There will always be one ritual that stands out in memory as one of the most decadent and sensual “blow dries” I have ever received. It started with a karandi – a long-handled iron pot – which is filled with burning coals that are sprinkled with all sorts of fragrant herbs and spices, including nutmeg, saffron, vetiver, cloves and lotus seeds. To this were added a couple of teaspoons of sandalwood powder and a handful of jasmine petals, so the smoke of the coals became extremely fragrant.
It starts with a long-handled iron pot, which is filled with burning coals that are sprinkled with all sorts of fragrant herbs and spices. Hair is dried over the wafting steam, which unclogs the pores, carrying the healing, rejuvenating effect deep into the follicles
The smoking vessel is then kept under a low cane table and my hair was spread out over the table’s loosely woven surface through which the smoke wafted upwards and dried out my hair. It was really mild, so there was no over-heating of the scalp; plus, it dried the hair slowly, so the ends didn't become brittle and were left beautifully glossy and fragranced. And that was just the outward effects – the steam also unclogs the pores, carrying the healing, rejuvenating effect of the herbs deep into the hair follicles. The spicy, woodsy aroma wafting out whenever I turned my head was an added bonus!
Photo courtesy spiced india
sounds divine
ReplyDeleteI had a similar process done the last time i visited Hawaii. Left my hair smelling fragrant for weeks until i had to wash it :(