Much like eating well and exercising to maintain your health, beautiful hair comes with consistency. Using the right products, protecting hair from damage and nourishing it properly, when habitually done together, can unlock healthy strands that are shiny, frizz-free and strong.
A rinse and repeat always works, but if you want to supercharge your hair routine, the traditional oil champi is back in focus again, and could be just the haircare level-up you need. Dating back to Ayurvedic times, this head massage technique has been known and loved for years, for the way it naturally conditions and thereby boosts overall hair health. It has made something of a comeback lately, with people being reminded of its capacity to really transform their tresses.
Whether someone does it for you as an act of love + pampering, or you DIY it as a self-care method, a champi can feed your hair essential nourishment, increase smoothness and slip, promote hair growth, and give you good hair days, everyday (or atleast a whole lot more often).
We put together a list of steps to elevate your hair oil massage routine, one that hopefully helps you create those perfect few moments of calm. Here it is:
1. Choose an oil for your hair type or make your own blend.
There are options aplenty for oils that each have their unique hair-boosting properties, and finding one that gives your hair what it’s thirsty for can be very rewarding. Look for natural active ingredients (brahmi, castor, tea tree, hibiscus flower) combined with moisturizing carrier oils (almond, coconut, argan oil) and Vitamin E, or make your own concoction at home.
2. Gently untangle your strands.
Use a wide tooth comb or brush for this and work your way from the ends up to the roots. This helps remove any knots after which you can divide the hair into sections so the oil gets evenly distributed through it.
3. Tap or press oil into your scalp.
Getting maximum amount of oil absorption into your scalp should be the goal, which is why we recommend sectioning your hair and then using light pressing motions to apply it. You can also try warming the oil (just a little) before you apply it—this further unlocks its absorption ability and makes the ritual that much more stress-relieving. Apply, then gently tap all over scalp with fingers.
It is best to apply just as much as you need—too much oil can be hard to wash off, and if you have dry strands, over-washing and scrubbing to get it all out can leave it drier than they were before.
4. Focus on Marma points to boost circulation.
As an added step in the champi, you can use Marma points, which are energy centers located all over your body (including the scalp). Apply gentle pressure to these points and give your head a dose of circulation and vitality.
5. Massage the whole head, but be soft.
Take the time to focus on relaxation as you work your way through the scalp, gently, all over— then down the lengths of your hair to deeply condition them.
6. Leave on for at least 30 minutes pre-shampoo. Or overnight.
It is best to leave the oil in for 30 minutes to four hours before you shampoo it out. If your hair is in dire need of moisturisation, you could leave it on overnight too. But oil can attract dust at night (and can leave your hair prone to breakage), so make sure you’re in a very clean, dust-free environment if you're doing so.
7. Make it a habit
Most regular hair oilers recommend doing it regularly – not as a one time ritual, but as a weekly or monthly routine. Consistency really is key!
