Traditional Hair Rituals from Kerala We Swear By

Kerala is known for its lush greenery, monsoons, and timeless beauty traditions. Among them, hair care has always held a special place. Passed down through generations, these rituals are as nourishing as they are simple. With Onam here, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the practices that continue to inspire modern hair care.

1. The Weekly Oil Bath
Ayurveda puts oiling right at the center of hair care. In Kerala, warm coconut oil infused with herbs like bhringraj, hibiscus, curry leaves, brahmi, and amla is massaged into the scalp and hair to keep the hair healthy from root to tip. In more elaborate rituals like Shirodhara, a steady stream of warm oil is poured on the forehead and scalp to calm the nervous system and deeply nourish the roots.

2. Pre-Wash Masks
Homemade masks made from hibiscus, aloe vera, fenugreek, or curd were traditionally applied before washing. These blends cooled the scalp, strengthened hair, and added softness. Today, hair masks carry forward the same intention: deep conditioning, restoring moisture, and repairing damage. However, treating your hair to a natural mask once in a while is a ritual worth keeping.

3. Gentle Cleansing with Thali Powder
Before shampoos were readily available, women in Kerala used natural cleansers like Thali Powder. Thali is a mix of herbs and pulses: green gram, fenugreek, hibiscus leaves, shikakai, and neem. It foams mildly, cleanses the scalp, and keeps the natural oils intact. Modern shampoos echo this philosophy, combining effective cleansing of the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils. On some of your self-care days, make sure to revisit a traditional cleanse that connects you to the roots of mindful hair care.

4. Nourishing Rinses
Everyday rituals included rinsing hair with boiled water infused with hibiscus leaves, tulsi, vetiver, amla, or gooseberry leaves. These rinses acted like natural conditioners, keeping hair soft and scalp issues at bay. In a modern hair care ritual, leave-in hair conditioner and hair repair serum play a similar role, locking in moisture, taming frizz, and making hair smoother and easier to manage.

5. The Diet Factor
Healthy hair wasn’t just topical. Meals rich in red rice, coconut, curry leaf chutneys, moringa leaves, drumsticks, and banana stem gave hair the nutrients it needed. Fresh tender coconut water, buttermilk, and ghee were considered as important for hair shine as oiling.

6. Embrace Flowers and Garlands
The ritual ended with braiding freshly washed hair and adorning it with fresh flowers like jasmine or hibiscus or mogra garlands. Beyond beauty, this symbolized care, pride, and connection to nature. So, adding fresh flowers once in a while, especially during festive moments like Onam, keeps the charm of this tradition alive.

Kerala’s hair care rituals were built on care, patience, and natural nourishment. While our products and lifestyles have evolved, the essence of those rituals remains unchanged—cleanse, nourish, condition, and protect. This Onam, as we celebrate tradition in our homes, let’s celebrate it in our hair care routines too.