As I sat, consumed with guilt over not listening to my Mom's constant nagging about my hair care, holding my comb and fretting over the hair I lost on a daily basis, I received a parcel.
In it, was Banjara's Samvridhi Hair Oil (Ayurvedic Haircare product) and " unique ayurvedic hair pack ". I was to review this. I was actually eager to, since I've tried Banjara's neem and methi powder, henna and more recently, face wash.
The "Banjara's" brand has been around for decades, and I am familiar with many of their products.
The hair oil pack said " hair growth in 8 weeks. Clinically proven. Up to 8 cm " The pack insert invites users to take on the 8 cm challenge.
The hair pack said " power of 8 herbs "
Intriguing!Now let me confess - I am not a fan of hair oil fragrances. They give me a solid headache. Also, we brew our own hair oil with no less than 18 ingredients. Long, tedious process that takes days, but well worth it.
But when I gingerly squeezed a few drops from Banjara's Samvridhi Hair Oil container on to my palm, I was transported right back to my childhood.
Memories of those days when my Grandma would grab me just as I was leaving for school and rub oil into my head came rushing back. I laughed.
I remembered one of my aunts, who had the talent of massaging an entire cup of oil into the "target" head, the mighty woman! May her soul rest in joy. Then of course I fondly thought of my Mom, who is the gentlest massager I know. Softly, but firmly she would work the oil in. I secretly believed that my hair shone brighter whenever she did the oiling. Sigh.
Then there were the traditional Friday "oil baths" where sesame oil warmed with other ingredients was massaged into the hair and body. The hair was washed with homemade shikakai powder made from scratch: the shikakai pods were dried in the sun along with lemon peel, hibiscus flowers, and other ingredients and then, ground into a fine powder that was used as a "shampoo". For the body wash powder, it was another mix of chickpea flour, green gram flour, turmeric and others.
I still remember how my neighbors looked forward to see me sashay down the stairs, get on my scooter and zoom off. They thought I had gorgeous hair and great dress sense.
With this happy feeling from all those memories, and feeling rather sheepish about not listening to my Mom when she tried her best to cajole me into self-care during her last years, I massaged Banjara's Samvridhi Hair Oil into my hair.
I was surprised to find I loved the fragrance. And my hair did not look oily. So I bravely worked in some more oil since my intention was to wash it off later. It still looked alright. I was wondering if this oil would be suitable for the post hair wash smoothing down, and was going to find out very soon.
See, these days I only massage oil into my hair before a hair wash. However, sometimes, after I wash my hair, the little that's left of it has to be tamed and I use a little coconut oil for this, which tends to take away the just-washed look. I occasionally use hair serum, but even that, though it feels good, tends to flatten my thinning hair.
The good news is I've always been amused about is this: the oily hair look kind of looks fine on me.
By the way, "samvridhi" means growth. About the oil and hair packBanjaras Samvridhi Hair Oil
- Carefully formulated as per principles of Ayurveda with selected herbal oils and extracts for hair care, to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth
- Amalgamation of Ayurvedic herbs in sesame and coconut oil known for their beneficial properties for hair since ages.
- Stimulates hair follicle to promote growth.
- Clinically tested to prove its efficacy. Over an 8 week period, hair fall was reduced by 64% and hair growth was increased to the extent of up to 8 cm under clinical test conditions. Indivdual results may vary
- Good for all hair types
Apply to the hair and scalp. Massage and leave it for at least 30 minutes for the oil to be absorbed and then wash. Use at least 3 times a week to get best results.
Key ingredients: sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil, bhringraj, amla, japa, henna, aritha, shikakai, baahmi, neem,methi and pippali. What these ingredients do:
Banjaras Samvridhi Hair pack
- A unique two in one product that works both as a hair pack and as a natural hair cleanser.
- Essential herbal nutrients are absorbed into the scalp, improving overall hair health.
- Reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth. Natural hair cleanser retains moisture and vital nutrients of the hair.
Apply gently to hair roots and scalp. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water. No need to apply separate shampoo. The natural cleanswers will lather and clean your hair. For best results,use once a week.
Key ingredients: amla, bhringraj, japa, aritha, methi, shikakai, brahmi, henna, neem, tea tree
What they do:
Regular use of Banjara's Samvridhi Hair pack with Banjara's Samvridhi hair oil will reduce hair fall and promote hair growth. Better results if used along with steaming as part of hair spa process.
My experience with Banjaras Samvridhi Hair Oil and Hair pack
The hair oil I used the hair oil as instructed before washing my hair. I also used it on my hair after I washed it and found it quite nice-it did not make my hair look oily. Applying the oil after washing my hair tamed the dryness and those pesky flyaways.
I have only used the oil for a week now, but I quite like it and will continue to use it. What I've noticed during this week is, my hair feels good.
Now I actually oil my hair daily (You'd be so proud of me, Mom!). Good thing, since it is winter.
The hair pack
The hair pack is good. In fact, I love the concept of applying a hair mask that cleanses, and washing it off without worrying about shampoo. Of course, I made sure that I was wearing an old dark t-shirt as the hair pack is a dark green color, and I didn't want to risk staining my clothes.
Also, I washed it off thoroughly with lukewarm water, until the dark brown gooey water turned clear.
The first time I used it, my hair was a little dry after washing. I suspected I may have used a little too much, and kept it on longer than advised on the pack. To smooth it down, I applied the hair oil and was pleased with the result. Look!
So far, I am happy using the hair oil and hair pack. I am too lazy to go out and get my haircare and I think this hair oil-hair pack combo is just what I need for a DIY hair spa at home.
While I think the hair oil will last at least a month, the hair pack is good for three to four uses, if you have a little more than shoulder length hair, like me.
Why I liked Banjaras Samvridhi hair oil and hair pack
- The ayurvedic ingredients and herbs that make up Banjara's Samvridhi Hair Oil are ideal for hair care and hair growth, and proven to reduce hair fall. In fact, we have brewed our own special hair oil for decades and I think Banjara's has picked the perfect ingredients.
- The oil comes in a slim cylindrical plastic container, light but sturdy (I dropped it thrice and no spill!)
- Both are easy to carry in my travel kit. Washing hair while traveling produces different results from when I do it at home. So, this oil and hair pack might just be what I need to stay balanced.
- The oil is great for a before wash massage, as well as an after wash hair oil
- The oil is light and non-greasy
- Both oil and pack have a mild fragrance
- The hair pack tube is convenient to use. The hair pack is an easy-to-apply dark green paste, smells good, and washes off without leaving residues in the hair.
- Good value for money! MRP of the hair pack is Rs.100 for 100 g pack MRP of the Samvridhi Hair oil is Rs.199 for 125 ml
I shared my experience with my neighbour and she has bought Banjara's Samvridhi Hair oil and hair pack for herself and her daughters.
And because I like the product, I recommend it. I see a long-term relationship here! Do you have a hair care regimen? What do you use? Please share in the comments!
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
