Thick, Silky Hair in 3 Minutes (My Pre-Workout Pilates Ritual)
No expensive treatments needed
If your hair looks dull, frizzy, or dry this 3-minute ritual will change that.
As a Pilates instructor, I get asked about my hair more than my workouts:
“How is it so shiny and thick?”
The answer isn’t expensive products or long routines.
It’s this:
Before every workout, I massage a blend of amla and rosemary oil into my scalp.
Three minutes.
No heat.
No heavy styling.
This simple pre-gym ritual:
• Reduces frizz
• Boosts shine
• Makes hair look fuller
• Protects ends from dryness
It works especially well for:
• Damaged hair
• Wavy hair
• Dry or porous hair
In Indian culture, hair oiling isn’t just about beauty - it’s a ritual of care, patience, and nourishment. Passed down from my mother and grandmother, this small habit has strengthened my roots, added shine, and kept my hair thick and healthy without complicated routines.
Here’s exactly how I do it…
Fable and Mane Holi Roots, Base Lift Hair Oil, Sahajan Hail Oil, Aimike Scalp Massager
How I Do It: My 3-Minute Routine
Choose Your Oil
Base Lift Hair Oil: when I lived in London the hard, lime-scale causing water did a number on my otherwise fuss-free hair. It led me down a path of finding the best hair oil to mollify the damage. I discovered Base Lift Root-To-Tip Hair Oil which incorporates both amla and rosemary (plus the nozzle design is targeted for convenience). I’ve been loyal to them even though I’ve moved to NYC and have to pay the international shipping and duties. It’s worth it - it’ll still cost less than expensive hair growth treatments at the derm.
Other options: unfortunately Base Lift does sell out sometimes (because it’s that good) so as a back up I have Fable and Mane and Sahajan. Both contain amla and the scent is intoxicating.
Massage Your Scalp (3 Minutes!)
I section my hair down the center and apply the oil directly to the scalp starting with the crown of the head
Using my fingertips or a scalp massager, I massage in small circles for 3 minutes working my way out of the crown and to the sides
Then I massage any excess product into the ends of my strands and tie my hair back
Workout & Wash
After my session (usually 30-50 min), I wash my hair with a double shampoo to remove excess oil. I keep a scalp massager in the shower and use it while shampooing.
Conditioner goes on the ends only
Repeat Consistently
Twice a week is all it takes to see silkier texture in weeks and thicker, healthier growth over months.
Why This Works
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): this is the ultimate ingredient used for thousands of years by Indian women. It’s rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps strengthen hair follicles, reduces breakage, and promotes thicker growth.
Rosemary Oil: modern research supports what herbalist have known for centuries - rosemary stimulates circulation in the scalp, supports new growth, and adds natural shine. Notably, a 2015 study found rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil (Rogaine) in promoting hair growth for those with androgenetic alopecia PubMed.
Scalp Massage: massaging your scalp increases blood flow and nutrition to the follicles. Beyond hair, it’s soothing, grounding, and a small moment of self-care to look forward to.
Thick, silky hair doesn’t require hours, expensive treatments, or complicated routines. Just 3 minutes, twice a week, with a little intention and the right oils, and your hair (and mind) will thank you.