For decades we’ve been sold on the idea that squeaky clean hair equals healthy hair. In fact, that squeak is a sign that your hair (and scalp) have been overcleaned and stripped of the natural oils that help to nourish and protect the hair, keeping it strong and shiny. While no one likes oily hair, sebum, produced by the sebaceous or oil glands on the scalp, is vital to both scalp and hair health and stripping it can lead to itching, flaking, and irritation along with dry, dull, and brittle hair.
Enter hair oiling, the ancient Ayurvedic practice of pouring oil onto hair and massaging it into the scalp to increase moisture, luster, and shine. While your post-wash conditioner is certainly designed to replenish the hair's natural oils stripped off during shampooing, hair oiling is a more intensive approach that provides deep hydration and nourishment to both the scalp and strands, while also offering an indulgent moment of self-care.
What Are the Benefits of Hair Oiling?
Our hair often faces challenges such as dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation due to excessive washing and ingredients such as sulfates, exposure to heat, and styling products and coloring. Hair oils provide a protective and nourishing barrier, replenishing moisture and essential nutrients that may be stripped away during these routines. Additionally, hair oils create a protective barrier that shields the hair from environmental aggressors, such as pollutants and UV radiation.
Nourishment: Hair oiling helps to deeply moisturize and nourish the hair follicles, preventing dryness and brittleness. Oils like Coconut, Argan, and Jojoba are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote hair health.
Hair Growth: The practice of regular oiling stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, which nourishes the hair roots and promotes hair growth as the massage action helps to relax the scalp and reduce stress, which can contribute to healthy hair growth.
Scalp Health: Oiling the scalp helps to keep it moisturized, preventing dryness and flakiness. It can also help alleviate conditions like dandruff and itchiness, providing relief and promoting a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.
Strength and Shine: Hair oiling strengthens the hair strands by nourishing them from root to tip. Oil forms a protective coating around the hair shaft, preventing damage from environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatments. This leads to stronger, shinier, and more manageable hair.
Split End Prevention: Regular oiling helps to seal the hair cuticle, reducing the occurrence of split ends. By keeping the hair moisturized and protected, oiling minimizes breakage and promotes healthier, longer hair.
Stress Relief: The act of massaging the scalp while oiling not only benefits the hair, but also provides a relaxing and therapeutic experience. It helps to relieve tension, improve blood flow, and create a sense of overall well-being.
Which Oils are Most Beneficial to the Hair and Scalp?
When it comes to hair oiling, there are an abundance of natural oils that can work wonders for your hair. These oils are packed with nourishing properties, vitamins, and antioxidants that provide essential hydration, strengthen the hair strands, and promote overall hair health. From Coconut Oil's antibacterial and deep moisturization properties, to Sunflower Seed Oil's protective benefits, to Almond Oil's shine-enhancing powers, each oil offers unique advantages to cater to different hair needs.
To pick the right oil for your hair, consider your hair type, concerns, and desired results. For dry or damaged hair, opt for rich and hydrating oils like Coconut or Sunflower Oil. If you have fine or oily hair, lighter options such as Sweet Almond Oil or Hemisqualane can provide the necessary moisture without weighing hairdown.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a powerhouse for hair care. It deeply penetrates the hair shaft, providing moisture and nourishment. Curly hair, often prone to dryness and frizz, can benefit from Coconut Oil due to its ability to deeply moisturize and help define curls. It helps reduce protein loss, making hair stronger and less prone to breakage. Additionally, Coconut Oil has antimicrobial properties that can help combat scalp issues like dandruff and fungal infections. When cold, Coconut Oil can solidify, so if using pure Coconut Oil, you’ll need to warm it before use.
Sunflower Seed Oil: Sunflower Seed Oil is rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, which help nourish the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing excessive hair loss. Sunflower Seed Oil also contains antioxidants, which protect the hair from environmental damage and oxidative stress.
Argan Oil: Argan Oil is often referred to as "liquid gold", due to its numerous benefits for hair. It is rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids, which deeply moisturize and hydrate the hair. Argan Oil helps repair damaged hair, smooth frizz, and add shine. It also provides a protective barrier against heat styling and environmental pollutants. It’s an ideal choice for straight hair, as it offers hydration and shine without compromising its natural straightness.
Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet Almond Oil is lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair. Its lightweight nature makes it the perfect oil for someone with straight or fine hair because it won't weigh hair down. It is rich in Vitamins E and D, as well as fatty acids, which help nourish and strengthen the hair strands. Sweet Almond Oil moisturizes the hair, reduces frizz, and improves manageability. It can also soothe an irritated scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
Hemisqualane: Hemisqualane is a lightweight, colorless, and odorless hydrocarbon derived from plant-based sources that offers multiple benefits, including deep hydration to moisturize the hair, while forming a protective barrier against moisture loss. Hemisqualane also acts as a smoothing agent, taming frizz and flyaways to create a polished and sleek look. Its lightweight nature ensures it doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it a desirable choice for those seeking weightless moisture and frizz control in their hair care routines.
Olive Oil: Olive Oil is a highly beneficial ingredient for hair care due to its moisturizing, nourishing, and conditioning properties. Its high concentration of antioxidants and Vitamin E promotes a healthy scalp, stimulates hair growth, and prevents issues like dryness and dandruff. Olive Oil deeply hydrates the hair strands, reducing frizz and improving softness and manageability, which makes it the perfect oil for someone who has thicker or curlier hair. It also acts as a natural conditioner, strengthening the hair, preventing breakage, and enhancing shine.
How To Oil Your Hair
- Start with dry or slightly damp hair. Detangle your hair gently using a wide-toothed comb.
- Take a small amount of oil in your palms and rub them together to distribute the oil evenly. Then, starting from the roots, gently massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips. Gradually work your way down to the ends, ensuring that all sections of your hair are coated with the oil.
- Spend a few minutes massaging the oil into your scalp using circular motions. This helps stimulate blood circulation and promotes absorption of the oil.
- Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to distribute the oil evenly from the roots to the tips of your hair. This ensures that all strands receive the benefits of the oil.
- Allow the oil to sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes or overnight, depending on your preference and the oil you're using. You can cover your hair with a shower cap or towel to create a warm environment and enhance the oil's absorption.
- After the recommended duration, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove the oil. You may need to shampoo twice to ensure all traces of oil are eliminated.
We recommend incorporating hair oiling into your routine no more than twice a week. If too much oil is applied to the scalp and hair it can have an adverse effect, attracting dirt, dandruff, and product build up, which clogs the follicles and prevents new hair growth, while hair can appear heavy and lank. If you wash your hair less frequently, once a week will do; if you are more regular about washes, twice a week is perfect.
Our Hair Oiling Essentials