Oiling our hair takes us back to our roots and returns the sense of feeling grounded. Originally an Ayurvedic, South Asian and African tradition from centuries ago, the practice of hair oiling today spans across continents, the use of oils taking over social media and the world.
We are so domesticated as a society that it’s refreshing to take care of ourselves in a way that makes us feel natural again. A process that calms us and makes us slow down for a little while. You must be present and make sure you don’t put too much, that it covers your entire scalp, and most of all ensure that you are doing it with care.
I enjoy the ritual of hair oiling, as my mind swirls with positive thoughts and beautiful affirmations to grow it longer. I light a few candles in my bathroom, brush my hair gently to prepare, and slowly ease the oil onto my scalp. I use a manual silicone hair scalp massager to really spread the oil to all my hair cuticles and stimulate blood circulation on my scalp. I am playing around with the idea of purchasing an electrical one, which I think would encourage me to massage my scalp every day.
You may be reading this and wondering what oil I specifically use for my hair. At the moment, I am trying to finish my bottle of coconut oil (so that nothing goes to waste) and once that is done, I will start making my own from scratch with pieces of rosemary from my garden and pouring it into my hair oil applicator.
Rosemary oil is beneficial across all different hair types, as it promotes scalp circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Hair oiling is not a quick fix for any type of hair problem, but over time and with much consistency, it can improve overall hair health and quality.
It’s time us women take back our power, return to ancient rituals and awaken what has been put to sleep – strength in femininity and defiance against what is not meant for us. Hair oiling is not only a physical action, but also reconnection with ourselves and who we are, no matter our ethnicity or culture. It is respect and tribute to ancient rituals and ancestors and should not be taken for granted.
