Ayurvedic Hair Oil Routine: How to Oil Your Hair the Kerala Way
A simple weekly hair oiling ritual, from warming the oil to washing it out.
Hair oiling is a weekly habit in many Kerala homes, passed down from grandmothers. The idea is simple: warm oil, slow massage, patient wait, thorough wash.
Step one, warm the oil. Stand the bottle in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. It should feel pleasantly warm, never hot.
Step two, part your hair in sections and work the oil into the scalp with your fingertips. Use small circles and take your time. Five minutes is a good start.
Step three, smooth the remaining oil through the lengths of your hair.
Step four, wait. Thirty minutes works for most people. Some leave it for a few hours before washing.
Step five, shampoo twice if needed. The first wash lifts the oil, the second cleans the scalp.
Which oil to choose: for a classic base, try Pure Coconut Hair Oil. For an herbal blend with bhringraj and amla, see Root Revive. For a Kerala classic built around neelakeshi, see Neelakeshi Hair Oil.
Oil once or twice a week. If your scalp is oily, oil the lengths and leave it on for a shorter time before washing. This is general advice and not a medical recommendation.