a healthy scalp, while providing benefits to resolve hair problems. 

• Rose Powder: This Indian powder brings a pleasant and gentle fragrance to the hair, while offering hair care benefits. 

• Cinnamon Powder: In India, this powder adds shine and softness to hair, while providing hair care benefits. 

• Mimosa Pudica Powder: In India, this powder promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss, providing essential hair care. 

• Myrrh Powder: Useful in India to soothe scalp irritations, this powder offers benefits for hair care. 

• Orange Powder: Eliminates excess oil, brings freshness to hair, and provides vitality and softness, while helping to resolve hair problems. 

• Anantmool Powder: This powder helps soothe scalp irritations while helping to resolve hair problems. 

• Amaranth Powder: This powder strengthens hair roots, promotes growth, and offers answers to hair problems.

• Ajwain Powder: Promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, this powder offers solutions for hair problems. 

• Lemongrass Powder: This powder helps in removing excess oil from the scalp, thus providing solutions for hair problems. 

• Bamboo Powder: By strengthening the hair, this natural powder makes it more resistant, thus helping to resolve hair problems. 

• Maca Powder: Improving hair texture is one of the benefits of this powder, which can also be helpful in solving hair problems. 

• Vetiver Powder: Besides its pleasant scent, this powder can offer solutions for hair problems. 

• Kalanchoe Powder: Used to soothe scalp irritations, this Indian powder can also help resolve hair problems. 

• Red Chili Powder: Stimulating blood circulation, this powder offers solutions for hair problems. 

• Orchid Powder: Used to soothe the scalp and prevent itching, this Indian powder can also help resolve hair problems. 

• Peony Powder: Promoting hair growth and strengthening the roots, this natural powder offers solutions for hair problems.

• Guduchi Powder: Helping to maintain scalp health, this Indian powder offers solutions for hair problems. 

• Sariva Powder (Hemidesmus Indicus): Used to soothe the scalp and reduce itching, this powder can also help resolve hair problems. 

Each of these powders offers a specific solution to meet your hair needs, whether for coloring, treatment, care or prevention.

We note that we have only mentioned certain properties of each herbal powder, but their benefits and properties go far beyond what we have mentioned, and they all share cosmetic and therapeutic properties.

Now let's move on to the next section to find out how to use Ayurvedic powders correctly for optimal results.

Classification of Hair Powders According to Use Needs

This is a general, although  not definitive , classification based on the main ways of using Ayurvedic powders: for washing, coloring and treating hair.

It is important to note that mixing 2 or 3 different powders can  completely  change the expected effect and final result depending on the purpose of use. In the context of Ayurvedic powders,  personal experience  and  testimonials  play an  essential role .

Washing hair powders

• Sidr powder
• Reetha Powder
• Poudre de Shikakai
• Clove Powder
• Chamomile Powder
• Senna Powder (Cassia Obovata)
• Bamboo Powder
• Lemongrass Powder
• Red Chili Powder
• Orchid Powder
• Guduchi powder
• Amla powder
• Poudre de Kapoor Kachli
• Sariva Poudre (Hemidesmus Indicus)

Indian hair coloring powders

• Indigo Powder
• Henna from Yemen
• Henna of Gabès
• Henna of Egypt
• Rajasthani Henna (Henna of Rajasthan)
• Hibiscus Powder
• Beet Powder
• Katam powder
• Safflower Powder

Powders for hair care masks and treatments

• Amla powder
• Marshmallow Powder
• Indigo Powder
• Poudre de Kapoor Kachli
• Poudre de Shikakai
• Reetha Powder
• Poudre de Kachur sugandhi
• Henna from Yemen
• Brahmi powder
• Ashwagandha Powder
• Hibiscus Powder
• Neem powder
• Red Chili Powder
• Orange Powder
• Katam powder
• Beet Powder
• Nettle Powder
• Poudre de Bhringraj (MAKA)
• Maca powder (different from Maka)
• Moringa Powder
• Ginger Powder
• Tulsi Powder (Holy Basil)
• Poudre Shatavari
• Ginseng Powder
• Turmeric Powder
• Rose Powder
• Cinnamon Powder
• Mimosa Pudica Powder
• Myrrh Powder
• Anantmool powder
• Amaranth Powder
• Ajwain powder
• Sidr powder
• Vetiver Powder
• Kalanchoe powder
• Peony Powder

How to Use Ayurvedic Powders for Optimal Results?

Correct use of Ayurvedic powders is essential to achieve optimal results in your hair care. The frequency of use will depend on your hair type and specific needs. Some people use Ayurvedic powders as a natural shampoo once a week, while others use them for more intensive hair treatments once a month. Here is a common approach on how to use them effectively:

1- Preparation of the Mixture

Start by preparing a powder mixture  based on your specific needs . For example, if you have oily hair, you can mix shikakai with warm water to make a gentle cleanser. To strengthen your hair, the mixture of amla and brahmi is ideal.

2- Application

Once your mixture is ready, apply it generously to your hair and scalp. Massage gently to ensure even distribution.

3- Waiting Time

Leave the mixture to act for a few minutes,  depending on your needs . Generally, 15 to 30 minutes is recommended, but this can vary depending on the type of powder and your hair goals ( Some powders require more time to be effective, and this time can be as long as 6 hours ).

4- Abundant Rinse

After the waiting time, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure you remove all traces of the powder.

Important notes 

• Directions for use can vary greatly depending on your needs, the purpose of using the powder itself or the powder mixture. This may still depend on the duration of application, the nature of the powder or the mixture of powders.

• You need to be aware of the different directions for use for each Ayurvedic herb, because the same herb can have multiple directions for use , and the directions for use depend on your needs!

Are there other types of hair powders that work?

Certainly, clay has its place in skin and hair care, its types and properties are numerous. We find brown clay, or lye, as some call it, Moroccan clay. There are also white clay, yellow clay, red clay and green clay. All these varieties of clay are natural materials very rich in minerals beneficial for hair and skin.

Conclusion

Regular use of Ayurvedic powders suitable for your hair type can help improve its health and appearance. If you have additional questions about using Ayurvedic powders or a specific type of powder, please feel free to ask on our Alwosta website.

Sources

1. Operational definition of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine derived from a systematic search: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9006507/
2. Ayurveda: (W)here is the evidence: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8185965/
3. Les poudres indiennes, qu’est ce que c’est ?: https://www.almaye.com/cheveux-1-poudres-indiennes-cheveux-forts-longs-volumineux/