Hair oil: How to and when to oil hair, and its benefits

Oiling the hair is an ancient tradition passed down through generations. Besides strengthening the hair, nourishing the roots, and preventing dryness, oiling also helps improve sleep quality and keeps the mind calm.

Applying oil to hair is a process in itself. You need to know how to oil hair properly and the best time to apply hair oil to maximize the benefits. 

Not knowing when to oil your hair or how to apply oil for hair growth will cause more harm than good to your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to oil hair properly to avoid breakage or damage to hair follicles.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Oil Hair Properly

1. Choose the Right Oil: 

The first and foremost step is understanding your hair type and choosing the right oil. Pick a light oil if you have a greasy scalp, or use heavy oils for dry scalp and hair. Adding a few drops of essential oil to your scalp can promote hair growth and add strength to your tresses.

2. Heat the Oil: 

Moderately warm the oil before applying for deeper penetration. Heating also helps seal the hair cuticles and keeps the scalp moisturized. While heating the oil, care should be taken so that the oil is just warmed and is not heated to a high temperature. 

3. Apply the Oil: 

Before applying warm oil to the hair, please ensure the oil is not too hot. Apply only when you are sure that the oil will not burn your scalp. Once ready, part your hair into smaller sections and apply oil from roots to tips. Continue this for the entire scalp until it is spread uniformly.

4. Massage with Fingertips: 

Massaging the oil on your scalp for 10-15 minutes gently boosts blood circulation and helps in relaxing. Using your fingertips, massage in circular motions covering the entire scalp.

5. A Warm Towel: 

Wrap your well-oiled hair with a warm towel, as it helps in deeper penetration and seals the moisture. This also helps rejuvenate dry and damaged hair.

6. Wash it Well:  

Wash it off with a mild shampoo, using regular or cold water to rinse your hair. Wash your hair well to ensure all oil traces are removed. Otherwise, your scalp will start attracting dirt.

Things to Avoid while Oiling Your Hair

1. Leaving Oil for Too Long: 

Wash your hair after 2-3 hours of application. If you leave the oil for more than eight hours, it tends to collect dirt and leaves your hair with excess grime.

2. Other hair products: 

After oiling, avoid layering your hair with other hair products till you wash it.

3. Avoid combing immediately: 

Post oiling, the hair is fragile. It is best to avoid combing immediately after an oil massage, as it can lead to hair breakage.

Applying too much oil: Do not use too much oil. Less is more. If you use more oil, more shampoo will be required to remove it. And the application of more shampoo can lead to loss of natural hair moisture, resulting in dull and dry hair.

FAQs

Q1. When should you apply hair oil?

Ans. The best time to apply hair oil is when your hair and scalp are clean. Otherwise, the oil will not get absorbed. You can massage oil when your hair is damp.

Q2. How can you apply oil for hair growth? 

Ans. Hair growth is not magic. For oiling to support hair growth, the oil needs to be applied and massaged correctly on a regular basis so that it can provide the essential nutrients.

Q3. Should you apply oil to hair every day?

Ans. Applying oil every day means you need to shampoo your hair every day. This may leave you with dry scalp and hair as the natural moisturizers will be washed off. Limit hair oiling to twice or thrice a week.

Q4. Why do you observe hair fall after oiling?

Ans. Do not get alarmed, as this is a common phenomenon. Oiling and massaging cause the weak strands to fall off. Losing 50-100 strands every day is normal and nothing to be concerned about.