In Kerala, coconut oil isn't a beauty product. It's in the kitchen, in the hair, and in the morning oil massage, the way olive oil is part of life around the Mediterranean.
Kerala, on India's southwest coast, is lined with coconut palms, and the state's name is often said to come from kera, a word for the coconut palm. Coconut oil runs through daily life here: it's the everyday cooking oil, the oil many families comb through their hair, and the oil many people use for self-massage.
This guide covers how coconut oil is used for skin and hair in Kerala, the difference between virgin and refined oil, and what to keep in mind if you try it at home.
People who try the Kerala way usually warm a little oil by setting its container in hot water, test that it's comfortably warm rather than hot, massage it into the body, and then bathe. For the full routine, see our abhyanga guide.
A few cautions. Coconut oil can clog pores for some people, so many with acne-prone or oily skin keep it off the face. Patch-test first, skip it if you're allergic to coconut, and remember that oil makes tubs and floors slippery. Oil-soaked towels can also overheat in a hot dryer, so wash them thoroughly and avoid high-heat drying.
Each new tradition as it's published: where it comes from, how it's used, and where to find it.
|