Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Embraces Childhood Hair Oiling Rituals Amid Hollywood Fame
Long before social media trends and viral beauty hacks dominated the scene, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan learned the art of hair care in a traditional South Asian way. As a child, she sat patiently while elders massaged warm oil into her scalp. Now at 24 years old, with a demanding filming schedule and global recognition, this simple ritual remains a steadfast part of her life.
In fact, Ramakrishnan clings to this practice even more tightly today. She shared these thoughts in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine. The Never Have I Ever star traced her connection to hair oiling back to her early years. During childhood, beauty meant genuine care rather than following fleeting trends.
A Lifelong Practice Rooted in Habit
"There has never been a time in my life when I did not know about hair oiling," Ramakrishnan told PEOPLE. "Growing up South Asian, your life as a young child revolves around taking care of your skin, looking after your hair, and ensuring you eat good, healthy foods."
This foundational upbringing clearly influences how she treats her hair now. Ramakrishnan oils her hair twice every week before washing it. On days when her hair feels dry or lacks energy, she applies a light amount of oil just to the ends. Her approach is practical, straightforward, and deeply rooted in habit rather than hype.
Starring in a Campaign That Honors Heritage
Best known for playing Devi Vishwakumar on Netflix's hit series Never Have I Ever, Ramakrishnan also serves as the face of South Asian haircare brand Fable & Mane's 2026 global campaign. The campaign is titled Where All Rituals Begin: From Ancient Lands to Modern Hands.
Filming took place entirely in India, with Ramakrishnan as the sole star and narrator. For her, this project was much more than just another photoshoot. It represented a significant personal milestone.
"It was my first time visiting Mumbai, which felt really cool and beautiful," she said. "I truly enjoyed the collaborative process with Fable & Mane. Together, we created this story and narrative about a girl making oil from all the natural elements surrounding her."
Connecting Beauty Rituals to Ayurvedic Wisdom
The campaign film shows Ramakrishnan gathering natural herbs, moving through forests and rivers, and crafting oil by hand. These visuals reflect a deeper message she hopes audiences will grasp. Beyond the imagery, the campaign acknowledges Ayurveda, the South Asian system of holistic wellness that has shaped beauty practices for countless generations.
"These ancient rituals have been used through generations," Ramakrishnan explained. "They have proven to be some of the best cores and foundational bases for haircare, skincare, and overall wellness."
She also addressed how such traditions have often been overlooked or dismissed outside their cultures of origin. "For the longest time, Ayurveda was seen as something not legitimate or 'scientific' enough for the Western world. But there is substantial truth to it. Now that the Western world is catching up, it sometimes seems they want to embrace the practices while discarding the original creators."
Ramakrishnan's journey highlights the enduring value of cultural rituals. Her story bridges ancient wisdom with modern life, reminding us that some traditions deserve to be celebrated and preserved.
