Homemade Vatika Hair Oil

Vatika hair oil is mixture of pure coconut or olive oil with ayurvedic herbs (such as henna, amla, and shikakai, etc.)  that nourishes and conditions the hair while providing body and shine.

Phase I
1 cup Coconut or Olive Oil
1/2 cup Almond Oil (this can be substituted for a non nut oil if you're allergic, i.e. sesame oil)
1 Tablespoon Henna
1 Tablespoon Amla Powder
1 Tablespoon Shikakai Powder
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Rosemary (optional)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Lavender (optional)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Thyme (optional)

PhaseII
1 teaspoon Cactus Extact
1 teaspoon or 10 drops Lemon Extract
3 Tablespoons Castor Oil

1 Tablespoon Vitamin E
5 to 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil

In a double boiler combine coconut or olive oil, almond oil, henna, amla, shikakai, rosemary, lavender and thyme and let infuse over a low medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes.  Be sure to occassionally stir so that the herbs or oils don't burn.  Remove from heat and strain oil through a cheesecloth and strainer.  Let cool for 30 minutes.

Once mixture has cooled add in cactus extract, lemon extract, castor oil, vitamin E and lemon essential oil.  Mix the oils by stiring slowly or rolling* in a bottle.  Pour into desired container. You now have your very own homemade vatika hair oil.

Notes: Any of the above mentioned ayurvedic powders can be substitued for others of your choosing.  It's important to remember that when mixing oils to never shake them because this can cause free radicals, which will lead to the oil going rancid.  It's always best to gently roll the oils in the container.  Almond oil coats, conditions and softens your hair.  Cactus extract gives your hair health and volume.  Lemon oil regulates sebum flow and helps keep dandruff away.