How to improve effectiveness of Neelibhringadi hair oil

Why Neelibhringadi Doesn’t Work Like It Used To — And How To Fix It

For generations in Kerala, Neelibhringadi oil has been trusted for hair growth. It’s one of the most respected classical formulations in Ayurveda, known for its ability to strengthen roots and support thick, healthy hair.

Yet over the years, I’ve had many patients tell me the same thing:
“Doctor, I used Neelibhringadi — but the results weren’t as good as expected.”

That made me pause. Why wasn’t this time-tested oil performing the way it used to?

A Good Hair Oil — In a Very Different World

Neelibhringadi is still a potent formulation. But today, we’re using it on scalps that are very different from the ones our grandmothers had.

Think about the modern environment:

• Harsh chemical shampoos
• High levels of air pollution
• Frequent heat styling
• Chronic dandruff and product buildup

All of these weaken and imbalance the scalp, and leave behind residues that block absorption. In such a state, even the best hair growth oil struggles to deliver results.

The Ayurvedic Principle: Prepare Before You Nourish

In classical Kerala Ayurveda, there’s a clear sequence for treatment:

First, cleanse and balance. Then, nourish and maintain.

If the scalp isn’t healthy, no amount of oil, even Neelibhringadi, can reach the hair roots effectively. The nutrients simply won’t absorb where they’re needed most.

That’s why I now recommend a scalp preparation step for many of my patients, before applying traditional hair growth oils.

What You Can Do to Make Neelibhringadi Work Better

If you value Neelibhringadi, here’s how to restore its effectiveness:

• Cleanse the scalp gently with a nourishing, natural pre-oil like my Scalp Prep Oil
• Avoid chemical-heavy products that strip your scalp’s natural oils
• Follow oiling with a mild, plant-based cleanser, not a harsh shampoo

You can also use my Two-Oils system — a pair of oils specifically designed to:

1. Cleanse and rebalance the scalp
2. Deeply nourish and strengthen the roots

Together, they follow the Ayurvedic rhythm of prepare and nourish — just like we were taught in Kerala.

Final Thoughts

The formula hasn’t failed.
But the modern scalp needs a different approach.

If your hair oils aren’t delivering like they used to, it’s not about replacing them — it’s about helping them do their job better. Start with scalp cleansing. Create space for nutrients to reach. Then nourish.

That’s how we honour the wisdom of classical oils like Neelibhringadi, even in a modern world.