The Weekly Oil Bath (Ennai Kuliyal): How To Do It Right

Once a week, before the sun gets strong, generations of Tamils have warmed a small bowl of oil, massaged it from head to toe, waited, and washed it off with shikakai or green gram flour. This is ennai kuliyal, the oil bath.

Which oil?

Gingelly (nallennai) is the traditional choice for the body and scalp because it is warming and absorbs well. Coconut oil is preferred by many for hair alone, especially in hot months. Some families mix the two.

Step by step

1. Warm 50–100 ml of oil gently – it should feel pleasantly warm, not hot.
2. Start with the crown of the head. Part the hair and apply to the scalp with fingertips in small circles for 5–10 minutes.
3. Work down the neck, shoulders, arms, back, legs and soles of the feet. Take your time – the massage is the point.
4. Wait 30 to 45 minutes. Sit somewhere warm; avoid a fan directly on you.
5. Wash with shikakai powder, green gram (paasi payaru) flour or a mild herbal powder. Use warm water. Rinse the body first, then the hair.
6. Dry the hair naturally. Avoid heavy meals immediately afterwards; a light, warm lunch is traditional.

Common mistakes

• Using too much oil – you should not be dripping.
• Leaving oil on overnight in humid weather, which can attract dust and cause scalp irritation.
• Washing with very hot water, which strips the skin.
• Doing an oil bath when you have a cold or fever – traditionally avoided.

Use a pure, unrefined oil. Scented “hair oils” often contain mineral oil and fragrance, which defeat the purpose. A bottle of Chekku Nallennai or Chekku Thengai Ennai is all you need.