Locks, Legacy, and Love: Meet the 88-Year-Old Reviving a 150-Year-Old Recipe

At 88 years young, Bengaluru’s Nagamani, affectionately known as Mani aunty, is the proud founder of Roots & Shoots, a hair oil brand steeped in tradition and history. Using a recipe that is over 150 years old, this magical hair oil has proven to reduce hair fall and promote healthy growth, winning the hearts of many.

A 150-Year-Old Secret That Transformed Lives
When Nagamani was just 24, she faced severe hair fall. A 60-year-old friend from Mysore shared a special hair oil formula, assuring her it would work wonders. Determined, Nagamani sourced the rare ingredients and prepared the oil herself. Within a month, she noticed a remarkable reduction in hair fall and even saw new hair growth. This miraculous recipe has now stood the test of time for over a century and a half.

For decades, Mani aunty shared her handmade oil with friends and family, who were quick to praise its effectiveness. Despite their encouragement to start a business, she prioritized caring for her husband and two daughters. It wasn’t until her late 60s, three years after losing her husband, that Roots & Shoots was born. Starting with a few salon owners in Bengaluru, the brand gained recognition when it partnered with A Hundred Hands, a non-profit trust, to showcase the product at exhibitions. Each batch of the oil sold out instantly, proving its popularity.

The Art of Crafting Perfection: Behind Roots & Shoots
The creation of Mani aunty’s hair oil is a labor-intensive process. The base is coconut oil, enriched with four special seeds, including methi. Two of the seeds are rare and sourced from Himachal Pradesh. These seeds are hand-pounded and blended with the oil, which is left to infuse under the sun for six weeks. This natural, unheated process gives the oil its unique qualities.

“We make the oil just once a year because it depends heavily on the weather. Two workers assist with hand-pounding, and every batch is entirely handmade,” explains Achala, Mani aunty’s daughter, who helps manage the business. Despite their careful production, they manage to sell 60-70 liters of oil during peak periods, primarily to women in Bengaluru. Loyal customers spread the word, and some bottles have even made their way abroad!

Each 300 ml bottle is priced at Rs 600, reflecting the cost of premium ingredients and the meticulous process. Despite high demand, Mani aunty and Achala prioritize quality over scaling up, focusing on preserving the recipe for future generations. They have never spent a penny on marketing, relying solely on word-of-mouth recommendations.

Preserving Tradition and Inspiring Generations
Mani aunty’s life is a testament to resilience and determination. After losing her elder daughter and battling cancer, she found strength in her work. Achala calls her mother a superstar: “She’s determined, courageous, and never afraid to speak her mind. I’m proud to be her partner and friend.” Beyond the business, Mani aunty has diverse interests, from cooking and cricket to music. She has even recorded two Kannada albums.

While the duo waits for sunny weather to prepare the next batch of their magic oil, customers can find Roots & Shoots hair oil at Fresh Earth Organics and Ambara boutique in Bengaluru. They also take orders via their Facebook page. However, once the current stock is sold out, the next batch won’t be available until early August 2022.

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