Ayurveda classifies hair loss under conditions called Khalitya (gradual hair thinning) and Indralupta (patchy hair loss), viewing them as symptoms of deeper metabolic and energetic imbalances rather than isolated scalp problems.

According to Ayurvedic wisdom, your hair health directly reflects the health of your Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue), which is nourished by your digestive strength, nutritional absorption, and hormonal balance. When any of these systems falter, hair becomes starved of the nutrients it needs to grow strong.

The key to reversing hair loss lies in understanding your Prakriti (constitutional dosha) – the unique combination of energies that define your body and health. Each dosha type experiences hair loss differently, and treating all hair loss identically is why most treatments fail.

Pitta-Aggravated Hair Loss: The Most Common Type

What it feels like: Hair falls out rapidly. You may notice heat on your scalp, redness, itching, dandruff, or premature greying. Pitta imbalance often accompanies stress, poor digestion, and excessive heat in the body.

Why it happens: Pitta governs heat and metabolism. When aggravated, it inflames hair follicles, disrupts the hair growth cycle, and redirects nutrients away from the scalp. Elevated cortisol from chronic stress intensifies this problem.

Root causes: Stress, irregular sleep, spicy/oily diet, excessive heat exposure, hormonal changes, digestive weakness.

Signs you have Pitta imbalance: Body heat, acne or skin rashes, irritability, strong appetite, tendency toward inflammation, premature greying, yellowish tone to skin.

Vata-Aggravated Hair Loss: Dry, Brittle, Lifeless Hair

What it feels like: Hair becomes dry, brittle, and frizzy. It lacks shine and breaks easily. You may also experience general dryness, anxiety, or constipation.

Why it happens: Vata governs movement and dryness. When elevated, it dries out the scalp and weakens hair roots, causing premature shedding. The hair loses its natural oils and moisture.

Root causes: Excessive stress and anxiety, poor sleep, cold climate, irregular eating habits, overthinking, malabsorption of nutrients.

Signs you have Vata imbalance: Dry skin and lips, anxiety or worry, irregular digestion, variable energy levels, poor sleep, thin or delicate frame.

Kapha-Aggravated Hair Loss: Heavy Scalp, Slow Hair Cycle

What it feels like: Oily, congested scalp. Hair falls out gradually, with slowness in regrowth. You may also experience sluggishness or weight gain.

Why it happens: Kapha provides structure and nourishment, but excess Kapha clogs scalp follicles, blocking nutrient delivery. Poor lymphatic drainage leads to toxic buildup on the scalp.

Root causes: Heavy, oily diet, sedentary lifestyle, poor circulation, damp climate, hormonal stagnation.

Signs you have Kapha imbalance: Oily skin, heaviness or sluggishness, congestion, slow digestion, tendency toward weight gain, attachment to routine.