Hair is more than what grows from your scalp. In Indian tradition, it has always been a reflection of inner vitality — nourished by the earth, tended with ritual, and celebrated as a mark of health. At Parijat Blooms, we believe that beautiful hair begins not in a bottle, but in understanding what your hair truly needs. This is your complete guide to hair care — rooted in nature, backed by science. 1. Know Your Hair First Before you reach for any product, the most important step is understanding what kind of hair you have. Hair type determines everything — how often you wash, what oils work, how you handle frizz. Hair types at a glance: Straight (Type 1) — tends to get oily quickly, reflects light beautifully, prone to limpness with heavy products Wavy (Type 2) — sits between straight and curly, frizz-prone in humidity, benefits from lightweight moisture Curly (Type 3) — needs deep moisture constantly, shrinks when dry, loves rich oils and creamy conditioners Coily / Kinky (Type 4) — the most fragile type despite appearing strong, loses moisture fastest, thrives on heavy butters and protective styles Equally important — your scalp type: Your scalp and your hair lengths can have different needs. You may have an oily scalp with dry ends, or a dry, flaky scalp with healthy mid-lengths. Always treat them separately. Oily scalp: wash more frequently, use lightweight scalp serums, avoid heavy oil application at the roots Dry scalp: oil massages 2–3 times a week, gentle sulphate-free shampoos, stay hydrated Sensitive scalp: fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products, avoid heat tools directly at the root 2. The Parijat Blooms Cleansing Ritual Washing your hair sounds simple. Done wrong, it is one of the biggest causes of damage. How often should you wash? There is no universal answer — despite what beauty magazines say. If your scalp is oily, washing every 2–3 days is perfectly healthy. If your hair is dry or curly, once a week or even once in 10 days is ideal. Over-washing strips the scalp of its natural sebum, triggering it to produce even more oil — a cycle that never ends well. Water temperature matters more than you think Always wash with lukewarm water, never hot. Hot water lifts the hair cuticle aggressively, causing frizz, colour fade, and dryness. Finish your rinse with a cool water splash — it seals the cuticle flat, making hair shinier and less tangled. The right way to shampoo Apply shampoo only to the scalp, not the lengths. The product will travel down the strands as you rinse — that is enough to cleanse the mid-lengths without drying them out. Massage with your fingertips in gentle circular motions, not your nails. This stimulates blood flow to the follicle, encouraging growth. Conditioner — not optional Conditioner is not a luxury step. It is what closes the cuticle after cleansing, restores slip to prevent breakage during detangling, and replaces the moisture lost in washing. Apply from mid-length to ends, never at the scalp. Leave it on for at least 3–5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. 3. The Power of Oil — India's Greatest Hair Secret No conversation about Indian hair care is complete without oil. For centuries, grandmothers across the subcontinent have sworn by the ritual of oiling — and modern trichology is finally catching up to explain why it works. What oil actually does: Oil does not penetrate deeply into every hair strand, but what it does is equally valuable — it coats the cuticle, reduces protein loss during washing, prevents hygral fatigue (damage caused by hair repeatedly swelling and shrinking with water), and conditions the scalp. Choosing the right oil for your hair: Coconut oil — the gold standard for most Indian hair types. Rich in lauric acid, it penetrates the hair shaft more than any other oil, reducing protein loss significantly. Best for straight to wavy hair. Apply 1–2 hours before washing. Castor oil — thick, dense, and deeply conditioning. Promotes scalp circulation and is particularly effective for thinning edges and sparse areas. Mix with a lighter carrier oil like sesame or almond before applying. Brahmi oil — cooling, calming, and deeply rooted in Ayurveda. Excellent for a stressed or sensitive scalp. Helps with dandruff and itching. Bhringraj oil — often called the king of hair herbs. Traditionally used to reduce hair fall, premature greying, and to promote new growth. One of our most beloved ingredients at Parijat Blooms. Amla oil — rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, amla (Indian gooseberry) has been used for centuries to strengthen hair at the root, prevent breakage, and add lustre. How to oil correctly: Warm the oil slightly (not hot — it should be comfortably warm on your wrist). Section your hair and apply directly to the scalp using a dropper or your fingertips. Massage gently in circular motions for 5–10 minutes. This is not just about the oil — the massage itself stimulates follicles. Distribute any remaining oil down the lengths. Cover with a warm towel or shower cap and leave for a minimum of 30 minutes. For best results, leave overnight and wash out in the morning. 4. Deep Conditioning & Hair Masks Weekly oiling is maintenance. A deep conditioning mask is restoration — used when hair is particularly dry, damaged, chemically treated, or recovering from heat styling. When to use a hair mask: After any chemical treatment (colour, keratin, relaxer) During winter when indoor heating strips moisture from hair After excessive sun exposure When you notice increased breakage or brittleness Once every 1–2 weeks as preventive care The Parijat Blooms Honey & Curd Hair Mask For dry, frizzy, or dull hair Mix together: 3 tablespoons of plain full-fat curd, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Apply to damp hair from roots to tips. Cover with a shower cap and leave for 45 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with a light conditioner. Curd's lactic acid gently exfoliates the scalp while proteins strengthen the shaft. Honey is a natural humectant — it draws moisture from the air into the hair. The Parijat Blooms Egg & Shikakai Protein Mask For limp, weak, or breakage-prone hair Whisk 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder, 1 tablespoon of amla powder, and enough water to form a smooth paste. Apply to dry hair, covering fully. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water (never hot — you will scramble the egg). Egg is one of the most bioavailable protein sources for hair, directly filling gaps in the cuticle. Shikakai is a gentle, sulphate-free natural cleanser that has been used in India for over a thousand years. 5. Diet & Hair Health — What You Eat Shows in Your Hair Hair is made of keratin — a protein. Every strand that grows from your scalp is built from what you eat. No topical product, however luxurious, can compensate for nutritional deficiency. Nutrients your hair cannot live without: Protein is the building block of every hair strand. Inadequate protein intake is one of the most common causes of excessive hair shedding. Include eggs, lentils, paneer, chickpeas, and nuts daily. Iron deficiency is the leading nutritional cause of hair loss in women in India. Dark leafy greens, dates, jaggery, and lean meats are excellent sources. Pair with Vitamin C (amla, lemon, guava) to dramatically improve iron absorption. Zinc regulates oil glands around follicles and plays a key role in hair tissue growth and repair. Found in pumpkin seeds, sesame, chickpeas, and whole grains. Biotin (Vitamin B7) is often marketed aggressively for hair — it does support hair structure, but deficiency is actually quite rare unless you are on certain medications. Sweet potatoes, almonds, and eggs are good natural sources. Omega-3 fatty acids keep the scalp healthy and hydrated. Flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish are excellent choices. Hydration is consistently underestimated. Hair that is brittle and dull often improves significantly when you simply drink more water. Aim for 8–10 glasses daily. 6. Handling Hair Fall — What Is Normal and What Is Not Some hair fall every day is completely normal. On average, humans shed 50–100 strands daily. If you are seeing significantly more than this — particularly when combined with visible thinning at the parting or temples — it is worth investigating the cause. Common causes of hair fall: Telogen effluvium — a temporary shedding that occurs 2–3 months after a significant stressor (illness, surgery, childbirth, severe emotional stress). Hair typically recovers on its own within 6 months. Nutritional deficiency — especially iron, protein, or Vitamin D (a deficiency increasingly common among Indians who stay indoors) Hormonal changes — PCOS, thyroid imbalance, postpartum changes, and menopause all directly impact hair growth cycles Tight hairstyles — constant tension from tight braids, ponytails, or buns causes traction alopecia, which can become permanent over time Product buildup — excess products left on the scalp can clog follicles and gradually slow growth Over-manipulation — brushing wet hair aggressively, rough towel drying, and excessive heat styling all cause mechanical breakage What helps: A scalp massage with warm oil 2–3 times a week is one of the most evidence-backed interventions for improving circulation and reducing shedding. Beyond that, address the root cause — if you suspect hormonal or nutritional reasons, a blood panel is more useful than any product. 7. Heat Styling & Damage — The Honest Truth Heat tools — straighteners, curlers, blow dryers — are not the enemy if used correctly and sparingly. The damage comes from high temperatures applied without protection to already dry or compromised hair. The rules of heat styling: Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to damp or dry hair before any heat tool touches it. This is non-negotiable. A heat protectant forms a barrier that temporarily raises the temperature your hair can withstand. Keep temperatures appropriate for your hair type. Fine or colour-treated hair should stay below 150°C. Thick or coarse hair can handle up to 200°C but rarely needs more. Never apply maximum heat thinking it works faster — higher heat causes more damage without meaningfully improving results. Let hair cool completely before touching or tying it. Styling hair while it is still hot from the tool is a guaranteed way to induce kinks and damage. Give your hair at least 2–3 heat-free days between styling sessions. Embrace your natural texture — braids, buns, and air-dried styles are not compromise, they are care. 8. Seasonal Hair Care — Adapting Through the Year India's climate is dramatic — brutal summers, humid monsoons, and dry winters each call for a different approach. Summer: The combination of sun exposure, sweat, and heat is tough on the scalp. Wash more frequently. Use a light, clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup from sweat and product. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil or UV-protective serum before stepping out. Braid or tie hair loosely to reduce exposure. Monsoon: Humidity is the enemy of smoothness. Hair swells with moisture from the air and the cuticle lifts, causing frizz. Anti-humectant serums and leave-in conditioners seal the cuticle and keep frizz controlled. Dry hair thoroughly after getting wet — staying with damp hair for hours encourages scalp fungal issues and dandruff. Winter: Central heating and cold, dry air both strip moisture aggressively. This is the season to increase oiling frequency, switch to a creamier, sulphate-free shampoo, and do a deep conditioning mask every week. Protect hair from cold winds with a silk-lined cap when outdoors. 9. Hair Myths — Debunked "Cutting hair makes it grow faster." No. Hair growth happens at the follicle, entirely beneath the scalp. Trimming the ends has zero impact on root activity. What trimming does is remove split ends before they travel up the strand and cause breakage — so your hair retains length better. Get a trim every 8–12 weeks. "Oiling every day is good for your hair." Daily oiling, especially at the roots, can clog follicles and attract dust and pollutants. 2–3 times a week, applied correctly, is sufficient — and far more effective. "You need to change your shampoo regularly because your hair gets used to it." Hair has no memory. It cannot develop tolerance to a product. If your shampoo stops working, it is usually because of product buildup — a clarifying wash will solve it immediately. "100 brush strokes a day makes hair shine." This is Victorian folklore that causes far more breakage than it prevents. Brush only as much as necessary, use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair, and start from the ends — never the roots. "Natural ingredients are always safe." Not necessarily. Essential oils in high concentrations can irritate the scalp. Lemon juice in direct sunlight causes photosensitivity damage. Even coconut oil can cause buildup on fine hair when overused. Natural means botanical origin — not automatically gentle or universally suitable.