Bucket List: Bali & Nourishing Homemade Hair Mask

Como Shambhala Bali Estate

A little island that has been on my bucket list for many years now is Bali. Search for yoga & wellness retreats on the internet and you'll get at least 20 entries for this "heaven on earth" as yogis, surfers, hippies and world travelers call it. And it's such a shame I've never been there given how close I am (in a geographical and philosophical sense). Despite my meditational efforts, I often become jealous whenever friends or family brag about traveling there, participating in a cleansing yoga retreat, fun surf camp or re-enerizing spirit festival.


Well, I guess there is a time for everything...que sera sera... and I truly believe that Bali and I are destined to meet soon. And when this happens, I'd like to stay one night or two in the epitome of wellness retreats: the Como Shambhala Estate in Ubud.

This super-luxurious health & spa resort is situated in Bali's lush jungle next to the Ayung River, a 15-minute drive inland from Ubud. If the secluded location in the middle of the rainforest is not relaxing enough for you already, there are Ayurveda doctors, yoga masters, nutritionists, energy healers as well as private butlers who help you to let go completely. No surprise really that the Como has won numerous spa and travel awards.

When looking at their spa menu, I'm immediately drawn to their Ayurvedic therapies. I've always wanted to experience an authentic Shirodhara treatment where the therapist pours a steady stream of warm oil onto your forehead - could there be anything more relaxing than an Indian head massage while listening to nature's sounds?

Well, back to reality. There is actually a similar satisfying spa treatment we can enjoy at home. Here's my easy recipe for a homemade nourishing Ayurvedic hair mask to improve the health of your scalp and to let go of any tensions:

Here's what you'll need (for 1 homemade hair treatment):

• 10ml of Argan Oil (also known as Moroccan oil, this is the most nourishing oil for your hair)
• 5 drops of Rosemary essential oil (lovely, energizing scent and known as hair tonic)*
• Comb
• Towel

*When using Essential Oils, please check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or suffer from any illnesses

Mix the Argan oil with the Rosemary essential oil in a small bowl or fill into a bottle.  Place the bowl / bottle in hot water to warm up the oil blend. By using the pads of your fingers, apply small amounts of the oil blend onto your dry hair and scalp. Work from the top of your head to the tips of your hair until everything is covered with oil. Then gently massage your scalp with your finger pads in circular motions. Apply some of the oil onto your forehead and massage your temples for total relaxation.

Then, use the comb to spread the oil evenly on your hair. Take the towel and dip it into the hot water, wring it out and wrap it around your head.  Sit back and relax for 30 minutes, letting the oil blend do its magic work. Use a mild shampoo to rinse off. 

Enjoy this nourishing homemade hair treatment once per week for shiny and healthy hair. Let me know your feedback after you've tried it!