Myths about Oiling
However, as you grow older, oiling your hair is perhaps the last thing on your mind. Nobody really has the time to oil their hair anymore; even a 15-minute shower seems like a luxury these days. The various myths that have popped up around oiling are not helping, either. Some people claim that hair oil can clog your pores and attract dirt, while others say that there’s no point in oiling your hair if you’re not leaving it on overnight.
What is Hair Oiling?
Hair oiling is an age-old practice of applying and massaging hair oil into the scalp to help nourish and improve hair health.
It has been recommended in ancient Ayurvedic medicine as a tool for rejuvenation and hair growth. In addition, it also has the benefits of strengthening and protecting the hair, improving blood circulation to the scalp, and relieving stress.
This ancient wisdom has been passed down through centuries, which is why oiling the hair is a major hair care practice, especially in India. Backed by science, hair oiling is also recommended by professionals and experts as an important hair care step.
Is Hair Oiling Good?
Without a doubt!
Oiling the hair helps to protect it from damage, and prevents it from drying. The added nourishment is also extremely beneficial to the scalp. The fatty acids in the oils help replenish the lipids in the hair that are responsible for maintaining the shine of the hair which are damaged due to chemical and heat treatments, and oiling can help reverse some of the damage.
Furthermore, by increasing the blood circulation to the scalp, a hair oil massage can also help in reducing hair fall and stimulating hair growth. Thus, incorporating a hair oil massage into your hair care routine will be highly beneficial for your hair!
Some Common Hair Oiling Myths
#1 Oiled hair clogs pores and attracts dirt
Pores can clog and dirt can accumulate even on hair that has not been oiled. In fact, natural oils that are present in the scalp can also cause dirt to build-up on the hair. There is, of course, one method to prevent this: washing your hair. It goes without saying that washing your hair regularly is important to prevent oil and impurities from building up on your scalp.
Regardless of whether you’ve oiled your hair or not, wash your hair regularly to clean it, and rest assured.
#2 Oiling hair increases dandruff
Not at all!
Oiling your hair can actually help treat the dryness and inflammation that causes the dandruff. However, if your dandruff is caused by a fungal infection, then you might have to be careful about what oils you’re using for your hair.
Tea-tree, rosemary and coconut oils have proven to be effective as antifungals and can help combat dandruff-causing Malassezia. Coconut oil in particular has powerful antimicrobial properties, and can be particularly helpful as it permeates the top layer of the skin and acts as a barrier to prevent further dryness and inflammation.
#3 Overnight or nothing
You don’t have to oil your hair overnight for it to be effective- in fact, oiling your hair for as little as 1-2 hours can do the job just as well! In fact, leaving oil overnight can cause additional skin problems for those with sensitive skin, as the oil can seep into the pillow and then come in contact with the face, leading to acne. Leaving oil overnight can also clog the pores.
#4 Drenching your hair in oil is beneficial
This is a big no-no!
Smaller quantities of oil work just fine for nourishing the hair. Drenching your hair in oil will ultimately have no extra benefits for your hair, and what’s worse, it’ll be extremely difficult to remove. Using more shampoo will strip the natural oils and only cause the hair to get drier, defeating the purpose of oiling it in the first place.
Zemé’s Natural Hair Oil – Your Way to Chemical-Free Hair Oiling
For healthier, happier hair, natural oils are the way to go!
Zemé’s natural hair oil combines the power of coconut oil with pure herbs such as reetha, methi, curry leaves, hibiscus, aloe vera and onion seeds to create a product that naturally helps hair growth and gives you great scalp health.
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and helps fight dryness and roughness while making your hair stronger; onion seeds help promote hair growth and strengthen the hair follicles curry leaves and hibiscus flower help prevent premature greying and hair thinning, while simultaneously fighting frizz and dandruff aloe vera helps maintain scalp health, adds shine and promotes hair growth methi contains proteins and amino acids that help repair damaged hair and promote stronger hair growth.
Our Natural Oil’s lightweight formula makes it easy to absorb and non-messy.
With absolutely no chemicals or added preservatives, you can be assured of a product that is made purely with natural ingredients, and a whole lot of love.
What’s more, it can be easily washed off with our chemical-free post oiling hair cleanser.
Conclusion:
We’d like to summarise in three words- Oiling is important!
Following practices such as getting adequate sleep, exercising, drinking enough water and hair oiling for hair growth and health will certainly help you see the difference.
Listen to your mothers- sometimes a good ol’ oil champi is ‘oil’ you need for the healthy hair you’ve always dreamt of!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to oil your hair?
It is recommended to warm your oil before applying it to your scalp, as the heat can help improve the blood flow to the follicles by dilating the blood vessels, which then allows the oil to reach the roots and nourish them.
Apply the warm oil on your scalp and hair, and massage gently. Make sure to use a wide-tooth comb for even distribution and to prevent tangles.
How to steam hair at home after oiling?
Steaming your hair as part of your hair oil routine can help it to better absorb minerals and add moisture to it. This can be done at home with the help of a hair steamer. However, if you do not have a hair steamer, you can always use a hot towel: soak a towel in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and then wrap it around your head for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Is oiling hair overnight good?
While there are no issues as such in oiling your hair overnight, people with sensitive skin need to be more careful about it as the oil from the hair can spread to your face, causing skin problems.
Overnight oiling does not offer any added advantage compared to oiling for an hour or so. If at all, it can cause cold in some people, if they oil their hair and sleep under a fan or air conditioner.
Which time is best for oiling hair?
Whenever you want! As per your convenience, you can practice hair oiling at home, in the morning, evening, or afternoon!
How long should I keep my hair oiled?
You can oil your hair for 1-2 hours, or you can leave it overnight. However, it is recommended that you don’t leave it in for too long, and wash your hair after a maximum of 6-8 hours of oiling.
Is oiling hair every day good?
No, oiling hair everyday can cause a prolonged buildup of dirt and clog pores, which then becomes difficult to remove without using chemical shampoos. If you want to oil your hair everyday, you must also wash them everyday. As we are all aware, chemical shampoos can strip the hair of natural oils as well, making the oiling go in vain. Oiling your hair 1-2 times a week is sufficient for healthy hair.
Does oiling hair cause dandruff?
No, oiling does not cause dandruff. However, some hair oils can worsen dandruff caused by fungal infections, if they are left on the scalp for longer period. While not all oils may help in treating dandruff, some such as coconut oil can help reduce dryness and inflammation and treat the fungus with their antimicrobial properties.
What are some benefits of hair oiling before shampoo?
Oiling hair before shampoo can help reduce hair fall, promote hair growth, reduce hydra-fatigue (damage caused to hair by excessive moisture), reduce dryness and provide essential nutrients to the scalp.
What are the effects of hair oiling after keratin treatment?
No oil should be applied to the hair in the post-treatment period as it can interfere with the keratin. However, after the period is over, try to use only light oils for your hair, and in moderate quantities to avoid interfering with the keratin.
Does oiling hair make it thicker?
Yes- we cannot stress the importance of hair oiling for hair growth enough!
Since oiling hair also helps strengthen it, over a period of time, you can definitely notice your hair getting thicker and more voluminous.
Does oiling damage hair?
If oil is applied properly, in the right quantities and for the right amount of time, oiling will not damage your hair at all. On the contrary, it will help make your hair healthier and more beautiful.
