The Indian beauty ritual for nourished, shiny hair
FOR full, perfectly moisturised, shiny hair, tutorials on TikTok in recent months have focused on hair oiling. This traditional Indian technique harnesses the benefits of oil-based treatments to optimise haircare for luscious locks.
The beauty world is always changing, with each generation rediscovering the rituals of the past. Social media users regularly go wild for techniques that proved their worth several millennia ago. Same with hair oiling, a beauty ritual originating in India and handed down from generation to generation.
The technique featured on social networks, like TikTok, has accumulated more than 1.5 billion views to date (and almost 25 million for #hairoilingtreatments).
This has given rise to a host of videos, including tutorials reinterpreting this ancient beauty ritual with a variety of plant oils, as well as beforeand-after videos. The practice is part of a wider trend known as skinification, which consists of treating hair to the same kind of demanding beauty routine as skin.
Hair oiling is a treatment that can be left on for a few hours or overnight, depending on your preference, to leave your hair shiny, thick and moisturised. The technique is also said (but not proven) to enhance hair regrowth and prevent it from falling out.
All these promises make this beauty ritual a must for those who want to put an end to dry, brittle hair or hair that is lacking in vitality.
Just choose one or more oils suited to your hair type and needs. While ready-to-use formulas exist, you can opt for coconut oil for nourished, shiny hair; jojoba oil for shiny, supple, less oily hair; borage oil to stimulate growth; and even olive oil to soothe the scalp. The options are numerous, reasonably priced and readily available.
After acquiring the products, the ritual begins with a thorough brushing, followed by the application of a suitable oil to the scalp and lengths. Massage the scalp, the nape of the neck and temples with your fingertips (or a massaging brush). Tie up your hair and leave the product on, before washing it out with one or two shampoos. Doing this routine once or twice a week (no more!) could help you achieve a beautiful mane.