When overwhelm kicks in, when things feel against us, or when we crave change, a whole new look, starting with our hair, can bring (temporary) relief, boosting our self-esteem and making us feel refreshed and renewed. Equally, a bad hair day – or even worse, a bad cut – can leave us spiralling, our confidence knocked. For better or worse, our hair can be a gateway to a whole cacophony of emotions and states of being.

This is nothing new. From a cultural perspective, hair has long been viewed as highly symbolic: a signifier of strength, beauty, identity, sexuality and protection. Scientifically, the hair on our heads protects us from harsh environmental conditions. It keeps us warm in winter and prevents sunburn in summer. Hair is a physiological and psychological phenomenon, but it is also a social one. A subject of preoccupation in almost every society and culture with hairstyles and hair-care rituals communicating potent messages about everything from a person’s spiritual beliefs to their social ideologies; a form of self-expression or of group identity.

All this got us thinking. If our relationship with our hair is so emotionally charged, how can we use it to our advantage? It’s not just our haircuts and hairstyles that impact our mental and emotional robustness, but the health of our hair too. In this way, we can see caring for our hair as an easy way to care for ourselves. A straightforward every-day act of self-love that can help us to move out of our heads and into our bodies.

In the tradition of Ayurveda, champi (massage with oil) is an ancient technique believed to boost the health of the hair and scalp, preventing dryness, and soothing frazzled ends. Focusing on the head, face and shoulders, champi also relieves tension, alleviates fatigue, and offers a small space within the day to quiet the buzz of life by doing something for yourself, for the sake of rest and relaxation, rather than productivity.

How to
1. Begin by parting your hair into about six equal sections. More if your hair is very thick.

2. Warm your All-Over-Oil by pouring a generous splash into a small cup. Place the cup in a larger vessel, filled about half-way with boiling water. If time is tight, simply warm the oil in the palm of your hands.

3. Work the oil into each section of your hair, starting at the top of the head and gently massaging the scalp before running your oiled hands through your hair and down your neck and shoulders, lightly pressing the oil into your skin to moisturise.

4. Leave the oil on for a few minutes, or as long as you like, then hop in the shower. Depending on the strength of your shampoo, you might need to double-wash.

All-Over-Oil can also be used as a leave-in treatment, or overnight mask, helping to tame frizz, soothe and smooth the hair follicles, and deeply nourish the scalp. For an overnight mask, simply follow the instructions above, then rinse out the following morning. To protect your sheets, we recommend placing an old towel over your pillow while you sleep.

For an on-the-go treatment, warm 1-3 drops in the palm of your hand and apply to damp hair – from the mid-lengths to the ends. A little goes a long way, so begin with 1 drop and add more if needed.