Hair oiling is a technique that involves applying oils to the scalp, then combing or brushing through the hair.
It is a popular practice in India and the Middle East.
It also has its roots in ancient Egypt, where perfumed oils were used to keep hair healthy and shiny.
The ritual of hair oiling is said to cleanse the scalp and many use it to maintain the health and vibrancy of their hair.
It may even reduce hair loss, according to some experts. But, does oiling repair damaged hair?
Keep reading to find out!
5 Hair Oiling Benefits For Hair
Hair is often an outward reflection of the health of your body, so it is important to take care of your hair.
There are many ways to do this but one way is to oil your hair – and there are many benefits!
Hair Oiling Hydrates The Hair
Oiling your hair with natural oils is one of the best ways to hydrate and nourish.
Oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil are great for any hair type because they can penetrate deep into the hair.
Natural oils in general are great for adding moisture to dry, brittle, or damaged hair.
They seal in moisture and create a protective coating on your strands to keep them shiny and soft.
Hair Oiling Improves Scalp Health
Hair oiling is a popular and inexpensive method of improving both scalp health and hair health.
Popular oils used for this purpose include olive, coconut, sesame, and castor oil (which I will discuss further in this article).
Oiling the scalp daily with these natural oils can help reduce dryness and flaking, as well as improve the overall appearance of the scalp.
Hair Oiling Helps Promote Hair Growth
Hair growth is a great concern for many people.
No one likes to see their hair thinning and falling out, but we also don’t like the thought of using harsh chemicals on our scalp and risking damage to our sensitive skin.
Fortunately, there are other ways that we can help stimulate and encourage healthy hair growth!
One such option is by massaging your hair with natural oils.
Hair oiling helps exfoliate the scalp, clean dead skin and nourish fine hair.
Applying natural oils while massaging your hair with something that has soft bristles like this scalp massager brush will do wonders to your hair’s health.
Hair Oiling Prevents Dandruff
Hair oiling is a traditional method of adding moisture to the scalp and preventing dryness.
Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, can result in scaly patches on the scalp with the shedding of dead skin cells.
Sometimes over-production of sebum can cause dandruff or if fungus or bacteria are present.
Using an organic hair oil like jojoba oil or olive oil would help to regulate the production of sebum and prevent dandruff.
Hair Oiling Prevents Bacterial Infections
In Ayurvedic medicine, hair oils are used to protect the scalp from infections.
Recent studies show that those who regularly oiled their hair had a significantly reduced risk of bacterial skin and scalp infections.
Traditional use of hair oils was for the prevention of head lice infestation.
This is because the oils trap dirt and debris on the scalp and make it difficult for lice to attach to the scalp.
Does Oiling Repair Damaged Hair?
Yes! Hair oils can improve hair’s elasticity, hydration and create a healthier cuticle layer, which helps repair damaged hair.
Hair is made of a protein called keratin. This protein is what gives hair its strength and shape.
What damages hair is everyday wear and tear, as well as environmental factors such as pollution and excessive heat.
Damaged hair becomes brittle and loses its elasticity, causing it to break and it has often split or frayed cuticles that can cause an increase in friction on individual strands as they move past each other.
This friction is what causes the damage to occur as it creates tangles and knots which break down the proteins needed for healthy hair growth.
Achieve luscious locks by using pure, natural oils. They are the best way to repair damaged hair. It is important to use a light, non-greasy oil that won’t weigh your hair down.
What Is the Best Hair Oil for Damaged Hair?
Depending on the type of hair you have, the best way to oil it includes a product that is tailored to your hair’s needs.
For instance, those with wavy or straight hair should use a lightweight oil that will not weigh down their crowning glory, especially those rocking curly hair like the 2C hair type.
Oiling is a simple, yet effective way to make your hair shiny and healthy.
Choosing the right oil for your hair is key to having a well-oiled scalp and a healthy hair.
Below I have combined a list of the top 5 hair oils to repair damaged hair.
Coconut Oil For Damaged Hair
Coconut oil is a popular hair moisturizer and hair growth promoter.
It can be used by straightening hair, moisturizing dry scalp, softening rough cuticles, removing tangles in the hair, reducing frizziness in curly hair, sealing split ends.
Coconut oil also contains fatty acids that are beneficial for scalp health.
It can penetrate deep into the follicle to provide healthy nourishment to the scalp.
Argan Oil For Damaged Hair
Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree.
It is rich in vitamin E, which helps to restore moisture and softness to skin and hair.
The organic properties of argan oil also make it a great conditioner, providing shine and strength to damaged hair.
Almond Oil For Damaged Hair
Almond oil is a natural product obtained from the nut of the almond tree.
It can be used externally to moisturize dry skin, treat sunburns, reduce inflammation, and soothe minor burns.
When massaged into the scalp it can deepen hair growth, promote healthy follicles, and stimulate hair growth by supplying nutrients and oxygen to hair roots.
Olive Oil For Damaged Hair
Olive oil is a natural product that has long been used for beauty treatments due to its moisturizing properties.
Olive oil can be used on hair to help prevent dryness, breakage, and frizziness while also repairing damage caused by other hair care products or harsh weather.
It can also be used to prevent split ends.
To use olive oil on hair, apply it after conditioning the hair with shampoo and conditioner.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has been used for hair treatment in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
It contains high levels of linoleic acid, so it is excellent for oily hair.
The use of sesame oil for hair is to treat dandruff and scalp issues because it prevents fungus.
Sesame oil can also be used to remove excess residue from the scalp.
Hair Oiling Routine For Damaged Hair
Many women are finding that frequent application of hair oils is the key to healthy, beautiful hair.
Oils help heal severely damaged strands, restore natural shine, and reduce frizz in any type of weather.
Hair oils like this one are also wonderful for protecting the scalp from the elements in addition to strengthening and moisturizing the hair follicle.
But, understanding your hair type and its unique needs is essential when choosing what oils will work best to repair damaged hair.
Most people have a combination of hair and scalp issues, so experimenting with different combinations of oils and hair treatments is key to finding the ones that work best for you.
Below, you can find some combinations for different hair purposes.
- Damaged Hair: coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil, olive oil.
- Dry Hair: coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil.
- Dry Scalp: jojoba oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil.
- Hair Loss: coconut oil and almond oil.
- Dandruff-prone hair: jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, sesame oil.
When you decide on what type of hair oil to use you can give this hair oiling routine a try:
- Apply oil (preferably warm) on your scalp and massage with fingertips using a circular motion.
- Apply the oil left on your hair ends.
- Cover with a towel or shower cap and leave on for a few hours.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with shampoo and warm water.
- Apply a small quantity of coconut oil as a conditioner.
What To Consider Before Applying Oils On Your Damaged Hair?
One of hair oiling treatments drawbacks is blocked pores which can irritate your scalp and skin.
Clogged pores can also cause hair follicles to fall out. Avoid this by leaving oils on your scalp and hair for only a short period.
Also, ensure that all used oil is washed out from your scalp and hair.
Use a gentle shampoo along with warm water after hair treatment and massage your scalp gently in the shower to ensure it is cleansed of all oil.
Also, warming any type of oil slightly might make it more comfortable to apply. But, always make sure the oil is not heated too much.
Test the temperature with a tiny drop on the inside of your wrist before applying. Hot oil can cause scalp burns and damage your hair.
Hair Oiling For Damaged Hair – Final Thoughts
The traditional use of oils on the hair has been a practice for centuries.
Indians and Ancient Egyptians were known to use oils to moisturize their hair and fight off chemical damage as well as the dry climate.
While there are many ways to repair damaged hair, hair oiling stays one of the cheapest and most effective methods.
Modern-day hairstylists still recommend regular oiling because it can create a protective layer against heat styling that can weaken the hair.
Plus, it can be done at home by mixing natural oils like coconut, olive, jojoba, or castor oils with other natural ingredients like honey or egg yolk.
These ingredients help condition and nourish damaged hair by bringing back the moisture that has been lost due to over-processing or over-styling.
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