Hair care and ways of retaining its beauty

Hair has always been considered an attractive part of the body. Today we have various modern methods of hair care introduced in the market for maintaining the beauty and condition of the hair, such as various hair care shampoos and conditioners for different varieties of hair. We even have hair spas and saloons coming up. But these methods are just externally taking care of the hair superficially, because after few months, we have to start following up with spas or shampoos once again with a hole in our pockets and with no added benefits.This article elaborates how essential it is to nurture the hair in a saattvik (Sattva-predominant) manner by applying oil regularly, following healthy diet, exercising etc.and protect it from attack of negative energies.

1. Nurturing natural characteristics and beauty of hair

It is necessary to take good hair care to retain their beauty and to avoid attacks of negative energies on them. If the beauty of hair is nurtured using Raja-Tama predominant measures, hair may stand to lose their natural characteristics. Simply said, beautification of hair, coupled with retention of their natural characteristics, means nurturing hair in a saattvik manner. Hindu culture advocates nurturing hair in a saattvik manner. Use of natural ingredients such as shikaakaai (Acacia concinna), riṭha (Soap-nut), lemon, aamlaa (Indian gooseberry) and peels of various fruits in washing hair reduces Raja-Tama components in the hair and makes the hair saattvik. Enhancement in saattviktaa (purity) of hair increases their immunity, and this reduces attacks of negative energies on them.

A. When chetanaa in the form of colour pigments in hair is lost, the colour of hair turns reddish upon applying mehandi (Henna plant) and if chetanaa is not lost, the colour turns distressing : When the chetanaa in the form of colour pigments in hair is lost, the colour of hair externally acquires natural properties of mehandi colour; hence, they appear as if artificially coloured, meaning, appear reddish, lacking in chetanaa. However, when some chetanaa in the form of colour pigments is retained in the hair, the active Raja component in the hair increases with the help of Raja component in mehandi and due to the contact developed during the activity. This in turn results in increase in colour pigments and the hair appear black with passage of time. This is possible only if chetanaa in the form of colour pigments is retained in the hair. Otherwise, hair which are already lifeless, appear reddish due to the contact with the colour and character of mehandi.

2. Application of oil to the hair

A. Benefits of regular application of oil to the hair

i. Increases the strength of the nerves, voluntary muscles and improves functional ability of the organs.

ii. Vision improves, cheeks and eyes are strengthened.

iii. Beneficial in head and nervous disorders.

iv. Improves hair growth, and the hair become long, black, soft and strong.

v. Face looks fresh. It cures wrinkles; outbreak of skin diseases and eruption of pimples is prevented.

vi. Prevents premature graying of hair and hair loss leading to baldness.

vii. Reduces headaches.

viii. Prevents dandruff and itching of the scalp.

ix. Provides peaceful sleep.

B. Benefits of applying oil to the hair immediately after bathing

Applying oil to the hair imparts grossness to the transfer of Apatattva (Absolute Water Principle) waves taking place in the hair roots. Also, the possibility of distress due to negative energies decreases due to the formation of maarak (Destroyer) Principle at the hair roots.

When hair remains wet for a long period, the possibility of distress due to negative energies increases : After bathing, due to contact with water, the hair become extremely sensitive to imbibing vibrations from the outer atmosphere. Hence, if the hair remains wet for a long period, the body swiftly imbibes distressing vibrations from the atmosphere and may fall prey to distress (due to negative energies).
Upon application of oil to the hair, the possibility of distress due to negative energies reduces : Upon application of oil to the hair, the dissipation of Apatattva-predominant waves acquires grossness and reduces the ability of hair to respond quickly to the distressing vibrations in the outer atmosphere; thus, the possibility of distress due to negative energies reduces.
Massaging hair with oil helps in generation of maarak Principle at the root of the hair : When hair is massaged with oil, due to friction with the oil, heat is generated at the hair roots and thus, it helps in generation of maarak Principle at the hair roots. Due to generation of the maarak Principle, it becomes possible to protect the hair from distress due to negative energies. Hence, in the earlier times, women used to apply oil to the hair immediately after bathing.

3. Spiritual experiences upon application of oil to the head

A. Distressing energy getting expelled from hair upon application of oil to the head, maantrik (A subtle-sorcerer) not permitting the application of oil to the hair and when oil was applied to the hair once in a week or fortnight, feeling positive sensation on Brahmarandhra, thereby resulting in steadiness of the mind : Before commencing spiritual practice, I did not like applying oil to the hair. While applying oil to the hair, massaging the roots of the hair with the fingers expels the localized distressing energy. I would not feel like applying oil. The maantrik would insert negative thoughts in my mind about applying oil to my hair. After commencing spiritual practice, I started applying some oil to the hair. Even now, though I have realized the importance of applying oil to my hair every day, I apply it only once a week or fortnight. When oil is applied to the hair, initially while the distressing energy is expelled, the head becomes warm and later, once imbibing of Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) commences, the head becomes calm and cool. I perceive positive sensations in the Brahmarandhra and positive energy being imbibed through the hair. Thus, I get a feeling that the mind has become steady.

B. Head remains cool upon application of oil regularly : In the last 15 years, I have never applied oil to the hair. I read the Marathi Holy text ‘Hair care’. Thereafter, I began to wash the hair and apply oil daily. Before applying oil, I mix Vibhūti (Sacred ash) in it and pray unto the Holy feet of Shrikrushṇa, ‘Let the centres of negative energies present at the root of the hair be destroyed’. In this manner, I have been applying oil regularly for the past 2 months. After application of oil, the head remains cool. My parents were also surprised when they learnt that I had applied oil regularly. His Holiness Dr. Athavale only helped me abide by Dharma (Righteousness). I express my gratitude at His Holy feet. I pray at His Holy feet that may I be able to abide by Dharma as per His expectations.

4. Subtle-experiments conducted after applying different oils to the hair

A. Application of tulsi (Holy basil) oil

i. Before applying tulsi oil, I felt that heat is being expelled through my eyes.

ii. Taking the bottle of oil in the hand

When I held the bottle of tulsi oil in my hands, I began to belch. The vessels of my head became taut and I felt as if they were being pulled out of the body.
When I opened the bottle of oil, I had a vision of Shrivishṇu inside it.

iii. Application of oil to the hair

I experienced coolness when I touched the oil. I experienced coolness when oil was applied to the head and I started to belch. I experienced that the body from within is being pulled and the extent of manifestation of the mantrik.
While applying oil to the hair I perceived that blue colour was spreading at the respective places and saw formation of a blue protective sheath on the head.
The heat perceived earlier reduced and I started experiencing coolness in the head. When the heat was being expelled, I perceived that distressing energy was also getting expelled in the form of black steam. I felt that the cells of the head are gratified, and I felt contented. Later, my chanting commenced. While combing the hair, I perceived blue light spreading down along with the movement of the comb.

B. Applying oil made from hibiscus

To prepare this oil, red colour flower of hibiscus was kept immersed in coconut oil for 5 days. Given ahead are points I perceived after taking out the hibiscus flower from the oil, followed by smelling the oil, pouring the oil on my palm and applying it to my hair.

i. Looking at the oil : When I took out the hibiscus flower from the oil, I saw a white and a red colour ball adjacent to it in the bottle.

ii. Smelling the oil : When I smelt the oil, besides the smell of coconut oil, another good fragrance was perceived. After smelling, I realized that manifestation of the mantrik in me started reducing.

iii. On pouring the oil on my palm : When I poured the oil on my palm to apply it to the hair, I felt good sensations in the palm and nerves of my head became taut. When I placed a finger in the oil, I perceived Shri Ganapati Principle in the form of red colour.

iv. Application of oil to the hair

When I applied the oil to my hair, I saw a shade of red colour on my hair.
When I applied oil to the hair, I perceived reduction in distressing energy covering around me.
I could perceive both, coolness as well as a burning sensation at the root of the hair. As a result, the distressing energy covering around me started reducing. Consequently, I imbibed Chaitanya through the Sahasraar-chakra and felt coolness there.
After applying oil, with the passage of time the eddy of distressing energy that had formed around the head (before applying oil) reduced gradually. I could feel the reduction in pressure from the head to the Vishuddha-chakra and I began to feel free.
I could experience my own existence.
Proportion of pressure on my face reduced and I began to feel free.
I was unable to think before applying oil. After applying oil, I was able to think and felt energetic.
I perceived that the grey and red colour energy was burning the distressing energy in my head.

v. Looking at the bottle of oil : Later, when I looked at the bottle of oil, I could perceive a white light spreading in the environment slowly like smoke.

vi. Observations about hibiscus oil by Mr. Vijay, Goa :

Looking at the oil : I perceived that the oil is like sewage water and I did not feel like holding it in my hand.
Moving oily hands over my body : I moved the hands dipped in some oil all over my body. I felt that dirty black water, like sewage water, is touching my body. Then, suddenly I saw bright white light in its place.
Applying oil to the head
- When I applied oil to my head, I initially felt that I am applying some disgusting article to my hair.
- After a few minutes, I saw bright yellow colour ‘Om’ on my head at the Brahmarandhra. I perceived that through this ‘Om’ the Chaitanya in the environment is being imbibed by me.
- Later, when I looked at my hands, I felt that long black and thick hair is coming out of my nails.
- I saw long black hair wriggling like worms in my head. Then, I perceived that these black worms have made a dwelling place in my cerebral cavity.
- By evening, I felt that the thorniness of my hair had disappeared and the hair had become smooth and silky. (In reality, my hair is soft; but now, I perceived at the mental level, that they have become soft.)
- My head felt light. Later, Mrs. Rajani informed me that the oil was made by immersing a hibiscus flower in it.

vii. Conclusion : Shri Ganapati Principle in the red hibiscus flower descended into the coconut oil. Due to the presence of Shri Ganapati Principle in the oil, both the seekers experienced distress initially. Mr. Vijay even felt that the oil was like sewage water. However, later, both the seekers were subjected to spiritual healing due to the sattvikta of the oil and had good spiritual experiences.

C. Application of Ayurvedic oil

After applying the oil to the hair, the distressing covering around my head reduced, thus decreasing the heaviness : On Margashirsha Krushṇa 7, Kaliyug Varsh 5110 (18.12.2008), when I poured some oil on my palm to apply to the hair, the muscles of my head became taut. When I started applying oil to the hair roots, I started to belch. I felt positive sensations at the hair roots. Before applying oil to my head, it had become heavy due to the distressing covering around it. After applying the oil, the covering reduced and clarity of thought improved. I perceived that the distressing eddy that had formed around my head was destroyed. (Oil prepared as per the science of Ayurveda is more sattvik; it is spiritually more beneficial too. If this oil is applied to the hair, it helps reduce spiritual distress.)

5. Diet for healthy hair

For healthy hair, diet should include pulses and green vegetables (Mainly spring onions). Oils such as sesame-seed oil or coconut oil should be used in cooking. Similarly, fruits such as aamlaa (Indian gooseberry), bhokar (Cordia dichotoma), mango, coconut and charoli (Seeds of Buchanania lanzan) should be consumed. Excess salt is harmful for the hair; hence, it should be avoided.

6. Exercise to keep hair healthy

A. Head massage : Massaging should be carried out with the finger tips or palms by applying pressure to the head. While massaging, Vibhuti should be mixed in oil or other substances used for the purpose. A prayer should be made – ‘Let the centres of distressing energies that have formed at the roots of the hair be destroyed’. This will help in destroying the centres of distressing energies that have formed at the roots of the hair and the skin will get stimulated; thereby improving blood circulation in the area.

B. Exercise and aasans (Postures) : Exercising improves the digestive power, strengthens the immune system and makes the skin radiant. Regular exercising keeps the hair healthy and improves the mental state; this increases concentration. Pranayam should also be practiced. Performing shirshasan (Headstand posture) improves the blood circulation towards the head. With shavasan (Corpse posture), mental stress reduces and ailments of the hair caused by mental stress can be cured.

Reference : Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy text ‘Hair Care’.