How frequently should we apply oil on hair?

In South-East Asia, hair oiling is almost a tradition. It was mentioned in Ayurveda thousands of years ago as a way to maintain the vitality of our scalp hair. However, the practice has spread far and wide.

What are the benefits of oiling? We all know oils can make hair softer and less frizzy due to their lubricating properties. That is because oils can fill the gaps between hair cells, preventing outside influences that can cause splitting or breakage. 

Also, they are good moisturisers and can add shine to the hair. Oils can be a source of vitamins and minerals. This is especially important because frequent and vigorous washing may remove many important nutrients from our hair.

It must be noted that oiling needs to be done properly, and just rubbing a load of oil into the scalp may cause more harm than good. 

According to Mumbai dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor, caution should be exerted while putting oil in the hair, and we must remember a few things.

It is always better to slightly warm up the oil. Then put a small amount, not so much, to soak the hair completely. Too much oil will negatively affect its natural production in the scalp and can make it drier in the long run.

Should we apply the oil before or after washing? According to doctors, oil is a good moisturiser and should be applied before washing the hair with water. Unwashed hair also allows the oil to penetrate deep into the roots. 

However, we must ensure the hair is clean before oiling. Otherwise, the benefits would be lost.

Once the oil is applied, the next step is to use the fingertips and massage it in a circular motion for 4-5 minutes. We have to keep the hair untied after oiling, or there may be hair loss. Keep the oil for half an hour, then wash it off with a gentle cleanser or shampoo and use a conditioner afterwards. 

Many of us are inclined to keep the oil overnight and clean it up the next morning. This may not be advisable because such a practice will attract dust, which can eventually result in infections.

How frequently should we oil our hair? It depends on the hair characteristics. If it’s dry, weekly oiling is sufficient. But if the hair is oily, further oiling may not be recommended unless done sparingly, e.g., once a month or so. 

There are many oils to choose from in the market. Generally, natural vegetable oils are good for different types of hair. 

Coconut oil is probably the most commonly used one. It has many benefits and is quite inexpensive too. An oil rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids is ideal, as all these ingredients are important in making healthy hair. One example is avocado oil which is rich in all these, including antioxidants. 

There are other oils with specific benefits. Olive oil creates moisturised, shiny and soft scalp. Sunflower seed oil can prevent breakage and treat dandruff and itch. Argan oil has similar constituents and benefits like avocado oil. Evening primrose oil can help people with hair loss by stimulating new hair production and strengthening existing follicles. 

Hair oiling is part of day-to-day life in many households. It offers a lot of benefits. It is important to choose the right one for our scalp and not to overdo it.

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