Hair oiling is an essential component of a healthy hair care routine. The practice of massaging oil into your scalp and down the length of your strands has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to maintain perfect hair. And it’s no wonder. Your hair health is directly related to your skincare, and just the way you nourish the skin on your face with ingredients like vitamin E and antioxidants, you need to nourish your scalp. Hair oiling has tons of perks for your hair and scalp, like preventing dryness and breakage, taming frizz, and aiding hair growth. No matter your hair type or texture, oiling your hair regularly will give you healthier, stronger strands. If you’re ready to add hair oiling to your routine, listen up. Because we’re telling you everything you need to know about how to oil your hair and the benefits of oil for your hair and scalp. And it’s all ahead.
Hair oiling effectively requires understanding your hair's structure and specific needs. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping scales. The cuticle protects the inner layers of the hair and maintains its overall health. Hair follicles as the tiny structures in the scalp from which hair grows. The health of follicles directly influences the quality and strength of hair. The hair shaft is composed of the cortex, medulla, and cuticle layers. The condition of the hair shaft determines factors like elasticity and texture. So what does hair oil do? Applying oils can help moisturize and seal the cuticle, preventing dryness and promoting a smoother, shinier appearance. The nutrients present in oils, especially those with vitamin E and antioxidants, can penetrate the scalp, nourishing the follicles and encouraging healthier hair growth. The key factors affecting hair health include-
Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and key to maintaining hair health. The nourishing benefits of these acids contribute to the health of the hair follicles and the overall shine of the hair.
Proper blood circulation promotes nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. Good blood flow can enhance hair growth and prevent issues like hair loss and breakage.
It’s important to choose the best natural oils based on your individual hair needs and preferences. These are some of our favorite hair oils and their benefits.
Coconut oil is best for managing dry and damaged hair. Known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, and provide deep moisturization, its antibacterial properties can also benefit scalp health.
Olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants and fatty acids. Its moisturizing properties reduce frizz and promote overall hair health. Olive oil’s lightweight nature makes it suitable for many hair types.
Avocado oil is a nutrient-rich oil containing vitamins A, D, and E, giving it the ability to strengthen hair, combat dryness, improve hair texture and provide a shine. It’s best for those with sensitive scalps.
Almond oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it suitable for all hair types. Its high vitamin E content and nourishing properties help promote hair growth, reduce hair fall, and address issues like dandruff.
Argan oil is a highly moisturizing oil rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. Argan oil can improve hair elasticity, reduce split ends, and add a lustrous shine. It also plays a role in reducing heat damage.
Castor oil is known for its hair-strengthening properties. It’s high ricinoleic acid content and potential to stimulate hair growth makes it perfect for addressing issues like hair thinning, and breakage, and promoting thicker hair.
Jojoba oilis lightweight and has balancing properties that make it perfect for both oily and dry hair care routines. It helps regulate sebum production and moisturize without buildup, contributing to a healthier scalp.
Rosemary oil has stimulating properties that improve circulation and promote a healthy scalp. It contributes to hair growth, reduces dandruff, and enhances overall hair health. Not to mention, the oil’s invigorating scent!
Peppermint oil is renowned for its refreshing and invigorating properties in hair care. Its menthol content provides a cooling sensation, making it ideal for soothing an itchy scalp. Peppermint oil also stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth, and its antimicrobial qualities can contribute to a cleaner and healthier scalp.
According to Ayurvedic practice, hair oiling should be a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience. The hair massage technique used can amplify the benefits of your chosen hair oil, promoting relaxation and optimal absorption. Hair oiling is a personalized experience to address specific concerns and all hair types. Experiment with blending different oil blends based on your hair’s needs. For example, mix coconut oil for deep conditioning, almond oil for strength, and rosemary oil for scalp stimulation. Once you decide on your oil, follow this step by step breakdown of how to oil your hair.
Warm the oil mixture slightly before application for better absorption. Warm oil opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the nutrients to penetrate more effectively.
Divide your hair into manageable sections. Use clips or ties to secure sections not being worked on, preventing a mess, and ensuring a thorough application process.
Massage the oil into your scalp in circular motions. This stimulates blood circulation and ensures the oil reaches the hair follicles for maximum nourishment.
Apply it down the length of your hair, paying extra attention to the ends. This helps in preventing split ends and maintaining overall hair health.
How long should you leave oil in your hair? This depends on your hair’s individual needs. We recommend shorter durations for a quick treatment and longer durations for a more intensive session. Finding a balance between ensuring the oil stays on long enough to be effective but not so long that it becomes challenging to wash out.
Use a shower cap to trap heat, intensifying the conditioning effect. This also prevents the oil from dripping and creating a mess. For a spa-like experience, wrap a warm towel around the shower cap to enhance the warmth and effectiveness of the treatment.
Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo for washing out the oil. It’s important to thoroughly rinse to prevent any residue buildup. One of the best stylist tips is a final rinse with lukewarm to cool water to be sure all of the oil is removed without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
If you’re ready to add hair oiling into your hair care routine, there are a few things to keep in mind. Consistency is key when it comes to long-term results and maintaining optimal hair health. So how often should you oil your hair? The frequency of your oiling depends on your hair type and specific needs. Experiment initially and adjust the frequency based on how your hair responds. These tips will help you on your hair oiling journey.
Start by exfoliating your scalp to remove dead skin cells before oiling. This enhances the absorption of the oil. Then detangle your hair to evenly distribute and prevent excessive pulling and breakage during the oiling process.
It’s important to use a mild shampoo when washing out the oil to cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Follow up with a conditioner, focusing on the hair lengths and ends. This helps in maintaining moisture balance post-oiling.
The benefits of a consistent and thoughtful hair oiling routine go beyond immediate effects. Hair oiling contributes to long-term hair health, growth, and styling possibilities. Let’s take a look at some more of the benefits of oiling the hair.
Regular massage of the scalp enhances blood circulation, promoting nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Plus, nourished hair is less prone to breakage, contributing to longer, stronger hair over time.
The vitamins and nutrients in the oils penetrate the hair shaft, providing essential nourishment and balancing sebum production, preventing the scalp from becoming too oily or too dry.
The conditioning properties of oils contribute to smoother hair cuticles, reducing frizz and making styling more manageable. well-moisturized hair reflects light better, resulting in a natural shine. This added luster enhances the overall appearance of styled hair.
The strengthening properties of certain oils, such as castor oil, can help prevent hair loss by fortifying the hair shaft and reducing breakage. the role of oiling in maintaining a healthy scalp, which is crucial for preventing conditions that may contribute to hair loss.
If you’re not oiling your hair regularly, it’s time to add it to your hair care routine. It has tons of perks for your hair and scalp, no matter your hair type or texture. Follow our guide and use only high quality hair oils. All our formulas are free of harmful toxins, use many natural ingredients, and are made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact.
by Morgan Hanson, featured contributor
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