Embarking on a journey to achieve healthy hair often involves exploring the myriad benefits of hair oiling. From preventing breakage to fostering hair growth, the right elixir can breathe life back into your locks, restoring shine, bounce, and smoothness. Regardless of your hair type or texture, experts unanimously agree that incorporating hair oiling into your routine can yield numerous advantages.
Mahogany Grace, a hairstylist and owner of Mahogany Grace Salon, emphasizes the multifaceted perks of hair oiling, stating, “Using oils shields against heat damage, boosts strength, keeps it hydrated, fights frizz, promotes growth, and can act as a natural UV protector.”
However, caution is advised for those with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, as certain oils can encourage yeast growth, warns Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University’s Faculty Medical Group in CA. Additionally, individuals with fine hair should opt for lighter oils and consider washing them out soon after application to avoid weighing down their hair.
Unpacking the Benefits of Hair Oiling
1. Add Smoothness and Shine: Hair oiling can reduce frizz and add shine by coating hair strands and sealing the cuticle, particularly beneficial for those with naturally curly hair.
2. Boost Overall Scalp Health: Nourishing oils designed for the scalp can reduce dryness, itchiness, and flakiness, providing essential nutrients and promoting hair growth.
3. Promote Hair Growth: While not directly stimulating growth, natural oils contain essential vitamins and minerals that create healthier scalp conditions, fostering an environment conducive to hair growth.
4. Prevent Breakage: The vitamins and minerals in natural hair oils strengthen the hair follicle and shaft, preventing breakage and reducing split ends.
5. Protect from Sun and Heat: Depending on the oil used, coating the hair surface can offer protection against environmental elements like the sun, chemicals, and heat.
How to Oil Your Hair Effectively?
For optimal results, experts recommend applying oil as a mask before washing strands. Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addict Salon in NJ, suggests applying the chosen oil directly to the scalp in one-inch sections, massaging it in with the fingertips, and then working any excess oil down the hair strands. Allowing the oil to sit for about three hours before shampooing is ideal, but if time is limited, 30 minutes can suffice.
Mahogany Grace advises concentrating oil on the tips of strands to combat breakage and split ends. Combining hair oil with protective styles like twists or braids further enhances hair protection.
Determining Frequency
The frequency of hair oiling depends on individual scalp needs. Grace recommends a weekly session for those combating dryness and flakes, while regular scalp TLC can be achieved with two to three sessions per month. Individuals with oily scalps or hair may experiment to find the optimal frequency, considering how the added serum affects hair weight and texture.
Choosing the Best Hair Oils
Selecting the right oil(s) is crucial, with Grace suggesting choosing oils tailored to your hair type or experimenting with blends. Some expert-recommended oils include:
1. Jojoba Oil: Ideal for focusing on scalp health due to its composition similar to natural sebum and high vitamin E content.
2. Coconut Oil: Suited for thicker hair, it penetrates the hair shaft, decreases protein loss, and adds moisture, reducing frizz and imparting shine.
3. Argan Oil: Recommended for dry hair, it contains fatty acids, squalene, and Vitamin E, providing moisture and acting as an antioxidant.
4. Sesame Oil: High in fatty acids, including linoleic acid and oleic acids, it is effective in adding moisture to the hair.
Beyond these, other options like castor oil, rosemary oil for hair growth, and almond oil or chamomile oil for soothing and hydrating the scalp are also worth considering.
