Ikal Mayang

Mayang is the sheathed blossoms of the coconut or areca palm. In Wan's opinion, oat-like strands of heavy full blooms resemble small braids...Jamaican style.

Can you see the golden palm blossoms dangling up there? Imagine draping them on your head for a natural wig...chuckle*

As the blossoms develop into red seeds, this bunch still looks like curly braids, dyed red.

It is said princesses of the Malay world are renowned for their long, glossy and silky hair. Their secret? A hair treatment ritual which involves regular application of coconut oil combined with spices. The name of this hair beautifying process is-- ikal mayang. Hmmm I thought coconut oil makes the hair of their royal highnesses shiny and NOT curly. There are quite a few indigenous tribes whose hair is genetically as curly as palm blossoms without the help of coconut oil, though!

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