Before hair oiling was a trend, it was a sacred ritual passed from mother to daughter, nani to granddaughter. Every home had its own scent and every family their own blend.

My nani taught me to oil my hair long before “self-care” became a hashtag. She lived through partition and loss, yet chose love, art and us. Kanu is a tribute to her and to the quiet, powerful femininity of South Asian women. This isn’t just about hair, it’s also about our roots. Oily hair, turmeric-stained hands, cardamom in the air. Not shame but memory, magic and pride.

We grew up apologizing for the things that made us whole. Now, we reclaim them.