Vatika Oil for Hair Loss: Uses, Benefits and Side-Effects

In this article, I’m going to show you how you can use Vatika oil (and its ingredients) for hair growth.

There is scientific research showing that the herbs which make up Vatika oil can successfully stimulate hair growth in just a few weeks.

And they can be even more effective than minoxidil.

Firstly I’ll explain what exactly this oil is. Then I’ll share and discuss the findings from the scientific research.

Finally, I’ll show you exactly how you can start using Vatika oil (and close alternatives) to trigger hair growth for yourself.

What is Vatika Oil?

Vatika oil is a combination of carrier oil and various herbs used in the Eastern tradition (Ayurveda). The most common carrier oils are coconut, almond, cactus, and olive.

If you are interested in adding a new oil to your hair care routine, consider the following information on Vatika oil and its many benefits.

The Vatika Carrier Oils

There are various formulas of Vatika to choose from.

Each one has its own unique properties and benefits. To determine which one may work best for you, check out the four most common carrier oils below.

Almond

This oil has a combination of moisturizing and inflammation-fighting abilities. This makes it a fantastic choice for individuals looking to nourish and hydrate their scalp and hair.

If you suffer from cicatricial alopecia (also known as scarring alopecia), this oil may be one of your best options due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cactus

Cactus oil, also referred to as prickly pear seed oil, is high in fatty acids.

Lack of fatty acids has been linked to alopecia. This makes supplementation with oils high in fatty acids beneficial for those suffering from male-pattern baldness or thinning.

Coconut

Perhaps the most commonly used carrier oil for Vatika oil, coconut oil has numerous beneficial properties.

Foremost, coconut oil’s ability to penetrate the hair shaft makes it one of the more moisturizing oils.

This allows the coconut oil to reduce the amount of protein lost in hair, leading to stronger hair strands and less hair loss.

Coconut oil also has DHT blocking compounds such as lauric acid and myristic acid which will help grow hair. Lauric acid is the predominant fatty acid in coconut oil. It makes up to 50% of the oil and has strong DHT blocking capabilities.

Olive

One of the more easily available oils on the market, olive oil is a great addition to any hair care product or treatment.

This vitamin-packed and antioxidant-loaded oil has various moisturizing and strengthening properties.

Further, olive oil is light and won’t clog your pores. This means there’s less chance of oil and DHT buildup on your scalp.

For individuals with male-pattern baldness, this DHT-fighting oil may be what you’re looking for.

Vatika Herbs

The herbs vary from formula to formula. However, there are a few herbs that are found in most Vatika oils worldwide.

Amla

One of the better-known Eastern herbs, amla is revered for its anti-aging abilities and its many therapeutic uses.

This antibacterial herb fights infection and can keep your scalp clean, healthy, and well-balanced.

Bahera, or Bibhitaki

The bark of the Terminalia tree has been used for over 3,000 years in India. It serves as a remedy for numerous maladies, including heart disease and poisoning.

It is now known, however, that when combined with amla and hirda, bahera has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for those suffering from immune-related hair loss.

Brahmi

This is known by many names, including water hyssop and Indian pennywort. Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and anxiety.

This herb is now known to be moisturizing and packed full of antioxidants, making it beneficial for use on the scalp and hair.

Fenugreek

This sweet, nutty-flavored seed has been used in the Eastern tradition for thousands of years. Today, you can find it throughout the world.

Sometimes referred to as methi, fenugreek is known scientifically for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Henna

Henna is popularly known in the Western world as a form of temporary hair dye. What most people don’t know is that the henna tree is beneficial for hair quality and growth.

This flowering herb has also recently been found to contain strong antimicrobial properties, which likely contribute to its various benefits.

Kapur kachri

Botanically known as Hedychium Spicatum, kapur kachri is a common ingredient in Vatika oil. It has numerous health benefits, from the treatment of asthma to its use as an anti-ulcerative.

Kapur kachri is also a potent anti-inflammatory, which might explain its positive effects on the scalp and hair.

The Science Behind Vatika Oil for Hair Growth

While there haven’t been many scientific studies specifically on Vatika oil,  there is research on a number of the herbs infused into this nutritious and hydrating oil.

One study performed in 2009 tested the efficiency of four different herbal extract oils: amla, brahmi, hibiscus, and methi. Two of these (amla and brahmi) are commonly found in Vatika oil. Each of the herbs tested was dried, crushed, and then passed through a sieve.

The oil base was olive. The first part of the study used four rabbits with various small bald patches.

The herbal oils were applied in various strengths (from 1% to 10%, with the first patch kept as control) on the different patches and monitored for growth.

The hair growth was monitored for 10 days, and each herbal oil showed growth at various concentrations. For all herbs, the growth was evident after 6-10 days. Strengths around 7-8% gave the best results.

Herbal Oils Vs Minoxidil

This study also looked at the effect of the four herbs in combination.

In the second part of this study, researchers used rats. 25 rats in total were split into five groups of five.

Group 1 was the control group that received no treatment. Group 2 received 10% Minoxidil.

Groups 3, 4, and 5 received various concentrations of the combined herbs: OD₁ (2.5%), OD₂ (5%), and OD₃ (7.5%).

Here are the results:

OD₃, the group receiving the 7.5% concentration, had the best overall results. It had complete growth in 18 days.

That is one day earlier than 10% Minoxidil group,  and 6 days earlier than the untreated group!

This study shows that these ayurvedic herbs are beneficial in the treatment of hair loss and can produce hair growth results in a matter of days.

What Does This Mean for Hair Loss Sufferers?

The research outlined above suggests that four commonly used herbs (amla, brahmi, hibiscus, and methi) are effective treatments for hair loss sufferers.

Individually, each of the herbs used provided hair growth results in just a matter of days.

The effectiveness of each herb varies, of course, however, each one contains its own chemical constituents which lend themselves to their abilities and make them viable individual options for the treatment of hair thinning and loss.

Further, consider that when combined, just as they would be in Vatika oil, these four herbs proved to be a powerful hair-growth boosting treatment, even beating out Minoxidil in overall hair growth results.

So, if you’re a hair loss sufferer looking for a plant-derived treatment method, you may want to add Vatika oil to your arsenal and consider using it on a regular basis to fight against further hair loss and boost your hair growth efforts.

Are There Side Effects?

As with any supplement, consider speaking with your doctor before use. This is especially important if you suffer from chronic medical conditions like low/high blood pressure or heart problems.

Also, if you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s best to consult with your obstetrician before supplementation.

Another consideration is allergic reactions. These are possible with any herb or supplement, not just Vatika. Before use on your scalp, it’s best to test Vatika oil on a small patch of skin on your arm or leg.

Some of the herbs in Vatika oil have their side effects. Brahmi, for example, may cause nausea, fatigue, or dry mouth if taken orally for a long period.

Amla may cause adverse side effects if you take it orally in large amounts.

How Much Does It Cost?

Vatika oil is very affordable. Most branded bottles will cost around $10 or less.

You can order the oil via numerous online retailers, including Amazon. Indian stores that offer ayurvedic treatments will also sell it.

How to Add Vatika Oil to Your Hair Care Routine

Adding Vatika oil to your hair care routine can provide numerous benefits for your scalp and hair. Luckily, there are two simple ways to add this oil to your routine.

Apply It As a Moisturizer

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time adding a new hair loss treatment to your regular hair care routine, then using Vatika oil as a moisturizer is the quickest way to go about it.

Apply this oil directly to your scalp one or two times per week. It’s best to do this after showering. Your scalp will then be at its cleanest and your hair follicles will be unclogged and ready for moisture absorption.

Start with a quarter-sized dollop of oil in your palm. Massage into your scalp with your fingertips. Be sure to spread thoroughly, covering the entire scalp and hair.

Use It As a Hot Oil Treatment

For some reason, hot oil treatments don’t seem to get the love that they deserve. Having said that, this addition to your hair care routine can improve the health of your scalp and hair follicles.

DIY Vatika Hot Oil Treatment

Things You’ll Need:

• Vatika Oil (1 cup)
• Hot Water
• Towel
• Plastic Shower Cap (or, plastic bag)

Method:

Pour 1 cup of Vatika oil into a heat-safe bottle or container.

Bring water to a boil, either in a pot or tea kettle.

Once the water has boiled, remove it from heat and place the container of oil directly into the water.

Allow the container of oil to sit in the hot water for a few minutes. Pick up the oil bottle and swirl its contents around a few times to provide equal heat distribution.

To see if it’s ready, test the oil on your wrist.

How to Apply:

Contrary to popular belief, you should apply hot oil treatments before shampooing.

Once the oil is hot, apply thoroughly to your scalp and hair from root to tip.

You do not need to saturate your hair. Simply ensure that the oil has made contact with all strands of hair and the entirety of your scalp.

For best results, massage your scalp in a circular motion for 5 minutes. Once done, place the plastic shower cap (or plastic bag) over your scalp.

Next, you’ll take your bath towel and dip or rinse it in hot water. Wring out the excess water, then wrap the towel around your head and secure it.

Thirty minutes is the minimum time to see results. You can also leave this treatment on overnight.

Once you’re ready, rinse the oil from your hair and scalp and shampoo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is some truth that you can use Vatika oil for hair loss.

I recommend the first thing you do is add one of the oils to your own homemade shampoo or use it in a hair mask.

However, let’s be clear; this will not make much difference if you have aggressive hair loss. You will need to find the underlying root cause of the problem to make any real difference.

This way you can simply use Vatika oil to speed up the process, instead of fighting a losing battle.