In a world flooded with commercial hair products, the women of rural Pakistan still rely on natural and time-tested desi remedies to maintain thick, long, and healthy hair. Unlike urban women who often face hair damage due to heat styling, pollution, and chemical shampoos, rural women especially in Punjab, Sindh, and KP use herbal and organic ingredients that have been passed down through generations. This article explores authentic desi hair care rituals from Pakistani villages that are not only affordable but also extremely effective.
1. Mustard Oil (سرسوں کا تیل) – The Liquid Gold of Desi Hair Care
One of the most widely used oils in rural households is mustard oil, locally known as sarson ka tail. It is known for:
- Stimulating hair growth
- Warming the scalp in winter
- Fighting dandruff and dryness
Most women apply mustard oil at night and wash it the next morning using herbal cleansers like retha or multani mitti. This weekly ritual is especially popular in rural Punjab.
Tip: Slightly warm the oil before application for better absorption.
2. Retha (ریٹھا) – The Natural Shampoo
Before modern shampoos were introduced, rural women used retha (soapnut) to cleanse their hair. This traditional method still thrives in villages.
Here’s how it works:
- Retha is soaked overnight.
- It is boiled and then mashed to form a thick liquid.
- This liquid is used to wash hair instead of chemical-laden shampoos.
It cleans the scalp deeply, removes oil, and adds natural shine without stripping hair of its moisture.
3. Amla & Shikakai – The Growth Combo
Village women often make a paste or infusion of amla (Indian gooseberry) and shikakai. These herbs are rich in:
- Vitamin C (from amla) for hair strengthening
- Natural saponins (from shikakai) for cleansing
This combination helps with hair fall control, faster growth, and fewer split ends. It is often used as a pre-wash mask or sometimes even dried, powdered, and added to oil infusions.
4. Weekly Hair Mask from Kitchen Ingredients
Rural women don’t rely on store-bought masks. Instead, they prepare DIY desi masks with easily available ingredients:
- Egg + yogurt + mustard oil – for protein nourishment
- Fenugreek (methi) paste – to reduce dandruff
- Aloe vera gel from home-grown plants – for moisture and scalp healing
These masks are often applied early in the morning and kept on for 1–2 hours before washing.
5. Combing & Braiding Techniques
One of the simplest but most effective rituals is daily combing with wooden combs (Neem combs) and tight braiding before sleep. It:
- Prevents hair breakage
- Reduces frizz
- Promotes scalp blood circulation
In many villages, it’s common to see women braiding each other’s hair in a community-like setting, making it a social as well as self-care ritual.
6. Seasonal Practices
Rural women change their hair care routines based on weather:
- In summer: They use sandalwood water, rose water, or tulsi-infused rinses to cool the scalp.
- In winter: They oil more frequently with mustard or desi ghee, and cover their hair with scarves to avoid dryness.
Such seasonal adaptations are rarely discussed in mainstream beauty blogs.
7. Zero Heat, Zero Chemicals
Unlike city lifestyles, rural women avoid blow-dryers, straighteners, and harsh coloring chemicals. Their hair is allowed to dry naturally under shade.
This natural approach avoids:
- Heat damage
- Protein loss
- Premature greying
Many village women maintain their natural black or brown hair well into old age with minimal greying.
8. Herbal Smoke Treatment (Dhooni)
In certain remote regions of Sindh and Balochistan, an ancient and lesser-known hair care practice is still followed—called “Dhooni” or herbal smoke treatment. This ritual involves burning specific herbs and natural resins to produce aromatic smoke, which is then passed through the hair and scalp. The herbs commonly used include:
- Camphor (Kafoor) – known for its antifungal and cooling properties
- Neem leaves (Neem ke Patte) – a natural antibacterial and lice-repellent
- Frankincense (Loban) – used for its calming aroma and scalp-cleansing effect
- Dry turmeric root, dry rose petals, and sandalwood shavings – sometimes added for their fragrance and soothing qualities
The process is often carried out in a clay pot or iron bowl, where the herbs are slowly burned. A light cloth or dupatta is used to trap the smoke around the hair, allowing it to penetrate the scalp for several minutes. This method is particularly beneficial in:
- Eliminating lice and nits
- Reducing scalp infections and dandruff
- Strengthening hair roots
- Reducing excess oil without drying the hair
Apart from the therapeutic benefits, the Dhooni ritual is also seen as a spiritual and purifying act, often performed on special occasions like post-nikkah, childbirth, or as a part of weekly hygiene. Elder women believe it also wards off evil eye (nazar) and refreshes the aura.
In today’s fast-paced urban life, such traditions are fading, but they offer chemical-free, natural alternatives to scalp treatments and deserve to be preserved and revived.
FAQs
Q: Can urban women follow these rural hair care tips?
A: Yes, these remedies are easily adaptable in cities. Just ensure you buy organic or unprocessed herbs/oils.
Q: Where can I buy retha or shikakai in Pakistan?
A: Local pansar stores, organic stores, and online marketplaces like Daraz or HumMart often stock these items.
Q: How often should I oil my hair using mustard oil?
A: 1–2 times per week is recommended for optimal results.