KULDEEP KNOX
“Ayurveda teaches us to focus on long-term health, on prevention over cure, and to take better control of our health and wellbeing in a natural and holistic way. I also appreciate how uncomplicated Ayurveda is to incorporate into our modern day-to-day lives and how enjoyable it is to practise.”
Kuldeep Knox is a beauty innovator and entrepreneur of high-growth beauty brands. Her vision is one of sharing untold cultural stories, creating distinctive visual identities and pioneering authentic formulations that combine cutting-edge science with the highest quality naturally derived ingredients. Kuldeep’s background in private equity and cosmetics, combined with her passion for beauty innovation, led her to launch the now multi-award winning luxury haircare brand Chāmpo in January 2019. Inspired by remedies given to her by her Indian grandmother, Kuldeep rooted the brand and its formulas in Ayurvedic principles.
Follow Kuldeep:
Website: www.champohaircare.com
Instagram: @champohaircare
“Through Ayurveda, we better understand our unique selves.”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
It’s a philosophy that empowers us all to enhance our quality of life. Through Ayurveda, we better understand our unique selves — everything from our character to our hair, skin and internal health — and can be guided towards how to stay in balance.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
Back in 2015, I visited an Ayurvedic wellness resort in Kerala, India, with my mother and sister. The first treatment I had was Shirodhara alongside a full body massage — an experience I found so transformative for my wellbeing, unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Curious to learn more, I took an introduction to Ayurveda course when I returned to London. As I explored further, I realised Ayurveda had unknowingly been a part of my life from early childhood through the remedies my grandmother would give me, such as golden milk with turmeric, ginger and cardamom.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
How empowering it is. Ayurveda teaches us to focus on long-term health, on prevention over cure, and to take better control of our health and wellbeing in a natural and holistic way. I also appreciate how uncomplicated Ayurveda is to incorporate into our modern day-to-day lives and how enjoyable it is to practise.
Has it helped you with anything major?
Absolutely. The Amla Oil my grandmother recommended when I experienced premature hair thinning transformed its condition, strength and health — proving a real lightbulb moment in my career. This was also the inspiration behind our hero range, the Pitta Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner that has now helped thousands of other women suffering with fine or thinning hair.
In addition, short detoxes and herbal supplements prescribed by my Ayurvedic doctor have helped me overcome hormonal imbalances and remarkably improved my mood and health within a really short space of time. Previously, I’d turned to my local GP, who, as helpful as they tried to be, couldn’t provide a personalised or non-pharmaceutical based solution.
I’ve since introduced Ayurveda to friends living with chronic auto-immune related diseases. They have all experienced considerable improvements in how they manage their conditions and, for some, it’s been life-changing.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
I incorporate Ayurveda in to my day-to-day life in as many ways as possible. I start each day with lemon and ginger tea, use a tongue scraper, wash my hair with the Chāmpo products, regularly drink Ayurvedic smoothies and apply rosewater on my eyes and skin in the evening. I also do seasonal Ayurvedic detoxes, which really help both my body and my occasional problematic skin better adjust to the change in weather.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
1. Ashwagandha tea boosts my immune system and keeps me energised, particularly in winter.
2. Lemon and ginger tea first thing in the morning stimulates my digestive system.
3. Regular turmeric supplements help with any inflammation and support hormonal balance.
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
I’ll never forget my Ayurvedic doctor telling me that some of her patients are “regular” doctors. They turn to her when they’ve tried everything Western medicine has to offer and feel that only Ayurveda can help them. That was the point I realised Ayurveda was such a powerful philosophy.
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
I incorporated Ayurveda gradually over a year or two. The more I noticed its positive effects, the more it became an integral part of my life.
Do your children/family eat an Ayurvedic diet? And if they do, do they know it’s Ayurveda or do they just think of it as home cooking?
My husband has become a bit of an Ayurvedic convert. We incorporate it into our cooking, mainly at breakfast, and enjoy lots of lentils for dinner throughout the week. We don’t call it an Ayurvedic diet though; it’s more a case of conscious cooking.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
A green smoothie with lettuce, spinach, cucumber, ginger, turmeric and aloe vera juice — a great way to quickly and easily detoxify.
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
Having the opportunity to combine Western medicine for diagnosis with Ayurvedic remedies in a unified treatment plan. My personal experiences have been most effective when both have been brought together.
Do people around you/in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
I’ve introduced Ayurveda to practically everyone I know! They’ve seen how it’s benefited me and after trying the Chāmpo products, most are continuing to grow their knowledge of it. A lot also now see an Ayurvedic doctor themselves. There are so many people out there looking for alternative solutions to treat or manage their holistic health, both on a minor and major scale, yet they just don’t know where to turn.
What’s the one thing you would encourage everyone to try or you think would benefit the majority of people’s health for the better?
Discover your Dosha and learn how it reflects the intricate interconnections between mind and body. It helps us understand our health in a very unique and personal way, and guides us to make more conscious dietary and lifestyle decisions.