Hair Oil Mask Ritual for Hair Growth, Self-Care & Ancestral Connection

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I believe in the quiet magic of ritual.

In a world where we’re constantly distracted and encouraged to look outwards - towards productivity, performance, pleasing, or tending to others - I believe there’s something deeply radical and sacred about turning inward and tending to ourselves.

Not the surface-level kind of self-care we’ve been sold - the one that makes us appear well taken care of on the outside - but the deeper kind. The kind where we carve out space to reconnect with ourselves emotionally, mentally, spiritually. To honour ourselves.

Because what I’ve learned over time is that knowing, understanding, listening to, questioning, and coming to fully accept and love yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.

For me, little rituals like the one I’m sharing here are one of the softest ways I tune into myself. And I call them rituals because, as a linguist, words matter to me, and the word ritual evokes something sacred. Something intentional, magical, otherworldly. It allows me to detach myself from the noise of the world and reconnect with myself, check in on my inner world.

One of my most beloved rituals is oiling my hair.

It actually started as a DIY experiment. My brother found a recipe for a hair oil mask online and we both tried it and loved it. Over a decade later, we both still use it. And while it’s still about supporting my hair growth and strength, it’s also become a way to tune in and care for myself on a deeper level.

Now, it’s a moment where I honour myself through the love language of physical touch. There’s something deeply relaxing about the warmth of the oil, the slow massage into my scalp, the calming scent of lavender. In those moments, the world quietens, time slows and it's just so peaceful. It sounds weird but, I always remember my English Literature teacher saying, “Our hair is our crown,” and this ritual genuinely makes me feel like I’m taking the time to polish mine.

There’s something ancestral about it too. Hair oiling is a rich part of Panjabi culture, passed from grandmothers to mothers to daughters, generation after generation. It feels like I’m not just nourishing my hair and calming my nervous system, but connecting with love that’s been passed down through generations.

Here's how I do it...

What You’ll Need

• Coconut Oil

• Jojoba Oil

• Sweet Almond Oil

• Castor Oil

• Rosemary Essential Oil

• Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

• A small microwavable bowl (I use a recycled Gu pot)

• A teaspoon

• A claw clip

All products linked at the end of this post

Step-by-Step

1. Add 1 teaspoon each of coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, and castor oil to your bowl.

2. Add 4–5 drops of rosemary oil.

3. Add 4–5 drops of lavender oil if you'd like a calming scent (optional).

4. Warm the mixture in the microwave for no more than 30 seconds (at 800w).

5. Let it sit for about 30 seconds, then carefully remove and place on a heatproof surface.

6. Stir gently with your spoon.

7. The oil will be very hot, so allow it to cool until it’s comfortable to touch.

8. Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips, slowly and mindfully.

9. If there's any oil left, smooth it through your lengths and ends.

10. Twist your hair into a bun and secure with a claw clip.

11. Let the oil sit for anywhere between 3 to 24 hours.

12. Wash your hair thoroughly - I like to double shampoo.

13. Style as you normally would.

    
    

I try to do this ritual once a month - but honestly, more than the frequency, what matters is the intention.

Whether you're just beginning your own rituals, or simply curious, I hope this inspires you to find your own ways of taking a moment to yourself and reconnecting to your inner world.

Love always,

Sabrina

All products that I use are linked here.