Whether we’re facing an autoimmune disorder or dealing with severe amounts of stress, losing our strands can cause us some *major* psychological distress. We recently caught up with entrepreneurial siblings, Akash and Nikita Mehta, founders of the Fable and Mane haircare brand, to find out why regular hair oiling is essential in preventing hair fall.
A fresh take on an ancient tradition
If you close your eyes and imagine an Indian woman’s hair, chances are you’re most likely visualising hair that’s strong, lustrous, and healthy. Besides goddess-like genetics, the act of hair oiling in India is just as natural as supersizing just about everything in America.
“The premise of Fable and Mane, beyond its incredible ayurvedic ingredients, is that it’s truly time tested. Hair oiling is a practice that’s been passed down through generations in India. We want to bring it to the forefront of haircare for people all over the world to enjoy, regardless of their hair type.”
Differing perspectives
“The western world sees hair through a different lens. It’s all about fast treatments, quick repairs, and professional salons. We want to encourage haircare as a way of life. Our brand is really about at-home haircare rituals. We’re more than a beauty brand, we’re a hair wellness brand.”
Via @fableandmane Instagram
“Our hair is our energy field. If you think of yourself as an upside tree, the top of your head is your roots. Spiritually, the gurus believe that whatever you focus on, your energy will go. So time spent massaging and oil the scalp will cause hair to grow. The western world is more about covering up a problem. It’s a longer process than a quick fix. Conditioning your scalp and creating a healthier hair environment gives longer-term benefits.”
It starts with the ingredients…
Not only is it important that the ingredients within the hair oils fortify and strengthen your strands, but they also need to nourish your scalp. “Our products contain rejuvenating Ashwagandha which literally translates to the strength of a horse. We have Dashmool which promotes a sense of calm and well-being as well as boosts scalp circulation to enhance the rate of hair growth. Stress, after all, leads to hair loss. Turmeric which is anti-inflammatory. Mango butter, coconut, and bananas are rich in vitamin A and potassium.”
Fable and Mane’s hair oiling products contain the same ingredients found in their grandmother’s kitchen. (Supplied)
…and becomes a ritual
“We wanted to make sure these ingredients with proven hair benefits coupled with the act of massage. When you massage your roots and scalp, you increase blood circulation. This kickstarts the anagen phase of the hair cycle, the hair growth phase because you’re delivering the essential nutrients and oxygen to the scalp.” The next time we’re in the midst of a Netflix binge, we’ll be reaching for our oils to start our hair oiling routine as opposed to reaching for our 🍿.
“Growing up, while putting oils onto our scalp and roots, our grandmother would massage our scalps. It was always a meditative moment and it felt good. Today, it’s a moment for yourself. Hair health is part of our overall ecosystem and it’s connected to our mindsets and diets too. That’s why we put out mantras and other non-hair-related content with Fable and Mane. It reflects the holistic approach to the way we live.”
Try this first
For anyone who hasn’t oiled their hair before (personally, we’re guilty AF), start with Fable and Mane’s Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil. “It’s designed to be washed out and doesn’t make hair feel oily or greasy.”
Via @fableandmane Instagram
Simply apply oil to dry, parted hair. Take a few deep breaths and massage the oil into your roots. Leave the oil on anywhere from five minutes to overnight for best results. Simply wash your hair to remove the oil and feel satisfied to know you’re one day closer to your own luscious locks.
Fable and Mane are available for purchase at Sephora Middle East.