Silken Strands: cherished hair care traditions in Southeast Asia

Often referred to as a woman’s crowning glory, hair has long received significant attention in most cultures, with hair care rituals and traditions constantly evolving and adapting to suit modern times. In Southeast Asia, hair care traditions may have waned in popularity due to the abundance of modern products, but many women still practice some of the most time-tested practices.

Many traditions involve botanical oils, herbal infusions, and other specialised treatments designed for cleansing, conditioning, stimulating growth, and protecting the hair against environmental damage.

“Hair care has always been an important aspect of women’s personal grooming in Southeast Asia, where the relationship between a woman and her crowning glory is both ancient and profound,” Emi Singh, brand manager for a popular hair care range, told Thai PBS World. “Hair care traditions are based on centuries-old practices that are a unique blend of natural ingredients, holistic health philosophies and beauty rituals.”

Traditional practices include regular oil massages that help improve blood circulation and nourish the hair follicles. “Herbal powders mixed with water also serve as natural cleansers – gently cleaning the hair while maintaining moisture and scalp health,” she added.

Oriental wisdom

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the hair is considered an extension of the health of the kidneys and liver. “Hair loss or dullness is a sign of underlying system imbalances, so treatments target overall wellness alongside topical remedies. Chinese hair care emphasises the role of diet and lifestyle in hair health,” Emi explained.

Japanese hair care rituals, on the other hand, are known for purity and balance. “The most iconic traditional remedies include the use of Camella oil, extracted from the seeds of the camella flower. Another is tsubaki oil, which has been used for centuries by Japanese women to condition hair, add shine, and protect it from damage,” adds Tokyo journalist Alma Sato, pointing to the practice of washi. “This is a gentle scalp cleansing technique that uses fine wooden combs and clean water to massage the scalp and remove impurities without stripping natural oils. It promotes circulation and

maintains the hair’s natural moisture balance.”

Early Korean women, on the other hand, appreciated the legacy of ginseng and traditional herbal baths. “Ginseng was commonly blended into hair tonics, scalp treatments, and shampoos in Korea to enhance circulation and invigorate the scalp. It was also believed to help reduce hair loss and fight scalp damage. They also used herbal rinses to cleanse the scalp, soothe irritation, and provide protection. Soaking the hair and scalp in warm herbal water was a common practice,” Emi continued.

Regional traditions

For centuries, women in the Southeast Asian region have used rice water to maintain lustrous and healthy hair. The practice has been passed down through generations, although the number of those doing it is now dwindling.

“The practice involves using the liquid, produced from soaking or fermenting rice in water, as a rinse. Southeast Asian women believed that rice water helps in strengthening the hair, improving elasticity, and promoting hair growth. I have been told that rice water used for hair care and treatment is still quite common in some parts of Thailand,” Emi continued.

Thailand and Vietnam have a wealth of traditional hair care remedies that emphasise natural, locally sourced ingredients. One of the most iconic is coconut oil, widely used for its moisturising, antimicrobial, and strengthening properties.

“Coconut oil is typically applied as a pre-wash treatment to reduce protein loss in hair strands, helping maintain strength and shine. It also serves as a scalp conditioner, preventing dryness and flakiness. In many communities, coconut oil is combined with other botanicals like lemongrass, turmeric, and tamarind to create herbal pastes or oils that enhance hair texture and combat dandruff. Herbal powders made from rice bran, hibiscus flowers, and moringa leaves are ground and mixed into pastes that nourish the scalp and promote hair growth,” she continued.

In the Philippines, the practice of using a traditional shampoo called gugo, which is extracted from the bark of a large woody vine, is becoming rarer, although many women still attest to its benefits.

“Traditionally, the bark is soaked in water and produces a rich lather, just like a shampoo, when rubbed onto the scalp. It is still used by a few people as an alternative to commercial shampoos, as it helps in strengthening the hair strands, preventing hair fall, and ensuring a healthy scalp. But the process of getting and using gugo is making the practice rarer,” Emi explained.

Also common in the region is the use of coconut oil as an overnight hair treatment or as a hair mask.

“Modern trends easily set certain old traditions aside. But we need to be reminded that these traditions are rooted in a deep understanding of our environment and how it affects our cultural values and beliefs. There is so much to learn from these ancient practices,” Emi concluded.

(This story is part of a series about the vanishing cultural traditions in Southeast Asia.)