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Ah, the nostalgia of Sundays, when hair oiling reigned supreme. Remember those ‘champi’ sessions that felt like a warm hug for your scalp? Our mothers, armed with bottles of fragrant elixirs, would lavish our roots with nourishing oils, working their magic with rhythmic strokes to boost circulation before gliding down to the thirsty ends.
Fast forward to today, if your locks are thriving, give a nod to those oil-infused weekends. But have you ever stopped in the middle of your routine and wondered, Am I doing this correctly? From how to oil hair properly to how often do I oil my hair to get the most out of it, these ancient customs are due for a contemporary deciphering. Do you oil wet or dry hair? Too much is bad, right? Fret not, we're going into oiling hair benefits, the how-to, and the when-to so that you can become a hair oiling pro.
Hair Oiling Dos
There's something wonderfully indulgent about hair oiling, a self-care practice that not only moisturises your scalp but also provides you with an excuse to treat yourself to a bit of me time. But wait! Before you begin pouring oil all over your head like a reel fad gone awry, let's discuss the right way to do it. When done properly, oiling hair benefits extend far beyond mere shine; it strengthens, hydrates, and shields your lovely locks.
So, if you've ever asked yourself how to oil hair correctly or how often should you oil your hair for optimal results, you're in luck. Here's your complete guide to becoming a pro at this ancient beauty tip.
1. Choose the Right Oil for Your Hair Type
All oils are not created equal! It's about selecting the proper one to unlock maximum oiling hair benefits. Brittle, dry hair? Coconut oil or argan oil is your go-to. Hair fall? Castor oil is your new best friend. Oily scalp? Grapeseed or jojoba oil is your best bet. The golden rule of how to apply oils to hair is to choose your pick according to your hair requirements.
2. Warm It Up
Warm oil seeps in more effectively and makes the how-to-use hair oil process better by stimulating the scalp. Just warm it up a bit – more like snug, not burning. Gently massage with circular strokes for a minimum of 5-10 minutes to increase blood flow.
3. Less Is More
Soaking your scalp in oil won't suddenly make your hair healthier. Use only a few tablespoons! Excess oiling results in too much shampooing, which takes away natural moisture. Curious how often to oil hair? For most people, 1-2 times a week is the best, but if you happen to have a dry scalp, you may need more frequent treatments.
4. Apply on Dry or Damp Hair
One of the biggest debates around how to oil your hair is whether to apply it on damp or dry strands. Here’s the truth: Slightly damp hair allows better absorption. However, if you’re using heavy oils like castor, go for dry hair to avoid buildup.
5. Give It Time, But Not Too Much
Leaving the oil overnight is tempting, but it's not always a requirement. Preferably, leave it on for 1-3 hours so your scalp absorbs the goodness without clogging pores. If you really have to go overnight, tie your hair with a soft scarf to avoid damaging the pillowcase.
6. Always Double-Cleanse to Remove Residue
Greasy, limp hair after shampooing? That's your cue for a double cleanse! Gently scrub off excess oil without stripping the water with a sulfate-free shampoo. This is a step to follow in how to oil hair correctly – because no one wants oily post-shampoo locks!
7. Stay Consistent for Best Results
Curious how frequently to oil hair for long-term gains? Frequency is everything! Oiling your hair once a week or fortnightly can make your hair grow stronger, glossier, and healthier in the long run.
Hair Oiling Don'ts
Hair oiling is the ultimate self-care moment, the secret to luscious locks, the age-old beauty ritual passed down through generations. But wait! Just because you’re slathering oil onto your strands doesn’t mean you’re doing it right. In fact, some common mistakes might be doing more harm than good!
If your hair isn't performing the way you hoped, you may be making a few big oiling mistakes. So, before you submerge your head in a bottle of coconut oil like it's a rogue spa day, let's go over the biggest hair oiling don'ts because good intentions won't cut it when it comes to greasy, weighed-down locks!
1. Don't Overdo It
Drizzling half a bottle on your head won't bestow Rapunzel locks on you overnight. In real life, too much oil can weigh your scalp down, draw dirt, and make shampooing hell. A little oil goes a long way, more on massaging a bit in, instead of making your head a deep-fryer!
2. Don't Leave It on for Too Long
We understand, the idea of an overnight oil soak is a dream, but having oil on for too long can be damaging. Your scalp must breathe! Hair oiling should be treated, not taken to the max for 24 hours—only keep it on for 1-3 hours max for optimum results.
3. Don't Skip the Shampoo
This might seem obvious, but trust us, some people think a simple rinse will do the trick. Nope! Hair oiling requires proper cleansing, so always follow up with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash away excess oil and avoid buildup.
4. Don’t Rub Your Hair Like You’re Kneading Dough
Scalp massaging? Yes. Pulling, tugging, and rough rubbing your locks? No way. Hair oil gently—use your fingertips in circular motions to stimulate blood flow without breakage. Love your locks!
5. Don't Apply Oil to Dirty Hair
Oil traps moisture but also whatever's already on your scalp. Putting oil on top of dirt, sweat, and product buildup? That's a formula for clogged follicles and scalp irritation. Always begin with a clean (or at least semi-clean) scalp to get the most out of it.
6. Don't Ignore Your Hair Type
Not all oils are created equal. Thick oils such as castor can weigh down fine hair, and light argan oil may not cut it for parched, coarse locks. Adapt your hair oiling process to your own unique needs since what suits your bestie may not suit you!
7. Don't Expect Instant Results
Consistency is key! Hair oiling isn’t a one-and-done miracle; it’s a long-term love affair with your locks. Stick with it, and over time, you’ll see shinier, healthier, and stronger strands.
Hair Oiling Wet vs. Dry Hair
You can oil your hair when it’s wet or dry. However, heavier oils like coconut oil are best applied to dry hair. To ensure optimal absorption of the product, heat the oil, or use a hot towel on your hair post-application.
How Much Oil To Use And How Long To Leave It On
The amount of hair oil required primarily depends on the length of your hair. Bear in mind that a little goes a long way…apply one to three palmfuls of oil onto your scalp and one or two pumps for the strands — depending on your hair texture and length. Gently massage the formulation in a circulation motion onto your scalp with your fingertips, boosting blood circulation and inducing a relaxed state. Avoid a vigorous champi; it may lead to knots and hair breakage.
While many tend to leave the oil on overnight, leaving oil on for two hours would suffice. For those plagued by psoriasis, dandruff, and dermatitis, steer clear of oiling, as it may exacerbate flakiness and inflammation.
The Benefits of Oiling Your Hair
The benefits of hair oiling are aplenty—from preventing breakage and split ends to promoting thicker, more lustrous locks. Hair oiling also tends to a dry, flaky scalp, moisturising and soothing it to control dandruff and other scalp conditions. Besides, hair oiling coats and protects your strands from environmental stressors and maintains a colour-treated mane. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy champi-induced relaxation? Massaging your scalp with hair oil is a great way to boost blood circulation and revive your follicles while inviting a state of deep relaxation and stress relief.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Apply Hair Oil Effectively
- After choosing a product suitable for your hair type and concerns, heat the solidified oil for a liquified formulation for seamless application and optimal absorption.
- Section off parts of your hair and comb through the strands to detangle. Begin massaging the oil onto the roots in a circular motion with your fingertips.
- Once your scalp and strands are well-coated, twist your hair into a topknot—however, not too tight to prevent breakage.
- Expose your mane to steam or wrap a hot towel around the hair to accelerate absorption.
- After leaving the oil on for up to two hours, rinse thoroughly with a suitable shampoo. Lather appropriately to ensure no remnants of oil remain on your scalp and strands.
The Best Hair Oils To Buy
Nykaa Bestseller
This best-selling formulation—imbued with primrose oil—promises up to 96 hours of frizz control, promotes hair lustre and shine, and instantly smoothens dull, tired locks. Spread evenly on towel-dried hair; no need to rinse.
Holistic Hair Health
A bond-building hair offering, the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is ideal for styling your hair, as it provides up to 450 degrees of heat protection. The hair oil increases shine and softness and curbs flyaways and frizziness upon application.
Ayurvedic Goodness
This potent potion, enriched with curry leaves, active bhringraj, vetiver roots, and karanja seeds, is designed to prevent hair fall, stimulate healthy hair growth, and facilitate scalp nourishment. An added plus: It is ideal for use across hair types and genders!
Worth The Splurge
Revel in the goodness of argan oil and linseed extract with Moroccanoil’s non-greasy formulation that delivers on its promise to maximise lustre and detangle. Ideal for all hair types, this product can be applied to damp or dry hair, depending on your styling requirements.
Best Budget Buy
Bid farewell to breakage and hair fall with Biotique’s Anti-Hair Fall Bhringraj Therapeutic Oil which boasts ayurvedic ingredients such as bhringraj, mulethi, coconut oil, and amla. Infused with 100% botanical extracts, this formulation nips your hair loss problem in the bud—giving way to smooth, strong tresses.
India Proud
This made-in-India offering compels you to reconnect with your roots and reap the benefits of a ritualistic champi. Founded by digital influencer and entrepreneur Diipa Büller-Khosla, inde wild’s Champi Hair Oil is power-packed with essential Ayurvedic herbs, flowers, seeds, roots, and fruits for miraculous hair growth and volume.
Toxin-Free
This organic, 100% pure coconut oil will intensely hydrate your hair while improving its overall health. Free of chemicals, this offering is for those who possess a sensitive scalp and are wary of exposing their skin to toxin-loaded oils. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, directly apply this wonder product to your hair and skin for the best results.
Highly-Rated
Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Treatment Oil is the perfect pre-wash experience to indulge yourself in. Infused with dashmool and ashwagandha, it works by strengthening your roots and hydrating your tresses while emitting a divine scent with a warm, woody base that will transport you to the holy city of Madurai.
Key Takeaways
Hair oiling isn’t just a routine, it’s a love language for your locks. When done right, it can transform dry, lifeless strands into a luscious, healthy mane that turns heads. So, ditch the greasy mishaps, embrace the do’s, avoid the don’ts, and let your hair soak up all the nourishment it deserves. Whether you’re reviving dull tresses or maintaining a glossy crown, consistency is key. Now get on, grab that bottle of oil, and give your locks the TLC they deserve because great hair days begin with great haircare.
FAQs
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How often should I oil my hair?
It depends on your hair type and lifestyle! For most people, 1-2 times a week is ideal to nourish the scalp without causing buildup. If you have a dry scalp, you might benefit from more frequent oiling, while those with oily hair should stick to once a week.
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Should I oil my hair before or after washing?
Hair oiling works best as a pre-wash treatment. Applying oil before shampooing helps protect the hair from moisture loss and prevents excessive dryness caused by cleansing. Avoid leaving oil on unwashed hair for too long, as it can attract dirt and clog follicles.
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Can I leave oil in my hair overnight?
Yes, but only if your scalp can handle it! While some people swear by overnight oiling, keeping it on for 1-3 hours is usually enough to reap the benefits without clogging pores or attracting dust. If you do leave it overnight, use a silk scarf to protect your pillow!
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Should I apply oil to my scalp or just the lengths of my hair?
Massage oil into your scalp to boost blood circulation and nourish the roots, but don’t forget the mid-lengths and ends, especially if they tend to be dry. Just avoid overloading your scalp with too much oil, as it can be difficult to wash out.
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Can I oil my hair every day?
Over-oiling can lead to buildup, clogged pores, and even hair fall due to excessive washing. Stick to a balanced routine, your hair needs hydration, but it also needs time to breathe.
