If you’ve ever struggled with dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, you’re not alone. Many face these issues due to environmental factors, harsh chemical treatments, and heat from styling tools. However, incorporating hair oil into your styling routine can be a game changer.
Hair oil is an essential component of a healthy hair routine. It nourishes and strengthens the hair from the roots to the tips. In my experience, learning how to use hair oil effectively brings out the best results. Consistent application ensures that your hair remains robust and grows steadily.
What is “Hair Oiling”?
Hair oiling is an ancient practice recommended in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It involves pouring oil onto the hair and massaging it into the scalp to increase moisture, luster, and shine. This technique not only softens the hair but also replenishes essential vitamins and minerals that are often stripped away with frequent washing.
Despite what you might think, oiling can be beneficial even for those with an oily scalp. The key is to apply a generous amount of a warm, non-overheated oil—using methods like a bain marie to gently warm the oil in a glass container. Spread the oil evenly from the scalp through the strands to the ends, and let it sit for several minutes before washing it out. This process can reduce hair loss and maintain the health and vibrancy of your Treasure, with some experts advocating its effectiveness across various hair types.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAIR OILING?
By incorporating the practice of ‘’Hair Oiling’’ into your hair care routine, you will get various benefits to your Twisty Treasure! Let’s have a look
Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Using hair oil significantly benefits your hair, promoting healthy growth and making it healthier, stronger, and longer. The oil penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes it from within. Moreover, many hair oils contain natural ingredients that enhance blood circulation in the scalp, helping to further stimulate growth.
Reduce Hygral Fatigue
Oiling your hair regularly plays an important role in protecting it from regular wear and tear. This routine helps reduce hygral fatigue, which involves the swelling and drying of hair. By doing so, the oils effectively protect the follicle from surfactants by filling the gap between cuticle cells.
Prevents Hair Breakage
Hair breakage is a frustrating problem, especially when trying to grow your hair. Fortunately, using hair oil can help prevent breakage by strengthening the hair shaft and providing it with essential nutrients it needs. Oils like argan and coconut are excellent choices for preventing breakage.
Nourishes and Moisturizes the Hair
Hair oil is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural way to nourish and moisturize your hair. Natural hair oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants that help make the hair more resilient. For instance, argan oil is a popular hair oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids which moisturize and nourish the hair, leaving it shiny and healthy.
Reduces Frizzness
Frizz can be a pesky problem for those with curly, wavy, or chemically treated hair. Using hair oil helps manage frizz by adding moisture to the hair and creating a protective barrier. Oils like almond and coconut oil are excellent for reducing frizz and taming flyaways.
Which Oil should You Use?
Choosing which oil to use should depend on your hair needs. Different kinds of oils offer different vitamins and benefits. With direct application, these oils can help strengthen the shaft of the hair. Before applying any oil to your scalp, it’s worth testing for an allergy. Do a patch test before a full treatment. Popular types of hair oil have specific qualities; each oil has unique properties, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is commonly used as a hair oil, especially in South Asia. It is prized for its principal fatty acid, lauric acid, which has a high affinity for hair protein. This allows it to bond with the protein and easily penetrate the hair shaft, making it one of the best oils to reduce protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair.
Argan Oil
Argan oil, a popular hair oil derived from the nuts of the argan tree, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help nourish and protect the hair from damage, making it beneficial for all hair types, especially dry or damaged hair. It works wonders to improve the hair’s texture, shine, and elasticity.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a natural emollient that helps the hair retain moisture, adds slip and smoothness, and makes detangling easier. It also reduces friction that can lead to breakage. Rich in vitamins B, K, and E, almond oil is lighter in weight than sesame oil but slightly thicker than coconut oil, make it a superb option for nourishing the hair and supporting hair growth.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that is similar in composition to the natural oils found in the scalp, making it suitable for all hair types. It helps to moisturize the hair, reduce dandruff, and prevent breakage. This oil is particularly beneficial for oily hair as it can regulate oil production.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is not just a staple in kitchens; it’s also beneficial for your hair. It’s especially good for dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, helping to improve the hair’s texture, shine, and manageability. Rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants, it helps to nourish and protect the hair from damage.
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?
Ayurveda recommends oiling your hair almost daily as part of a daily routine, though this is only realistic for someone. A practical approach is to oil your hair twice a week, ideally the night before you plan to wash it. If leaving oil overnight isn’t possible, try oiling your hair an hour before you bathe, and wrap your head with a hot towel to extract some nutrition from the oil quickly.
The frequency depends on your hair type and needs: Most people find that oiling once a week is a good starting point. However, dry or damaged hair types may benefit from more frequent treatment, while oily hair types may choose to oil once a month or only before special occasions.
How to Use Hair Oil
Hair oil can be a versatile addition to your daily hair care and styling routine. The amount of oil used should depend on the length of your hair. For shorter styles, just 1-2 drops is a good starting point. Longer styles may require three or more drops to cover thoroughly.
Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Applying hair oil before shampooing can help nourish and strengthen your hair, protecting it from moisture loss during the shampooing process. For an effective pre-poo treatment, apply the oil from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then shampoo, condition, and style as usual. Alternatively, you can oil your hair the night before washing it to allow the oil to work its magic overnight.
Pre-Blow dry Treatment
Using hair oil before blow drying can help prevent frizz, add shine, and enhance smoothness. To apply, simply apply the hair oil from the mid-lengths to the ends of your damp, freshly washed hair. Then blow dry your hair as usual, using a round brush for added smoothness and lift at the roots.
Last Step in Your Styling Routine
Hair oil is commonly used as the last step in your styling routine to add moisture, shine, and eliminate frizz. Apply a small amount of hair oil to your hair after styling, focusing on the ends and any other areas that tend to frizz. A tiny drop can also be used to smooth down any flyaways.
Refresh Your Hair Between Wash Days
To extend the time between washes, hair oil can be a great way to freshen your style and add moisture. Applying a drop or two to your hair, especially focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, will help revive your hair and add shine.
Creating a Healthy Hair Oiling Routine: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose the Right Hair Oil
When selecting the perfect oil for your hair oiling routine, consider your hair type, hair texture, and scalp condition. I’ve found that coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil are top picks, each with unique properties and benefits that really help in achieving your hair goals. It’s crucial to pick an oil that aligns with your specific concerns for a truly healthy treatment.
Step 2: Preparing for Hair Oiling
Ensure your hair and scalp are clean and free from styling products or buildup before applying the hair oil. Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage and allow the oil to penetrate the strands effectively.
Step 3: Application Techniques
For hair oiling, the scalp massage technique is highly effective. Parting your hair into sections, apply a small amount of oil to your fingertips and gently massage the scalp in circular motions. This stimulates the hair follicles, promotes blood circulation, and ensures even distribution of the oil.
Step 4: Applying Oil to the Hair Strands
After massaging the oil into your scalp, take a small amount of oil, rub it between your palms, and apply it evenly to the lengths and ends of your hair. This technique helps to nourish and protect the hair shaft, preventing dryness and breakage.
Step 5: Leave the Oil for Optimal Results
To maximise the benefits of hair oiling, leave the oil on your hair for a sufficient period; ideally, anywhere from one to two hours or even overnight, depending on your preference. Cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a towel to avoid staining your pillowcase or clothes.
Step 6: Shampoo and Condition
After the desired duration, wash the oil out of your hair. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove the oil effectively. Then, follow up with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and seal the hair cuticles.
Conclusion
A healthy hair oiling routine can significantly promote hair health, nourishment, and vitality. By following step-by-step guidelines to establish a routine that suits your hair type and needs, you’ll find the right oil, apply it effectively, and leave it on for optimal results. Consistency and patience are key to seeing improvements. Over time, you’ll notice the benefits of this simple yet effective self-care practice. Regular oiling helps to prevent damage from pollution and chemicals in shampoo, increase moisture, luster, shine, and aid in preventing hair loss.
FAQs
What is the best oiling routine for hair growth?
Brushing and combing your hair gently helps prevent tangling before you apply the oil. Take a pea-sized amount of oil in your hand and massage it into the ends of your hair. Leave the oil in for 20 minutes to an hour, then wash it out as desired. This simple routine can greatly benefit your hair’s health and growth.
How often should I oil my hair for growth?
Once or twice a week, or whenever you’ve decided to add it to your routine, treat yourself to a nourishing scalp oil massage. This helps in promoting hair growth and maintaining a healthy scalp.
Can oiling increase hair growth?
Using hair oils can naturally enhance your scalp health and boost hair growth. A blend of essential and carrier oils, combined with a regular treatment routine, can make your hair stronger, longer, and healthier.
How many hours is enough for oiling hair?
It’s recommended to leave oil on your hair for a maximum of 8-12 hours, depending on your hair type and individual needs. For dry or damaged hair, leaving the oil overnight can give better results. Just make sure to wash it out thoroughly in the morning.
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