Hair Care Faq

How and how often should people shampoo and oil their hair?

How often you should shampoo your hair changes from one individual to the other. If the scalp is more oily, it is okay to shampoo daily. Cleansing the scalp is more important than the hair as it is the place where sebum is concentrated. For most people, shampooing the hair twice a week is sufficient.

Which oil is best for specific hair types?

Massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil -- preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs -- is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically. Not only does the massage work wonders for the hair, but it also relaxes the mind and nervous system.

The first step to selecting the best oil is to understand what kind of hair you have, according to your ayurvedic constitution.

If your hair is thin, frizzy and prone to split-ends, you have Vata predominant hair.
If you have fine hair which is prone to premature thinning or greying, you have Pitta-predominant hair.
If your hair is thicky and oily, it is  Kapha predominant.

If you are Vata-predominant: choose almond oil or sesame oil as the base oil. Both of these oils are very nourishing for the scalp and hair, and help reduce stiffness and tightness in the scalp.
If you are Pitta- predominant: coconut oil is the ideal choice. Because coconut is pitta pacifying, coconut oil massages can relieve hair problems such as thinning and premature greying, that are associated with an aggravated Pitta dosha.
If you are Kapha-predominant: sesame or olive oil are good choices.

Regular hair oil massages have the following benefits:
They lubricate and condition the scalp.
They enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is "tight" from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.
They help relax the scalp, and increase pliability.
They help strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth.
They helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable.
They spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair lustre and vibrancy.

They help protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resilience over time.
They replenish and rejuvenate dry, damaged hair, and help prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.
A warm hair massage oil should be done at least once a week. Vata predominant people should try to do this two or three times a week.

What are some good homemade hair packs for dry and oily hair respectively?

Homemade Hair Pack for Dry Hair - Scrape out all the coconut cream at the bottom of a tender green coconut. Put it in a vessel and warm it slightly for 1 minute. Slowly massage it into your hair from root to tip. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and stay put for an hour. Wash with a mild shampoo and air-dry hair naturally.
Homemade Hair Pack for Oily Hair - Mix juice of 1 fresh orange, 1 tbsp. honey and a 5-7 drops of lavender oil. Dilute in a cup of water. Use as an after-shampoo rinse. After 10 minutes, run cold water through the hair. Lavender oil stimulates hair growth, balances oil production and replenishes the hair and scalp.

Homemade Hair Pack for Dry Hair - Scrape out all the coconut cream at the bottom of a tender green coconut. Put it in a vessel and warm it slightly for 1 minute. Slowly massage it into your hair from root to tip. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and stay put for an hour. Wash with a mild shampoo and air-dry hair naturally.
Homemade Hair Pack for Oily Hair - Mix juice of 1 fresh orange, 1 tbsp. honey and a 5-7 drops of lavender oil. Dilute in a cup of water. Use as an after-shampoo rinse. After 10 minutes, run cold water through the hair. Lavender oil stimulates hair growth, balances oil production and replenishes the hair and scalp.

Can rain water cause damage to our hair? What should you do if you get wet in the rain?
Yes, rainwater can be harmful to the hair because it contains a lot of pollutants. If rainwater touches your hair, it damages your hair shaft and weakens your hair in the process. 
If you get wet in the rain wash your hair as soon as possible with a mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner. Do not leave the rainwater in the hair for long time as it is high in chemical contents and can damage the hair.

What are few hair care regimens that are key to maintaining healthy hair during the monsoon?
If you do wet your hair in the rain, make sure that you wash your hair as soon as possible with a mild shampoo and condition after that. Do not leave the rainwater in the hair for long time as it is high in chemical contents and can damage the hair.
Do not use hair spray or gel in the monsoons as these stick to the scalp and cause dandruff. Avoid using a blow dryer. However, if your hair is wet at night, apply lots of leave-in conditioner on the hair and then blow dry on cold air.
Use a humidity-protective gel before styling. These gels help by forming a protective coat over the hair cuticle and prevent moisture from getting in, and also going out.Due to high humidity and wet hair, dandruff is a common problem in monsoon. Make sure that you use an effective anti-dandruff shampoo once a week. However, use your normal regular wash shampoo on other days.
The chlorine content in water during the monsoon is also very high; this can bleach and damage your hair. If possible wear caps or rain coats with a cap/hood to protect the hair from coming in contact with rain water.
The Monsoon is also a great time for lice to breed. In case of any itching on the scalp, use neem oil twice a week. 



Ayurvedic Ingredients And Their Benefit

Q.No: 1 : What are the most popular Ayurvedic Ingredients being used in Kama’s products? What are their benefits?

The most popular Ayurvedic ingredients used in the products and their benefits are as follows:

  1. Sesame Oil
  • The vitamin E found in sesame oil acts as an excellent antioxidant.
  • A natural sunscreen
  • Deeply moisturizing
  • Slows down the skin ageing process
  • Helps in detoxifying and repairing damaged skin cells
  • Its anti-inflammatory property helps prevent bacterial infections
  1. Gooseberry – Amla
  • Super rich in Vitamin C
  • Amla’s cooling property makes it ideal for all skin disorders
  • Its strong antioxidant properties help in protecting skin from infections
  • Slows down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Minimizes breakouts and oiliness  
  • Gives the skin a natural glow
  1. Vetiver
  • Regenerates skin tissues
  • Speeds up the fading of scars, dark spots and other marks
  • Rebuilds the skin surface
  • Minimizes acne
  • Supports and strengthens the skin’s connective tissues, and fights against sagging.
  1. Indian Madder – Rubia Cordifolia
  • Gives the skin a natural glow and lustre.
  • Helps in minimizing pimples, freckles and discoloration
  1. Cow’s Milk
  • Contains lactic acid, which is a gentle and effective exfoliant. This peels away dead layers of skin cells, revealing a fresher and supple layer underneath.
  • Soothes dry and itchy skin
  • The Vitamin A and D present in the millk improves skin strength and tone.
  1. Liquorice
  • Liquorice’s main component – glycyrrhizinate – is an effective anti-inflammatory formulation and moisturizer.
  • Liquourice has the ability to lighten the skin and to prevent further hyper-pigmentation.
  1. Cardamom
  • Hydrates skin
  • Helps in warming the body, resulting in increased blood circulation.
  • Nourishes and soothes skin.
  1. Sida Cordifolia
  • Sida Cordifolia is known as “Bala” in Ayurveda, meaning ‘strength.’
  • Used to increase bone, muscle and joint strength.
  • Acts as a coolant.
  • Can be used by all body types
  • Improves skin texture and gives a natural glow
  1. Ashwagandha
  • Confers immune system protection
  • Combats the effects of stress
  • Used as an adaptogen to help the body cope with daily stress and as a general tonic.
  • Decreases inflammation
  • Prevent the effects of ageing
  • Can treat wounds and backaches.
  1. Jujube – Zizypus Jujuba
  • Loaded with amino acids, jujube helps the body form proteins.
  • Relieves stress and anxiety
  • Helps lower blood pressure
  • Has antioxidant properties which delay the skin ageing process.
  • Has anti-carcinogenic properties
  • Reduces wrinkles, dryness, redness, and swelling provides relief from sunburns.
  1.  Turmeric
  • Loaded with high antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help cure acne.
  • Reduces blemishes
  • Prevents blackheads
  • Reduces inflammation and evens out skin discolouration
  • Cures eczema & psoriasis
  • Prevents dry skin
  • Diminishes wrinkles
  • Brightens skin

Q.No: 2: How technology has helped in improving the efficacy of the existing ingredients? Can you give us any examples?

An important technology that has been developed for improving the efficacy of the existing Ayurvedic ingredients is through Carbon dioxide or Super Critical Extraction. A further advanced version is the Post Super Critical Extract.

The Co2 extraction process consists of pumping pressurized carbon dioxide into a chamber filled with plant matter. When carbon dioxide is subjected to pressure it becomes “supercritical” and has liquid properties while remaining in a gaseous state. Because of the liquid properties of the gas, the Co2 functions as a solvent, pulling the oils and other substances such as pigment and resin from the plant matter. Thus, the difference between CO2, or supercritical, extraction and traditional distillation is that CO2 is used as a solvent instead of heated water or steam. The temperature involved in the supercritical extraction process is around 95 to 100 degrees F as opposed to 140 to 212 degrees F in steam distillation.

The benefits of using CO2 extraction are as follows.

  • Superior in terms of both freshness and the breadth of active constituents left in the herb
  • Full spectrum or more active constituents of the plant are realized with a potency that cannot be surpassed
  • Extracts are pure and clean – free of solvent residues
  • Mild operating temperature ensures product stability and quality
  • The only type of extraction that unlocks the fat soluble components of the plant

PSE (Post Supercritical Extract) refers to the water soluble extract that is performed after (in addition to) the Co2 extract. The Co2 extraction delivers the fat soluble plant “goodies”, while the PSE or water extract, delivers the water soluble components of the plant. 

Using these extraction procedures we get the best out of a particular plant material and using this in the formulation will provide better efficacy leading to faster results.

Q.No:3: Are there any new ingredients, new inventions that are being used these days?

No, there are no new Ayurvedic ingredients. Ayurvedic Ingredients have been healing people for more than 4000 years. The science of efficacy with focus on Ayurvedic ingredients clearly states how modern studies are proving ancient traditions. For example, curcumin is an ingredient which is gaining popularity now, but actually is one of the oldest ingredients that has been used in foods and traditional healing for thousands of years. Another example is Aloevera --  people don’t realize it is an Ayurvedic ingredient.

The "bricks and mortar" architecture of the skin's stratum corneum prevents active ingredients in skincare products from entering the dermis. As a result, existing skincare treatments have very limited efficacy and tolerability. Modern medicine focuses on destroying pathogenic invaders from outside the body; Ayurveda focuses on making the body's defences as strong as possible by promoting inner balance and strengthening the immune system.

Liposome technology is making its entry into the Ayurvedic industry. It provides a superior method of active ingredient delivery. This breakthrough method allows active natural ingredients to penetrate through the outer layers of the skin (epidermis) to reach the inner layers of the skin (dermis). Liposome bilayers can then fuse with other bilayers such as the cell membrane and deliver the liposome contents to the skin.

Q.No:4: Is the Vata, Pitta and Kapha formulation still followed in Ayurvedic formulations?

Ayurveda heals by identifying your unique dosha pattern.

Each dosha - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - combines the five elements of the universe (air, fire, water, earth, space) in a particular manner.

All the cells in the body contain all three doshas.

To remain alive, the body has Vata, or motion, which allows it to breathe, circulate blood, pass food through the digestive tract, and send nerve impulses to and from the brain.
It has Pitta, or metabolism, which processes food, air and water throughout the entire system.
It has  Kapha, or structure, to hold the cells together and form muscle, fat, bone and sinew. Nature needs all three to build the human body, or what is known as the prakriti.

The three doshas can be combined in three possible ways to arrive at three different body and behavioral types: Vata – Pitta, Pitta – Kapha, and Kapha – Vata, because usually there is one predominant dosha.

Therefore the principles of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are followed in preparing various Ayurvedic formulations.

You also have tridoshic oils prepared with herbal extracts that act to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These blends can help balance and alleviate aggravations of all three doshas, when symptoms are complex and variable. Tridoshic oil promotes the elimination of toxins, and creates a feeling of relaxation. Through massage, these oils can soothes the skin and muscles, nourishes the nervous system.

Q.No: 5: Which ayurvedic ingredients are most common and preferable in the monsoon, and why?

The months of July and August represent the varsha ritu or the rainy season. According to Ayurveda, this is the time for pitta aggravation. All the heat that accumulates in the body in the greesham ritu (summer season) is aggravated in the rainy season. There are a number of skin diseases prevalent in the rainy season.

MV NOTE: This seems to be about a different topic: how ayurveda works, instead of ‘monsoon’.

The skin has six layers which extend to the deeper levels of the body. A skin disease can be rooted deeply in the skin’s fat, muscles, and blood. Ayurveda cures the disease by treating its cause, not just its symptoms. Since most diseases are deep rooted, it is often difficult to fix problems quickly. Ayurvedic skin treatments may take a few weeks to remove the symptoms, but the diseases are treated permanently. Skin diseases are caused due to imbalances in all the three doshas -- the prime dosha involved is pitta. Pitta symbolizes heat or fire. Therefore, all those foods or activities that increase the fire element in the body should be eliminated. 

Ingredients which could be used during the monsoon are below:

  • Manjista - promotes healthy, vibrant skin. In Ayurveda, removing natural toxins and excess pitta from the blood is an important factor in supporting health skin. Manjista is the foremost blood cleanser in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.
  • Neem - bitter and very cooling. Neem is known for its effectiveness in dealing with nearly all types of pitta imbalances. Supports healthy skin and a healthy digestive environment.
  • Shatavari - potent rejuvenator that increases energy, bolsters the immune system and supports proper digestion. Shatavari also has a special affinity for the female reproductive system and is used by women of all ages to foster reproductive health and a balanced cycle.
  • Brahmi - Traditionally used to promote memory intelligence and longevity, Brahmi is the foremost rejuvenative for the brain and nervous system. When brahmi oil is applied to the head and feet, it cools the system and promotes sound sleep.
  • Amalaki - Nourishing and cleansing, this potent antioxidant assists natural internal cleansing and gently maintains regularity. Commonly taken as a substitute for Triphala by those with excess heat (pitta) in the digestive tract.

Bhringaraj - Highly reputed for its ability to promote healthy hair growth and as a rejuvenative for the mind. It helps calm Pitta emotions like irritability, impatience and judgment. 

Organic products explained

1. How would you define an organic beauty product? What are the parameters by which a user can identify an organic product?

If a cosmetic, body care or personal care product contains or is made up of agricultural ingredients and can meet the National Organic Program (NOP) organic production, handling, processing and labelling standards, it may be eligible to be certified as an organic beauty product under the NOP regulations.

An user can identify an organic product once they are certified. Each can fit in to one the following categories after certification:  

(a)    100% ORGANIC – If the following conditions are fulfilled

  • All ingredients must be certified organic
  • Any processing aids must be organic
  • Product Label must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel
  • Organic Logo can be displayed

(b)   ORGANIC – If the following conditions are fulfilled

  • Product must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt)
  • Remaining product ingredients must consist of non-agricultural substances approved on the list provided that are not commercially available on an agricultural farm.
  • Product Label must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel
  • Organic Logo can be displayed

(c)    MADE WITH ORGANIC INGREDIENTS - If the following conditions are fulfilled

  • At least 70 percent of the products must be certified organic ingredients (excluding salt and water)
  • Remaining agricultural products are not required to be organically produced but must be produced without excluded methods (e.g.: genetic engineering, ionizing radiation or sewage sludge)
  • Non Agricultural products must be specifically allowed on the approved list
  • Product Label must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel
  • Organic Logo cannot be displayed

(d)   LESS THAN 70% ORGANIC INGREDIENTS – If the following conditions are fulfilled

  • Products Cannot use the term “Organic” anywhere in the principal display label
  • Organic Certified ingredients may be specified
  • Organic Logo cannot be displayed
  • Name of the certifying agent should not be displayed on the information panel

Depending on the log and classification, the user can identify an organic product and differenitate between types of organic labels.

2. What are the global certifications that signify that products are 100 percent organic? 

Some of certifications globally that signify that the products are 100% organic are as follows

  • European Regulation (EC)
  • America Regulation (NOP – USDA)
  • Japanese Regulation (JAS)
  • Ecocert
  • India – National Program for Organic Production (NPOP)
  • Australian Certified Organic
  • Soil Association organic Standard
  • NaTrue
  • BDIH – Certified Natural Cosmetics
  • COSMOS ORGANIC – Cosmetic Bio

3. Are organic products really more beneficial than regular nature-based products? If yes, how?

Organic based products go through a strict process to ensure safety, quality, and non-harmful process which means a little more money upfront, but less medical expenses and less harm to the body. ‘Nature Based’ is a slogan that has more to do with branding and marketing. This doesn’t mean that all natural- based products are bad, it just means that harmful pesticides or additives could be included in the natural product.

Ordinary commercial cosmetic products -- which include even those that are manufactured by well-reputed brands -- often contain toxic and chemically-potent substances capable of causing long term, adverse impacts on human skin. Some people, in fact, exhibit immediate health problems upon use of such products. However, more and more people around the world are becoming aware of the dangers of using chemical cosmetics. This has led to a steady rise in the demand for certified organic skin care and cosmetics.

Natural Cosmetics are those that are not made using any chemical ingredients and processes. This definition may look simple, but in the world of cosmetics it is far from clear. Natural and organic cosmetics are mostly used synonymously. Natural Cosmetics replace the carcinogenic products derived from the petroleum base. Ingredients in natural resources are obtained from plants and natural sources.

4. Is ‘going 100 percent natural,’ the same as ‘going organic?’ Do organic products have less preservatives than say, nature-based products?

No, going 100% natural is different from going organic.

A 100% natural substance is derived from a plant, mineral or animal source, without having undergone a synthetic process. Physical and biological processes can still render a substance as 100% natural. 100% Natural substances can result from physical and biological processes, even when the resulting substance cannot be found in nature independent of these processes.

Organic cosmetics include only natural vegetable origin raw materials, which were grown without chemical interference such as fertilization or pest control. The active ingredients are produced using natural and environmental-friendly procedures. The packages are also non-contaminating and recyclable.

Preservatives are ingredients you add to your skin care formulas to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. For organic and natural products if you want to add natural preservatives, preservatives have to be added at a much higher rate to be effective. The basic rule is the more natural preservatives we use the higher the quantity has to be used and if using a synthetic preservative a small quantity is sufficient.

5. What to look for in the labels to know that the product is truly organic?

You have to look for the following in the labels to know that the products are truly organic.

  • Only products with organic content that is greater than or equal to 95% may be labelled as: "Organic" or bear the "organic" logo. These products must be certified and the name of the Certification Body must appear on the label.
  • Multi-ingredient products with 70-95% organic content may have the declaration: "contains x% organic ingredients". These products may not use the organic logo and/or the claim "Organic". These products must be certified and the name of the Certification Body must appear on the label.
  • Multi-ingredient products with less than 70% "organic" content may only contain organic claims in the product's ingredient list. These products do not require certification and may not use the "organic" logo. However, the organic ingredients contained within these products must be certified.

Products that make an "organic" claim must be certified by a Certification Body

6. Organic products are more expensive than regular beauty products, making them unaffordable for many. How are beauty brands dealing with this issue?

Many beauty brands are creating awareness around the benefits of using organic products through various means. This has resulted a sale increase of organic products in spite of an economic recession, and the high cost of the product. People are prioritizing their health, and willing to pay more to go organic.

7.How does going organic or opting for organic beauty products help the community?

As consumers, its becoming easier to make good decisions in our everyday shopping, as more and more beauty and skincare brands are including fair-trade certified ingredients in their products. Fairtrade certification ensures that the producers receive a fair price along with a fair-trade premium that can go towards projects that help local communities. We can even make a difference with our choice of lipstick, as fair-trade cosmetics are becoming more readily available.

Fair-trade also encourages farmers and producers to work using sustainable methods. Organic and Fair-trade values go hand in hand. In a new but growing market, there are some amazing beauty products that do contain both organic and Fair-trade certificates.