From the traditional Sunday champi to herbal Ubtan, explore five timeless Indian beauty rituals that bring the wisdom of Ayurveda into modern self-care.
Read time : 5 min
There was a time when beauty care wasn't about following a complicated routine or using dozens of products. It was about simple rituals passed down through generations.
A Sunday champi with warm oil, a homemade ubtan before a bath, or taking a few extra minutes to massage your body. These weren't just beauty practices. They were little moments of care woven into everyday life.
Indian traditions have always had a beautiful relationship with natural beauty rituals. Rooted in Ayurveda, many of these practices focused on nourishing the skin, caring for the hair and making time for the body. Today, we may have different products and busier schedules, but the rituals themselves still have a place in our lives.
Here are five timeless Indian beauty rituals worth bringing back into your routine.
1. Abhyanga
Have you ever experienced a relaxing body massage with warm oil? In Ayurveda, this practice is known as Abhyanga, a traditional oil massage that forms part of daily self-care.
Traditionally, Abhyanga involves gently applying oil across the body using soothing massage movements. It is valued as a practice of nourishment, relaxation and caring for the skin. Beyond its traditional significance, body massage can also be a lovely way to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
How to make it part of your routine:
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▪️Choose a body oil that suits your skin.
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▪️Warm it slightly, ensuring it is comfortable to touch.
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▪️Massage gently over your body.
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▪️Allow the oil some time before bathing.
Bring this ritual into your beauty routine with Nari Sondarya Oil.
A simple way to make body oiling a regular part of your self-care.
2. Ubtan
Long before elaborate skincare routines became popular, Indian households had their own beauty preparation: Ubtan.
Traditionally made using ingredients such as gram flour, turmeric, sandalwood and other herbs, Ubtan has been used as part of pre-bath beauty rituals.
It is valued for its cleansing and exfoliating properties, helping remove surface impurities and leaving the skin feeling fresh. Unlike a complicated skincare routine, Ubtan brings together a few simple ingredients in one traditional practice.
How to make it part of your routine:
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▪️Mix your Ubtan with water or another suitable base, as directed.
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▪️Apply gently to damp skin.
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▪️Avoid scrubbing harshly.
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▪️Rinse thoroughly and follow with moisturiser.
Bring this age-old ritual into your everyday routine with Amrutam Herbal Ubtan.
A little reminder that simple skincare can be just as special.
3. Herbal Hair Cleansing
Remember the traditional hair-care ingredients used in Indian households? Shikakai, Reetha, Amla and Bhringraj have been part of Indian hair-care traditions for generations.
These plant-based ingredients have traditionally been used in hair-cleansing and hair-care preparations. Today, herbal hair care brings together traditional ingredients and modern formulations, making it easier to include familiar rituals in our busy routines.
How to make it part of your routine:
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▪️Choose a cleanser suited to your scalp and hair type.
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▪️Massage gently into your scalp while washing.
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▪️Rinse thoroughly.
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▪️Follow with conditioner to care for your hair lengths.
Bring traditional hair care into the present with Bhringraj Hair Therapy 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner.
A modern hair-cleansing routine inspired by traditional Indian ingredients.
4. Shiro Abhyanga
The Sunday champi is more than a familiar childhood memory. It is also a traditional Indian hair-care ritual. Known in Ayurveda as Shiro Abhyanga, scalp oil massage involves gently massaging oil into the scalp.
Traditionally, this practice is associated with relaxation and scalp nourishment. It also creates a little time to slow down amid busy routines. Regular scalp oiling can help condition the hair and reduce dryness and friction. The right frequency depends on your scalp and hair type.
How to make it part of your routine:
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▪️Take a small amount of hair oil.
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▪️Apply it gently to your scalp.
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▪️Massage using your fingertips without scratching.
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▪️Leave it on for a suitable period before washing.
Bring back the champi ritual with Kuntal Care Hair Oil.
Because sometimes, the best hair-care rituals are the ones we grew up with.
5. Daily Self-Care
Perhaps the most timeless beauty ritual is simply making time for yourself. Ayurveda places importance on daily routines, known as Dinacharya. The idea is to create simple habits that support everyday wellbeing.
Beauty care can become a part of this routine without feeling like another task on your to-do list.
It could mean:
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▪️Taking a few minutes to massage your body.
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▪️Giving your skin some gentle care.
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▪️Following a consistent hair-care routine.
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▪️Eating nourishing meals.
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▪️Getting enough rest.
The idea isn't to do everything every day. It is to find small rituals that feel good and are easy to maintain.
