It’s what you can learn (and try) from Indian hair care rituals.
So, what exactly do Indian women do for their hair that others don’t? From champi massage and herbal powders to multi-oil blends and age-old tonics, their approach is intentional, holistic, and deeply rooted in Ayurveda – India’s ancient system of natural healing.
If you’ve ever admired the thick, glossy, waist-length hair of Indian women and thought, “How do they do it?” – you’re not alone. Indian women have been the poster queens for strong, healthy, luscious hair for centuries. And it’s not just genetics or luck. It’s rituals, nature-based ingredients, and ancestral wisdom passed down from grandmothers who treated hair care like a sacred art.
Let’s part the strands and uncover the long-haired legends that help Indian women grow long, thick, and shiny hair – and how you can do it too.
In terms of health, Indian women have the world’s best hair
Published in The Hindu in 2010, a study reported that Indian hair demonstrated superior health characteristics. Researchers tested Caucasian, Asian and Indian hair samples for four parameters that determine healthy hair – thickness, tensile strength, shine, and smoothness. The study focused on assessing the overall health of hair, rather than just its appearance. In terms of health, Indian women have the world’s best hair, topping other ethnic groups on all four counts.
The study also noted that Indian hair, in general, demonstrates high hardness and elasticity, making it resistant to stretching and capable of withstanding significant traction forces.
This research suggests that Indian (and Asian) hair may have a genetic advantage in terms of overall health and resilience compared to other ethnic groups.
Long-haired traditions of Indian women
Indian hair care is rooted in ancient Ayurvedic traditions and often focuses on hair health, preventative care and the use of natural remedies.
Oiling is a cornerstone: Indian women apply oils to their hair regularly to protect and nourish it, even if they don’t have any specific issues. A wide range of oils, including coconut, sesame, castor, and herbal oils, are used for their different benefits. Castor oil, in particular, is valued for its rich omega-6 fatty acids, which nourishes and strengthens the hair.
Champi: Many practices involve warming the oil and massaging it into the scalp and hair, which promote blood circulation and hair growth.
Herbal extracts and natural ingredients are frequently used in hair care, such as reetha (soapnuts) for cleansing and henna for coloring and strengthening.
Hair of Indian women – symbol of beauty and femininity
In Indian culture, long hair holds significant meaning, often symbolizing beauty, femininity, and even spiritual connection. While not universally mandated, it’s considered an important aspect of traditional beauty standards and is frequently seen in representations of deities and prominent women in Indian mythology and art, like the goddess Kali, who is often depicted with long, black hair. In Hinduism, hair is viewed as a symbol of purity, devotion, and a connection to the divine.
What Indian women do for their hair that others don’t?
Oiling the Hair: Almond, Moringa, Castor, and Olive Oil Magic
Indian hair care starts with oiling.
Hair oiling is not just a routine; it’s a weekly ritual. Indian women often mix powerful oils like almond oil (rich in vitamin E), castor oil (for thickness), moringa oil (antioxidant-rich), and olive oil (deep conditioning) to create the perfect hair elixir.
Why it works:
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Deeply nourishes the scalp
- Strengthens roots and reduces breakage
- Prevents dandruff and dryness
This custom hair oil blend is warmed slightly and massaged into the scalp before being left on for a few hours – or overnight. It’s one of the most effective and natural hair treatments that you can easily do at home.
Shikakai: The Natural Hair Cleanser
Before bottled shampoos took over the shelves, Indian women relied on shikakai – a natural herbal powder known as the “fruit for the hair.” Shikakai is rich in saponins, which cleanse the scalp without stripping its natural oils.
How it helps:
- Cleanses without harsh chemicals
- Promotes hair growth
- Prevents dandruff and itching
- Detangles and adds shine
Most women mix shikakai powder with water or aloe vera gel to create a paste and use it as a gentle scalp cleanser once a week. It’s perfect for those embracing natural hair care routines.
Coconut Oil: The Ultimate Hair Nourisher
If there’s one hair oil that defines Indian hair care, it’s coconut oil. Warmed and massaged into the scalp, virgin coconut oil is a go-to for preventing breakage, taming frizz, and encouraging growth.
Why Indian women swear by it:
- Deeply penetrates hair shafts
- Seals moisture into strands
- Prevents protein loss
- Has antibacterial properties
Many apply coconut oil 1–2 times a week and leave it overnight for a deeply nourishing overnight hair mask.
Henna: Nature’s Hair Dye and Conditioner
Henna is not only a natural hair dye and powerful conditioner but also a symbol of good health, prosperity, and love. Indian women have used henna for centuries to strengthen hair, soothe the scalp, and add natural highlights.
Benefits:
- Adds volume and thickness
- Strengthens hair cuticles
- Conditions and smooths strands
- Covers greys with natural reddish-brown tones
Mixed with warm water (and often a dash of tea or coffee), henna is applied to the hair and left for a few hours before rinsing.
Amla: The Indian Gooseberry Superfood for Hair
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a superfood for your scalp. It’s packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and amino acids that rejuvenate hair follicles.
How it works:
- Stimulates growth from the roots
- Strengthens and thickens hair
- Reduces premature greying
- Fights scalp inflammation
It’s used in oil form, dried powder, or even juice mixed into hair masks. Many Indian women mix amla with coconut oil and apply it as a deep treatment.
Reetha: Nature’s Soap Nut
Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), commonly known as Indian soapberry or washnut, is a magical natural cleanser that foams when soaked and rubbed, making it a chemical-free, 100% natural shampoo.
Hair benefits:
- Gently cleans without stripping natural oils
- Adds natural shine
- Helps reduce scalp infections
- Great for sensitive scalps
Reetha is often boiled with shikakai and amla, strained, and used as a hair wash. Indian women have used this sudsy potion for generations.
Saffron: The Royal Ingredient for Hair Revival
Saffron isn’t just for biryani. In small doses, saffron can work wonders for scalp health. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it’s a luxurious addition to hair masks and oils.
Hair perks:
- Improves scalp circulation
- Stimulates dormant follicles
- Adds luster and softness
- Reduces scalp irritation
Crushed saffron strands are often infused into oil blends or mixed with milk and honey for a nourishing scalp mask.
Neem Oil: The Ultimate Scalp Purifier
If you’re struggling with dandruff, scalp acne, or hair loss, neem oil might just be your savior. Known for its powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, neem oil purifies the scalp like no other.
Why it’s magical:
- Treats dandruff and flaky scalp
- Soothes inflammation and itching
- Prevents scalp infections
- Supports hair follicle health
Mix a few drops of neem oil with a carrier like coconut or olive oil before applying – because pure neem oil is strong stuff!
Champi Massage: The Sacred Art of Hair Love
No list of Indian hair care secrets would be complete without champi massage – the ultimate hair care ritual. A champi is a head massage using warm oil, usually performed by your mom, grandma, or even a professional. It’s nurturing, relaxing, and incredibly effective.
Benefits of champi:
- Boosts blood flow to the scalp
- Relieves stress and tension
- Improves sleep and mood
- Deeply nourishes hair roots
You don’t need a spa – just warm your favorite oil, use your fingertips in circular motions, and give your scalp the royal treatment once or twice a week.
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Hair Goals
What makes Indian women’s hair rituals so special is not just the ingredients – but the intention behind them. It’s not about rushing through a routine or relying on chemicals. It’s about slow beauty, sacred rituals, and tuning into what your hair truly needs.
From champi massage and oiling blends to natural cleansers like shikakai and reetha, Indian hair care rituals offer a wealth of inspiration for anyone tired of quick fixes and harsh treatments.
These natural, effective, and affordable remedies are available to everyone – no matter where you live or what type of hair you have.
So next time you see a woman with thick, shiny hair that cascades like a waterfall, remember – it’s not magic. It’s ancient wisdom, a little kitchen alchemy, and a whole lot of love.
