Think back to your childhood, and chances are some of your earliest beauty memories will take you right back home. To familiar faces, little rituals and the people who first introduced you to the idea of caring for yourself. There’s something comforting about revisiting those rituals every once in a while. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of it all, or the way they remind us of a simpler time, when life felt less complicated and even the smallest things sparked our curiosity.
The best part is that many of these rituals have stayed with us over the years, evolving alongside our routines while retaining the familiarity that made them so special in the first place. Ahead, Team Tira revisits five childhood beauty rituals that continue to find a place in our lives today.
"Sunday mornings at home were almost always reserved for a champi with dadi. She'd warm up the oil, patiently massage it into my scalp and work it through every strand, making sure she didn't miss a spot. It was our little Sunday tradition, and something I always looked forward to. Back then, I probably didn't realise just how special those moments were, but they've stayed with me all these years. Even today, whenever I find the time for a good champi, it takes me right back to those mornings. It's still one of my favourite ways to unwind and give my hair some extra care."
Purva Indulkar, Editorial
"I remember sneaking into my mom's vanity to borrow her kajal whenever I got the chance. There was something fascinating about watching her line her eyes so effortlessly before heading out, and I was always amazed at how one simple product could bring her entire look together. Naturally, I wanted to try it for myself. I'd carefully trace my waterline, trying to recreate what I'd seen her do countless times. Looking back, that was probably my first real introduction to makeup, and much like it was for so many of us, it became the beginning of a lifelong beauty ritual. All these years later, kajal is still one of the first things I reach for when doing my makeup."
Pragati Namdev, Studio
"Fruity lip balms were probably my first beauty obsession. I remember being drawn to the colourful twist-up tubes, delicious scents and the little hint of colour they left behind. There was something so exciting about picking out a new flavour, and I'd always have at least one tucked into my school bag, ready for a quick swipe between classes. I'd reapply it throughout the day, sometimes just because I loved the scent so much. While my collection has certainly grown since then, my love for lip balms hasn't changed one bit. I still instinctively toss one into every bag I own, and chances are you'll find a few more lying around my desk."
Rhea Bhandari, Social
"Aloe vera has been a part of my beauty rituals for as long as I can remember. My mother would cut a fresh leaf, scoop out the gel and generously apply it to our skin and hair, especially after we'd spent entire afternoons playing outside in the sun. It was always her go-to whenever our skin needed a little soothing, and I grew up associating aloe vera with that instant feeling of freshness and comfort. Over time, it became one of those habits I naturally carried into adulthood. I may not always reach for a fresh leaf anymore, but I still love using aloe-based products, particularly during hot and humid weather when my skin could do with something cooling and lightweight."
Janhavi Vyas, Retail
"Whenever there was a wedding or a family celebration coming up, haldi would inevitably make its way into our beauty routine. My mother would mix turmeric and besan into a homemade face pack, insisting we apply it before the big day. I remember those little skincare sessions becoming just as much a part of the preparations as picking out our outfits. At the time, it was simply something we did together, but looking back, those moments made the occasions feel even more special. It's lovely to see how turmeric, an ingredient I grew up using at home, has found its way into so many modern skincare formulations. Even now, whenever I spot it in a face mask, serum or moisturiser, I can't help but feel a little nostalgic."
Shivani Bokka, SiteOps
Traditional Indian beauty rituals such as champi (hair oil massages), applying kajal, using aloe vera and incorporating turmeric into skincare remain popular today. Many of these practices have been passed down through generations and continue to influence modern beauty routines.
A champi involves massaging oil into the scalp and hair, helping distribute moisture, soften strands and encourage relaxation. Regular scalp massages can also be a comforting way to unwind while caring for your hair.
Turmeric has long been used in Indian skincare, particularly in homemade ubtan preparations and pre-wedding haldi rituals. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is now commonly found in face masks, serums and moisturisers designed to support healthy-looking skin.
Aloe vera is valued for its hydrating and soothing properties. It can help calm skin that feels dry or uncomfortable, while aloe-based hair products can provide lightweight hydration. Its refreshing texture also makes it a popular ingredient in skincare routines during hot and humid weather.
Start by revisiting familiar ingredients and practices in ways that suit your current needs. A weekly hair oil massage, a swipe of kajal, a nourishing lip balm or skincare products formulated with aloe vera and turmeric can bring a touch of nostalgia to your everyday routine while offering practical beauty benefits.
"Sunday mornings at home were almost always reserved for a champi with dadi. She'd warm up the oil, patiently massage it into my scalp and work it through every strand, making sure she didn't miss a spot. It was our little Sunday tradition, and something I always looked forward to. Back then, I probably didn't realise just how special those moments were, but they've stayed with me all these years. Even today, whenever I find the time for a good champi, it takes me right back to those mornings. It's still one of my favourite ways to unwind and give my hair some extra care."
Purva Indulkar, Editorial
"I remember sneaking into my mom's vanity to borrow her kajal whenever I got the chance. There was something fascinating about watching her line her eyes so effortlessly before heading out, and I was always amazed at how one simple product could bring her entire look together. Naturally, I wanted to try it for myself. I'd carefully trace my waterline, trying to recreate what I'd seen her do countless times. Looking back, that was probably my first real introduction to makeup, and much like it was for so many of us, it became the beginning of a lifelong beauty ritual. All these years later, kajal is still one of the first things I reach for when doing my makeup."
Pragati Namdev, Studio
"Fruity lip balms were probably my first beauty obsession. I remember being drawn to the colourful twist-up tubes, delicious scents and the little hint of colour they left behind. There was something so exciting about picking out a new flavour, and I'd always have at least one tucked into my school bag, ready for a quick swipe between classes. I'd reapply it throughout the day, sometimes just because I loved the scent so much. While my collection has certainly grown since then, my love for lip balms hasn't changed one bit. I still instinctively toss one into every bag I own, and chances are you'll find a few more lying around my desk."
Rhea Bhandari, Social
"Aloe vera has been a part of my beauty rituals for as long as I can remember. My mother would cut a fresh leaf, scoop out the gel and generously apply it to our skin and hair, especially after we'd spent entire afternoons playing outside in the sun. It was always her go-to whenever our skin needed a little soothing, and I grew up associating aloe vera with that instant feeling of freshness and comfort. Over time, it became one of those habits I naturally carried into adulthood. I may not always reach for a fresh leaf anymore, but I still love using aloe-based products, particularly during hot and humid weather when my skin could do with something cooling and lightweight."
Janhavi Vyas, Retail
"Whenever there was a wedding or a family celebration coming up, haldi would inevitably make its way into our beauty routine. My mother would mix turmeric and besan into a homemade face pack, insisting we apply it before the big day. I remember those little skincare sessions becoming just as much a part of the preparations as picking out our outfits. At the time, it was simply something we did together, but looking back, those moments made the occasions feel even more special. It's lovely to see how turmeric, an ingredient I grew up using at home, has found its way into so many modern skincare formulations. Even now, whenever I spot it in a face mask, serum or moisturiser, I can't help but feel a little nostalgic."
Shivani Bokka, SiteOps
Traditional Indian beauty rituals such as champi (hair oil massages), applying kajal, using aloe vera and incorporating turmeric into skincare remain popular today. Many of these practices have been passed down through generations and continue to influence modern beauty routines.
A champi involves massaging oil into the scalp and hair, helping distribute moisture, soften strands and encourage relaxation. Regular scalp massages can also be a comforting way to unwind while caring for your hair.
Turmeric has long been used in Indian skincare, particularly in homemade ubtan preparations and pre-wedding haldi rituals. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is now commonly found in face masks, serums and moisturisers designed to support healthy-looking skin.
Aloe vera is valued for its hydrating and soothing properties. It can help calm skin that feels dry or uncomfortable, while aloe-based hair products can provide lightweight hydration. Its refreshing texture also makes it a popular ingredient in skincare routines during hot and humid weather.
Start by revisiting familiar ingredients and practices in ways that suit your current needs. A weekly hair oil massage, a swipe of kajal, a nourishing lip balm or skincare products formulated with aloe vera and turmeric can bring a touch of nostalgia to your everyday routine while offering practical beauty benefits.


"Sunday mornings at home were almost always reserved for a champi with dadi. She'd warm up the oil, patiently massage it into my scalp and work it through every strand, making sure she didn't miss a spot. It was our little Sunday tradition, and something I always looked forward to. Back then, I probably didn't realise just how special those moments were, but they've stayed with me all these years. Even today, whenever I find the time for a good champi, it takes me right back to those mornings. It's still one of my favourite ways to unwind and give my hair some extra care."
Purva Indulkar, Editorial
"I remember sneaking into my mom's vanity to borrow her kajal whenever I got the chance. There was something fascinating about watching her line her eyes so effortlessly before heading out, and I was always amazed at how one simple product could bring her entire look together. Naturally, I wanted to try it for myself. I'd carefully trace my waterline, trying to recreate what I'd seen her do countless times. Looking back, that was probably my first real introduction to makeup, and much like it was for so many of us, it became the beginning of a lifelong beauty ritual. All these years later, kajal is still one of the first things I reach for when doing my makeup."
Pragati Namdev, Studio
"Fruity lip balms were probably my first beauty obsession. I remember being drawn to the colourful twist-up tubes, delicious scents and the little hint of colour they left behind. There was something so exciting about picking out a new flavour, and I'd always have at least one tucked into my school bag, ready for a quick swipe between classes. I'd reapply it throughout the day, sometimes just because I loved the scent so much. While my collection has certainly grown since then, my love for lip balms hasn't changed one bit. I still instinctively toss one into every bag I own, and chances are you'll find a few more lying around my desk."
Rhea Bhandari, Social
"Aloe vera has been a part of my beauty rituals for as long as I can remember. My mother would cut a fresh leaf, scoop out the gel and generously apply it to our skin and hair, especially after we'd spent entire afternoons playing outside in the sun. It was always her go-to whenever our skin needed a little soothing, and I grew up associating aloe vera with that instant feeling of freshness and comfort. Over time, it became one of those habits I naturally carried into adulthood. I may not always reach for a fresh leaf anymore, but I still love using aloe-based products, particularly during hot and humid weather when my skin could do with something cooling and lightweight."
Janhavi Vyas, Retail
"Whenever there was a wedding or a family celebration coming up, haldi would inevitably make its way into our beauty routine. My mother would mix turmeric and besan into a homemade face pack, insisting we apply it before the big day. I remember those little skincare sessions becoming just as much a part of the preparations as picking out our outfits. At the time, it was simply something we did together, but looking back, those moments made the occasions feel even more special. It's lovely to see how turmeric, an ingredient I grew up using at home, has found its way into so many modern skincare formulations. Even now, whenever I spot it in a face mask, serum or moisturiser, I can't help but feel a little nostalgic."
Shivani Bokka, SiteOps
Traditional Indian beauty rituals such as champi (hair oil massages), applying kajal, using aloe vera and incorporating turmeric into skincare remain popular today. Many of these practices have been passed down through generations and continue to influence modern beauty routines.
A champi involves massaging oil into the scalp and hair, helping distribute moisture, soften strands and encourage relaxation. Regular scalp massages can also be a comforting way to unwind while caring for your hair.
Turmeric has long been used in Indian skincare, particularly in homemade ubtan preparations and pre-wedding haldi rituals. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is now commonly found in face masks, serums and moisturisers designed to support healthy-looking skin.
Aloe vera is valued for its hydrating and soothing properties. It can help calm skin that feels dry or uncomfortable, while aloe-based hair products can provide lightweight hydration. Its refreshing texture also makes it a popular ingredient in skincare routines during hot and humid weather.
Start by revisiting familiar ingredients and practices in ways that suit your current needs. A weekly hair oil massage, a swipe of kajal, a nourishing lip balm or skincare products formulated with aloe vera and turmeric can bring a touch of nostalgia to your everyday routine while offering practical beauty benefits.