How to Oil Your Hair Properly? – Best practices and mistakes to avoid

How to Oil Your Hair Properly? – Best practices and mistakes to avoid

Oiling hair is something we don’t take seriously or if we do, not something we do consciously. Most of the time, people do it habitually or out of tradition or rituals. But do we even think about the logic or science behind it? 

Our head is like a land only where the crops grow out. Now, think about it: if the soil is not fertile enough or does not get the enough nutrition to help it stay fertile or make it more fertile, the crop will not grow the way you expected, and you may lose it.

The same story happens with the hair. In our busy lives, we forget about taking care of our scalp and hair, but we all like to have shiny, bouncy, and healthy hair. Don’t you? But, swear on your head, do we care enough for it? Most of you don’t. Not intentionally but reason doesn’t matter.

Let’s understand today why we should apply oil to hair, what the best way is, what kind of oil we should use, and many other questions you may have. 

Why Should We Apply Oil to Hair?

Our body is made in such a way that it produces many of the necessary things by its own, naturally. But, our lifestyle has grown so much with artificial products and busy schedules that these natural cycles break down often and can’t produce what they need.

Biologically, our scalp itself produces sebum, a kind of natural oil to nourish our hair and scalp, but our exposure to frequently changing and harsh weather, unwanted frequency of hair wash and trial and error to many styling products, strip away this natural oils and make our scalp dry that invites some issues like dandruff and itching. Along with our scalp, the soil where our hair grows, our hair strands need hydration and nourishment to make them strong and super shining. 

Now, we have disturbed the natural oil-producing cycle, knowingly or unknowingly. We need to nourish our hair with oil from the outside, and that’s why we need to apply oil to our hair and scalp to keep them healthy. It is not out of tradition or habit, but it’s a necessity if we want healthy hair for a longer span of time.

Right Way to Apply Oil to Hair

The appropriate method of oil application on your hair can make a world of difference regarding its effectiveness. These are the right ways of applying oil on your hair:

1. Separate Your Hair:

Divide your hair into portions that you can handle before applying any oils. This ensures that there is even distribution and also makes the process easy. You may use clips for keeping each section separate.

2. Warm It Up:

Heat the oil slightly before applying it to your hair. This will help increase its viscosity, enabling easier spreading and penetration into the shafts of hair. 

3. Gently Rub:

Using circular motions, apply pressure with fingertips and move all over your scalp so as to rub in the oil gently toward the direction of growth. On the one hand, massaging leads blood flow towards the scalp, hence promoting the absorption of the oil better and enhancing crop growth. When covering the scalp entirely, make sure drier parts or those with high rates of dandruff aren’t left out.

4. Target the Ends:

After applying oil to the scalp, run the remaining amount through hair lengths, putting more emphasis on tips. As a result, ends frequently lack moisture and are prone to injury; thus, they derive immense benefits from the moisturizing qualities present in oils.

5. Leave It Overnight:

For maximum results, let it stay overnight on your head since this way, it gets proper penetration through both strands and skin, nourishing them within. At least cover it using shower cap/towel so that no patches are left behind once the morning comes for shampooing softly with a mild cleanser.

6. Wrap Your Hair:

If you do not want to spend long hours wearing oils or pressed by time constraints, then after that, put an oily substance over your head, wrap around the towel, which should be warmed up initially. Covering would open cuticles thanks heated fabric hence permitting deeper penetrations by oils. Apply the normal routine of washing hair but before that, towel stays on for about half an hour.

7. Use a Comb:

Following oil application, wide-toothed combs should be utilized to distribute oils evenly over your tresses. This ensures that no strand remains without oil coverage, thereby averting dryness and breakages.

Tips to Follow While Applying Oil to Hair:

While you are applying oil to hair, there are some tips you must keep in mind, including what kind of hair oil you must opt for and some things you must do and some you don’t. Let’s check them out quick.

Choose the Right Oil for Your Hair:

The kind of oil depends on the kind of hair that you have

  • Coconut Oil: Dry, damaged hair and dandruff-prone scalp benefit from this coconut oil.
  • Argan Oil: Frizzy hair and sensitive scalp love it.
  • Jojoba Oil: Oily scalps that constantly break should try this one.
  • Almond Oil: Suitable for people with fine hairs and dry scalps
  • Castor Oil: When it comes to promoting hair growth along with treating split ends

Do’s:

  • Conduct a patch test to determine if there are any allergic reactions before using a new oil.
  • Keep your head covered with a towel or cap to avoid soiling your pillowcase with oil stains.
  • Add oiling your hair into your weekly routine; it is worth the effort in the long run.

Don’ts:

  • Do not apply oils on dirty hairs because they will lock dust inside.
  • Never leave it on too long because this may lead to product build up and scalp issues
  • Don’t expect instant outcomes but be consistent so that you can see improvements in your hair’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying Oil to Hair

How often should you apply oil to hair?

According to Ayurveda, applying oil to hair should be your daily routine, but if it is not feasible, then once or twice a week is an ideal frequency.

What is the best time to apply oil to hair?

The best time to apply oil to hair is quite subjective, depending on your current hair condition and the type of hair and scalp. Ideally, you should apply it overnight to give the oil enough time to nourish your scalp and hair. Still, asking the hair experts for your specific hair type is advisable.

Can I microwave hair oil to warm it up?

No, ideally, you should not. Microwaved hair oil kills all the nutrient. The best way to warm it up is to put the oil container in hot water and let it warm up.

How long should you leave the oil on your hair before washing?

Ideally, you should leave it for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the wash, but if your hair is too dry or the issue is chronic, then it is advisable to leave it overnight and then apply gentle washing.

Should I apply oil to wet or dry hair?

It is advisable to apply oil to dry hair as this allows it to absorb more oil and its nutrients, giving it a healthy life.

Conclusion:

Applying hair oil is a must if you dream of healthy hair. The only thing is that you need to choose the right oil and apply it to hair in the right way. Still, if you think you are doing it right and still facing a problem or you are confused about how to make it more appropriate for your hair type and specific issue, feel free to connect with our hair experts now.

Author

Ilesh Khakhkhar

Author

Ilesh Khakhkhar is the Founder & Managing Director of UBIK Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a leading cosmeceutical company in India. Starting from humble beginnings in 2003 with Ethicare Remedies, Ilesh has expanded his influence across the dermatology industry with multiple ventures including Ethinext Pharma and My Derma Store.

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