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Oiling the hair is something that most people do regularly. We have inherited this practice from our mother and grandmothers. Hair oil massage promotes the growth of healthy hair and is beneficial in maintaining healthy hair and problem-free scalp. Natural oils such as castor oil, coconut oil and olive oil have been used for ages for oiling the hair. No matter how long you have been doing this, you should always stay up-to-date on the latest best practices.
We will discuss how to oil your hair and when to oil the hair so that you can reap its maximum benefits.
What Is Oiling?
By hair oiling we mean, using oil on your hair and massaging it into the scalp to increase the moisture level of your hair and scalp, enhancing the texture of the hair and promoting hair growth. Regular hair washing can cause hair to lose vitamins and minerals, which can be replaced by hair oiling. It nourishes your hair and strengthens the hair shaft by fortifying the hair follicles with vital nutrients. Dry scalp conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can be prevented by oiling your hair regularly. It helps to tame frizz by reducing hair dryness.
Oiling your hair is an age-old Ayurvedic practice. Many people now use hair oiling to maintain their hair's vibrancy and health. Experts believe it may even help reduce hair loss. When it comes to oiling your hair, there are many techniques, and you can use any oil that's right for your hair type and condition.
Here’s A Step By Step Guide To Oiling Your Hair!
Applying oil to the hair is a process that should be done gently; otherwise, you may end up breaking a lot of hair during hair oiling and washing. You should be aware of how to apply hair oil and the best time to oil your hair to harness its hair care benefits. Oil treatments can benefit your hair and scalp in many ways. Let's discuss the step-by-step process of how to apply oil to your hair.
1. Choose A Hair Oil Depending On Your Hair Type & Hair Concern
Make sure you choose a hair oil that is suitable for your hair type and scalp condition. If you have curly hair, go for heavy oils such as castor oil to tame hair dryness and frizz. Similarly, if you have an oily scalp, choose the light hair oil which gets absorbed into the scalp without making it greasy.
Also Read : Best Natural Oils For Curly Hair
2. Warm The Oil
Before proceeding with oil massage, warm the oil. Heating the oil ensures better oil absorption into the scalp and hair shaft.
3. Apply The Oil Evenly On Your Hair & Scalp
Before applying oil to your hair, part your hair into 4 sections and then apply the hair oil from the root towards the tip. Apply the warm oil to your scalp and massage gently in a circular motion. Hot oil massage improves blood circulation and relieves dry and itchy scalp conditions. Improved blood circulation promotes the growth of healthy hair.
4. Massage Gently With Fingertips
Apply hair oil evenly on your hair and scalp and massage gently with fingertips for 5-10 minutes. Massaging the scalp with fingertips enhances blood circulation and helps you to relax.
Also Read : Hot Oil Massage for Hair - Benefits and How To Do
5. Wrap With A Warm Towel
Wrap your hair in a warm towel to facilitate better absorption of the oil into the hair and scalp. It also helps to seal the moisture inside the hair shaft and scalp.
6. Wash It Out Well
Rinse it off well with a mild shampoo and condition your hair to add luster, shine and softness to your hair.
Hair Oiling Mistakes To Avoid
- While oiling your hair, ensure that you do not rub your hair vigorously, or else your hair may break, causing hair loss.
- Applying oil to your hair without detangling your hair can also lead to hair breakage.
- Leaving hair oil for too long can lead to fragile hair, which is more prone to breakage. Moreover, it can also lead to the accumulation of dirt and dust on your scalp and hair, leading to various hair care issues.
- Layering the hair with other hair care products without washing it properly can lead to product buildup on your hair and scalp.
- Avoid combing the hair post oiling your hair.
- Avoid using too much hair oil, as in the case of hair oil- a little goes a long way.
What Is The Best Time To Apply Hair Oil?
The best time to oil your hair, according to Ayurveda, is Night Time so that you can give the hair oil more time to absorb into the hair and scalp. Better absorption of the oil into your scalp means better nourishment to the hair, thus improving the texture and appearance of your hair. According to experts, Instead of leaving overnight, some people prefer leaving the oil on their head for 2-3 hours which would also be sufficient for nutrient absorption in the scalp. It would be best to be mindful of the quantity of oil you apply to your hair and scalp. Too much oil can do more harm than good to your scalp and hair.
What Are The Best Oils To Apply To Your Hair?
The oil you apply to your hair depends on your hair care needs. Hair oils are great for restoring dry, damaged hair and promoting growth and healing. Here are some of the best oils to apply to your hair:
1. Coconut Oil For Hair
Experts recommend coconut oil for hair growth and for improving the texture of your hair. Coconut oil is rich in essential fatty acids that nourish and hydrate your scalp and hair. It is high in vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair growth. Its healing property aids in repairing and healing damaged hair.
Also Read : Coconut Oil for Preventing Hair Loss - How Does it Work
2. Castor Oil For Hair
The great haircare properties of castor oil are effectively utilized in many hair treatments. Castor oil for hair is one of the best natural oils that is beneficial in managing your dry, frizzy curls. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which is an excellent conditioner. It improves blood circulation, due to which castor oil promotes hair growth, and improves the elasticity of your hair, thereby reducing hair breakage.
JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL, COLD-PRESSED ORGANIC, 100ML
- Popular and natural oil for hair health &growth
- Helps fight the signs of ageing skin
- Omega-9-rich Jamaican Black Castor Oil is popular for beard growth and care.
- Promoting thickness, length &growth of eyebrows & eyelashes
3. Argan Oil For Hair
Argan oil is also known as Moroccan oil. It is rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It also protects hair from damage. Because of its rich golden color, argan oil is often called "liquid gold".It protects the hair from UV rays and is beneficial for hair damage due to excessive exposure to styling tools and hair products. Argan oil for hair is used to protect hair from heat damage and external aggressors and for reviving your dull and lackluster hair.
MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL, COLD PRESSED ORGANIC, 100ML
- Great for CURLY HAIR & FRIZZY OR DRY HAIR.
- Regulates sebum and controls ACNE BREAKOUTS.
- Vitamin E & anti-oxidant rich – combats the SIGNS OF AGEING.
- Hydrates NAILS & LIPS
4. Olive Oil For Hair
Another versatile oil derived from the pressing of olives is known as olive oil. It is known for its moisturizing and protective properties. Olive oil forms a protective barrier on the hair shafts and shields keratin. When combined with lemon juice, olive oil has dandruff-fighting and exfoliating properties. Its conditioning property makes your hair silky and soft, adding bounce to your hair. Extra virgin olive oil is considered best for your hair as it is rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals, protecting your hair from further damage.
Always choose an oil depending upon your hair type and hair concern.
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?
According to Ayurveda, oiling your hair should be done every day. Due to increased pollution levels and artificial hair products, oiling your hair daily can lead to unwanted dirt and products building up on your hair and scalp. This can lead to hair loss, clogging the pores of your scalp. Using oil daily on your hair and scalp may require shampooing. This could be problematic for people with dry hair or other scalp conditions. Limiting your hair oiling sessions to two to three times per week is best.
How Much Time Should You Keep Oil In Your Hair?
In Ayurveda, keeping oil on your hair overnight is recommended to allow better penetration of the hair oil into the hair shaft. However, people who do not want to keep oil on their hair overnight can apply oil on the hair and scalp, let it rest for 1-2 hours and then wash it off.
Oiling hair is a concept most of us are aware of, especially if you come from a south Indian family! But what a lot of us might miss out on is how and when to apply the oil to your hair to achieve the best results. Not anymore! Now you know how it’s done, let your healthy hair grow wild, free and healthy!
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