Spa Therapies Of Indonesia
Creme Bath:
Before commercial shampoo was available, Indonesian women used sticky gel from crushed hibiscus leaves and coconuts to keep their locks soft and shiny. The coconut provided thick milk for conditioning, washing, and massaging while its lighter milk was suitable for rinsing and conditioning. In a Mandi Kepala (creme bath hair treatment), the therapist first applies conditioner liberally before massaging the hair section by section. Different ingredients may be used to treat different hair conditions – for instance, henna is used to nourish dry or treated hair, avocado for dry stands, and candlenut to achive glossy locks. The shampoo treatment may sometimes include a stress-relieving head and neck massage to stimulate the scalp and soothe sore shoulders. This treatment is guaranteed to soften locks, strengthen follicles and give extra shine.
The following creme bath remedy by Thalasso Bali at the Grand Mirage Resort is particularly suitable for dry hair.
Thalasso Bali Creme Bath:
Ingredients: 5oz / 150g fresh aloe vera; 1/2 cup moisturising cream with vitamin E; 3 drops jasmine essential oil; 3 drops chamomile essential oil.
Peel the aloe vera and discard the skin. Blend the aloe vera until it becomes a thick paste. Transfer it to a bowl and add the moisturising cream and essential oils. Mix thoroughly by hand. Apply the creme bath to the roots of the hair and massage in hard circular motions. Slowly move to the tips and continue to massage. If possible, steam the hair to help it absorb the creme bath.
