Abhyanga and Mardana ( massage ) is one of the oldest kind of treatment known to mankind. Shiroabhyanga or head massage is the best method to apply oil to the scalp and hair.

Ayurvedic oil should be applied after warming. Pour oil into a bowl and place this in hot water to warm it to a comfortable temperature. Make sure the oil is comfortable to touch before application. Take sufficient amount of oil and using the pads of finger apply oil little by little to different parts of the scalp. It is not advisable to use much force. Allow the oil to seep into the scalp. Massaging with circulation motion is recommended. When performing massage, slow and purposeful movements will relax the nervous system and calm the mind, where as steady and brisk movement will enhance circulation and energy. It is sensible to mix both type of movements.

Leave the oil on the scalp to the desired amount of time, this is dictated by the viciated dosha, time of application, severity of disease and the season of application. The oil can even be left over night for better results. It is also desirable to apply oil to the ears, inside of both foot and back of scalp. A towel dipped in hot water can be warped around the head for added conditioning and softening of hair.

Washing the hair with natural gentle shampoo is advocated to remove the oil. Thali powder is a herbal shampoo powder with no chemicals can be used regularly to wash the hair. The process can be repeated according to disease conditions and viciated dosha.

Commonly used ayurvedic hair oils are Trichup oil, Dhathri hair oil, Sesa oil, Nutrich oil and Neelibhringadi coconut oil.

In Ayurveda hair loss is attributed to excessive pitta dosha and hence in general the treatment strategy is aimed towards reducing pitta dosha.

Pitta is increased by excessive indulgence of fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods. Apart from these, tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and smoking can attribute towards increase in pitta.

For this Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba ) oil is the most common choice of medicated oil. Mahabringaraja taila and Nilibhringadi coconut oil is also considered to be a good choice. These are for external application. Apart from these Amalaki (Embelica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is a best remedy for hair fall. They can be taken internally.

Powder of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba ) should also be given orally. The mode of administration is one teaspoon twice a day mixed with honey on empty stomach.

If baldness appears in young age, Hasti danta mashi ( teeth of elephant) is of great purpose. These are to be mixed with honey and applied externally. This is generally done afternoon and is allowed to dry up. It is of note that this might cause irritation and reddish discolouration of skin at beginning but with continued application hair begins to grow.

Narasimha rasayan is specially indicated for the hair loss. It also increases sexual power in both sexes and increases the volume of semen in males. Most common oils used are Trichup oil, Dhathri hair oil, Sesa oil, Nutrich oil and Neelibhringadi coconut oil.

Apart from medicines nourishing diet like butter, ghee, milk and other high-protein diet is strongly recommended. Anxiety, sleepless nights, suppression of natural urges, excessive indulgence in sex is to be avoided so is fried foods.