Hair oiling is often seen as a healthy habit. Many people oil their hair to make it stronger, softer, and shinier. In many cultures, oiling is a tradition that’s passed down through generations. But what happens when something that’s supposed to help your hair causes more hair to fall out?
If you’ve ever noticed more hair on your hands or in the sink after oiling your scalp, you’re not alone. Many people ask, “Why does my hair fall when I oil it?” or “Is oiling causing my hair loss?” The truth is, oiling can be both helpful and harmful—depending on how you do it.
Why does hair fall when you oil it and how can you stop it? This article will help you understand the reasons behind hair fall during oiling, how to stop it, and how to oil your hair the right way. We’ll break it down step by step so it’s easy to follow and put into practice.
Is Hair Fall During Oiling Normal?
First, let’s answer a common question: Is it normal to lose hair while oiling? The answer is—yes and no.
It’s normal to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. Some of those strands may shed while you’re applying oil because you’re massaging your scalp and loosening hair that was already ready to fall. But if you’re seeing more hair fall than usual, or if the hair looks weak and breaks easily, there may be a problem with how you’re oiling your hair.
If oiling always leads to heavy shedding, it’s time to take a closer look at your routine.
What Causes Hair Fall During or After Oiling?
There are many reasons why hair might fall out during oiling. Let’s look at some of the most common ones:
1. Rough Massaging:
Many people rub their scalp too hard while applying oil. Vigorous rubbing can pull out hair that’s still growing, damage the roots, or even break the strands. Your scalp is delicate. It needs gentle handling, not pressure.
2. Using the Wrong Oil:
Not all oils suit every scalp type. Some oils can clog pores or trigger allergic reactions, which can lead to hair fall. If your scalp feels itchy or irritated after oiling, the oil might not be right for you.
3. Leaving Oil in for Too Long:
Some people leave oil on their hair for 24 hours or more. This can attract dust and block pores. If the oil isn’t washed out properly, it can lead to buildup and weaken the hair follicles.
4. Not Washing Out the Oil Properly:
If oil stays on your scalp for too long or isn’t washed out completely, it can trap dirt, sweat, and dead skin. This buildup can cause hair to fall out over time.
5. Oiling Dirty Hair:
If you oil your hair without washing it first, you’re rubbing oil into an already dirty scalp. This mixes sweat, dust, and product residue with the oil, which can clog the pores and irritate your scalp.
6. Existing Hair or Scalp Conditions:
Conditions like dandruff, scalp infections, or hormonal imbalances may be worsened by oiling. If your scalp is already inflamed or sensitive, oiling can cause more irritation and lead to more hair loss.
How Can You Stop Hair Fall While Oiling?
Now that you know what could be going wrong, let’s look at how to fix it. These tips will help you oil your hair in a way that protects it, strengthens it, and reduces hair fall.
Be Gentle With Your Scalp
This is one of the most important steps. Never rub or scratch your scalp while applying oil. Use your fingertips, not your nails. Gently massage the oil into your scalp in slow, circular motions. This increases blood flow without causing damage.
Your massage should last about 5 to 10 minutes. It’s enough to spread the oil and boost circulation, but not so long that it overstimulates your scalp.
Choose the Right Oil for Your Hair Type
Some oils are heavier than others. If your scalp is oily or sensitive, a thick oil may block your pores. If your hair is dry, a light oil may not give enough moisture. Try different oils and see how your hair reacts.
Here are some common oils and how they help:
Coconut oil: Nourishing and helps reduce protein loss. Good for most hair types, but may not suit everyone.
Castor oil: Thick and rich in nutrients. Great for promoting hair growth, but can be too heavy for daily use.
Jojoba oil: Light and similar to natural scalp oil. Ideal for sensitive or oily scalps.
Argan oil: Full of vitamins and antioxidants. Great for dry or damaged hair.
Almond oil: Helps reduce scalp inflammation and adds shine.
You can also mix oils to get the best of both worlds. For example, mix coconut oil with a little castor oil for strength and growth, or add a few drops of tea tree oil to help fight dandruff.
Apply Oil to Clean Hair and Scalp
It’s best to oil your hair when your scalp is clean. This doesn’t mean you need to shampoo every day, but avoid oiling when your hair is full of sweat or buildup. A clean scalp allows the oil to soak in better and prevents clogged pores.
If you oil your hair twice a week, consider washing your hair first or at least rinsing it before oiling.
Use Only a Small Amount of Oil
More oil doesn’t mean more benefits. Your scalp can only absorb so much. Using too much oil makes it harder to wash out and may cause buildup, which can lead to more hair fall.
Use enough oil to lightly coat your scalp and hair. You don’t need to soak it. A teaspoon to a tablespoon is usually enough, depending on your hair length and thickness.
Don’t Leave the Oil on Too Long
Leaving oil overnight is okay for some people, but it’s not necessary. In fact, keeping oil on your scalp for more than 6 to 8 hours can sometimes do more harm than good.
A good rule is to leave oil in for about 1 to 4 hours. This gives your scalp time to absorb the nutrients without collecting too much dirt. If your hair is very dry, you can leave it overnight, but make sure to wash it out properly in the morning.
Wash Your Hair Thoroughly
Make sure you wash out the oil properly. Use a mild shampoo that suits your scalp. You may need to shampoo twice if the oil is heavy. Avoid shampoos with strong sulfates, which can dry out your hair and cause more breakage.
If you’re using natural or herbal shampoos that don’t lather much, consider mixing a little shampoo with water before applying it to your scalp. This helps distribute it evenly and removes the oil better.
Avoid Combing or Detangling Oiled Hair
Hair is weakest when it’s oily or wet. Avoid combing it while it’s soaked in oil. If you need to detangle your hair, do it gently before applying oil, using a wide-tooth comb.
Brushing oily hair can lead to breakage and pull out more strands than necessary.
Oiling Frequency Matters
Too much oiling can cause buildup, especially if you don’t wash your hair often. Most people do well with oiling once or twice a week. If your hair is very dry, you can oil more often—but always keep it clean.
Pay attention to how your scalp and hair respond. If you see flakes, feel itchiness, or notice an increase in shedding, cut back on oiling and simplify your routine.
When Should You Avoid Oiling Altogether?
Oiling isn’t for everyone all the time. There are certain situations when it’s better to skip oiling:
If you have dandruff: Some oils may feed the fungus that causes dandruff, making it worse. Use anti-dandruff treatments first.
If you have a scalp infection: Avoid oiling until the infection clears. Oiling may trap bacteria or fungus on the scalp.
If your scalp feels sore or inflamed: Wait until it heals before applying oil.
If your hair is very oily: Adding more oil may weigh it down and block the pores.
If you’re unsure, talk to a dermatologist or hair expert.
Conclusion
Oiling your hair is not bad. In fact, it can be one of the best things you do for your hair—if done right. But when done the wrong way, it can lead to clogged pores, scalp irritation, and yes—hair fall.
Here’s a quick summary of how to stop hair fall while oiling:
Be gentle while massaging
Use oils that suit your hair type
Start with a clean scalp
Use only a small amount of oil
Don’t leave oil on for too long
Wash your hair properly after oiling
Avoid brushing or combing oily hair
Oil only as often as your hair needs
Your hair will thank you for the extra care. With time, you’ll notice stronger strands, less breakage, and a healthier scalp. Keep your routine simple, stay consistent, and treat your hair with love—not force.
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- How Can You Safely Use a Straightener on Natural Hair?
- How Do You Keep Keratin-Treated Hair Smooth and Shiny?
