From nourishing the scalp to promoting hair growth, hair oiling is a practice accepted globally by many for its magical effects. As professionals, one question that often revolves around the subject is ‘How and when to use hair oils effectively?’. We are aware that plenty of options and techniques are available nowadays. Choosing the right oil and technique from it may seem like a daunting task. Through this blog, we are answering all of your questions in detail enabling you to understand the right approach to maintaining healthy hair and scalp.
So, what exactly is hair oiling? Hair oiling is the technique of massaging the scalp with oils to lock in moisture, providing structure and strength to your hair. Replenishing your hair with proteins that may have been lost while washing, oil massage also aids in the growth of softer yet stronger hair.
What are the benefits of hair oiling?
Hair oiling is an excellent technique to nourish not just your hair but your scalp too. Let's take a deeper look at the benefits offered by hair oiling.
- Nourishment and moisturization: The oils applied topically on the scalp penetrate the roots of the hair, and fill the gap between cuticle cells to provide better nourishment. It also locks in moisture on the scalp by regulating sebum production protecting hair and scalp from issues like dryness and dandruff.
- Strengthening properties: Apart from promoting hair growth, hair oiling prevents hair breakage and split ends as well. When oil is applied to the lengths of hair, the risk of hair damage caused by hairstyling is reduced. The fatty acids in oils replace the lipids in the hair that protect against environmental stressors.
- Stress relief: Hair oiling and massages act as stress busters that effortlessly relax you. For this purpose, you can even replace your normal hair oil with essential oils.
- Locks in effects of treated hair: Hair oiling is a great way to maintain the health of your treated/colored hair. Oils cover the strands of hair by sealing in the moisture. Wait for a few days before oiling your treated hair and use a lightweight oil like argan oil.
- Sun protection: The hair can get dry and frizzy when exposed to the sunlight. To protect your hair from breakage and heat damage, oiling can be a great choice as it retains moisture in the hair.
According to Ayurveda, oiling your hair regularly brings excellent results in a short time. If you don't want to oil your hair every day, try oiling it at least twice a week, ideally the night before or an hour before washing it. This will help the nutrients will enter the scalp more easily.
Choosing Natural Hair Oils for Healthy, Strong Hair
Before applying hair oil, choosing the right oil is a crucial step that you can’t miss. Experts recommend natural oils to avoid any irritation caused by chemicals. However, a variety of natural hair oils are available in the market today. Selecting the right oil for your hair depends upon the needs of your hair as each oil is composed of different vitamins and proteins.
India is home to a variety of natural oils that are perfect for hair care. The following oils can be used to improve the health of your hair easily with lesser risks of irritation:
- Coconut oil: Suitable for all hair types, virgin coconut oil is the most common hair oil used today. Comprised of a fatty acid called lauric acid, this lightweight oil bonds well with hair proteins and penetrates deeply into the scalp providing natural protection.
- Sesame oil: Reducing the frizziness and breakage of hair, sesame oil smoothens both the scalp and hair. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the oil prevent conditions like dandruff.
- Almond oil: Almond oil contains a range of vitamins including Vitamin B, K and E. Along with vitamin B, vitamin E in the oil lowers oxidative stress and promotes hair growth. This oil suits all hair types but works magic on dry and brittle hair prone to breakage.
- Bhringraj oil and amla oil: With their cooling effect on the scalp and hair, both Bringaraj and Amla oils reduce dryness on the scalp and hair and strengthen them.
- Argan oil: Argan oil/ Moroccan oil has Vitamin A, C, E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids in high amounts which conditions and strengthens the hair.
- Moringa oil: Commercially called behen oil, Moringa oil contains oleic acid which provides moisturization to dry and frizzy hair.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a solution that works well on thick, dry, and damaged hair. Enriched with anti-oxidants like Vitamin E, olive oils not only condition your hair but make your hair appear shiner too.
- Jaborandi oil: Derived from a herb belonging to the sunflower family, Jaborandi oil nourishes the dry scalp, supports hair growth, and prevents premature grays. It also keeps the hair moisturized and protects it from damage.
Note: Before using any oil or product, always do a patch test to rule out any irritation. A gentle scalp massage will ensure better absorption of the oil on the scalp.
Effective Hair Oiling Tips for Healthy, Lustrous Hair
- Identifying the hair type: Before oiling your hair, it is crucial to understand what type of hair you have. The common hair types include dry hair, damaged hair and oily hair. Understanding this will help you choose the right hair oil.
- Check for ingredients: Do not blindly follow any recommendations. Hair texture differs from person to person and you need an oil that suits your hair. Avoid hair oils that contain sulfates, parabens, silicones, and mineral oil as ingredients. These may cause hair breakage and clogged pores resulting in acne.
- Go for an all-natural oil: All-natural hair comes with exceptional qualities and is free of chemicals, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, etc which are harmful to the hair. With the help of plant phenols and botanical ingredients contained in it, all-natural hair oils provide strong UV protection making them a gentler and healthier choice.
- Apply the right amount of oil: When it comes to hair oiling, the less is better. Apply enough oil to cover your scalp and hair. Warming the oil before application will help in deeper penetration into the roots.
- Do not tie your hair tight: Combing and tying your hair tightly after oiling leads to hair breakage. The cuticles are opened up while oiling and you are at losing hair if pulled strongly.
Pre-Shampoo Hair Oiling: A Quick Boost
Oiling Hair Before Shampoo
Oiling your hair before shampooing, also known as pre-shampoo hair oiling, is a quick and effective method. The application of oil to the hair should be done atleast 30-60 minutes before shampooing to get best and effective results. 30-60 minutes prior application gives certain benefits that are mentioned below:
- Oiling before shampooing provides better nourishment to your hair. The nutrients penetrate the hair and scalp moisturizing them.
- Hair, composed of proteins(keratin), may lose its natural proteins when exposed to various environmental aggressors. Oil creates a protective barrier around the hair and scalp preventing protein loss.
- The chemicals in the shampoo may strip off hair of its moisture resulting in dry and frizzy hair. Pre-shampoo oiling retains moisture on the hair even after shampooing.
- When oil is applied before washing the hair, the chances of breakage and split ends are also reduced as nutrients and proteins are added to the hair.
Overnight Hair Oiling: Deep Nourishment
Applying hair overnight can give you healthy, conditioned, and moisturized hair if you are facing issues related to dry scalp and frizzy hair. However, this method is not recommended for people with oily scalps as it leads to cough, cold and headaches.
Overnight hair oiling benefits on dry and damaged scalp include:
- Better absorption is guaranteed if you leave the oil in your hair for longer periods. This allows the ingredients such as fatty acids in the oil to reach and act at better levels.
- Deeper hydration is another common advantage of this oiling method. The emollient properties of the oil lock in moisture in both hair and scalp reducing dryness. This will give you conditioned hair.
- The overnight hair oiling method gives better coverage ensuring better hair protection from sun and hair styling products as well.
- Oil gives better effects when left overnight on the hair and scalp as ample amounts of time for rejuvenation and restoration are given.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Apply Hair Oil Effectively
Following the right steps for oiling, You will achieve great effects. Here is how:
- Step 1: Warm the oil of your choice. For beginners, coconut oil or almond oil is a great option to start with. Make sure you are not over-applying the oil.
- Step 2: Heat the oil slightly before application to ensure effective penetration into the roots.
- Step 3: Detangle the hair before oil application with a wide-toothed comb. Divide the hair into sections and apply the oil evenly on the scalp and lengths of the hair.
- Step 4: Massage the oil gently with fingertips in a circular motion to the scalp for about 5-10 minutes to allow better absorption.
- Step 5: Leave the oil on for at least 30-60 minutes. For better conditioning, you can leave the oil overnight too. While doing overnight oiling, cover your pillow to prevent staining.
- Step 6: Use a mild, chem-free shampoo to wash your hair. This will rinse your hair ensuring that hair is not stripped of proteins.
Traditional Indian Hair Oiling Techniques and Secrets for Healthy Hair
The idea that hair oiling causes more hair fall is one of the most widespread myths about it. Yes, if not done properly on a dirty scalp, it might have poor effects on hair. Oiling on dirty scalp clogs the pores resulting in weaker roots and a higher risk of scalp issues.
Traditional Indian hair care involves various methods and practices to enhance the benefits of hair oiling. Choosing a suitable oil for your hair may have a positive impact on its strength and growth. Maintaining the balance of the doshas, the dynamic energies vata (space and air), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water) affect hair’s health as well. It is one of the holistic hair care suggestions offered by Ayurvedic practices. These energies respond to a person’s thoughts, emotions and actions. Typically, vata hair is thin, brittle, and dry. Pitta hair is delicate and silky but prone to premature graying. Kapha hair is thick, oily and prone to dandruff. With the help of the right hair oil, the age-old practice of hair oiling captures the essence of natural beauty and holistic well-being, transforming hair into a healthy and shinier version.
Head massages were considered an integral part of the technique in the early days as the head was considered the home to all sense organs and nervous systems. Along with hair and head, the neck and shoulders were also massaged. This not only provided relaxation but also improved blood circulation. Along with hair oiling, a healthy, balanced diet was also followed in the early days that included food rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Key Takeaways
A good hair oil contains a lot of nutrients and hence, natural hair oils are suggested by experts. Based on your hair type, you can choose the oil that suits your hair and scalp. This will moisturize hair, and reduce frizz, dryness etc. In particular, for those with sensitive skin, certain oils might cause allergic responses, redness, itching, and irritation of the scalp. To prevent any type of irritation, a patch test is essential.
The ideal time to oil your hair is entirely dependent upon your hair’s individual needs. Although pre-shampoo oiling is an easy option to achieve quicker results, overnight oiling guarantees deeper care for your hair. Following the traditional and correct techniques, hair oiling can bring excellent results to your hair. Understand and practice the right hair oiling techniques to keep your hair healthier, shinier and stronger.
