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Regular hair oiling is an important part of a healthy hair regimen. Oils provide many benefits to the scalp and restore the natural balance of your locks.
Humans encounter a number of hair-related issues, including hair loss, dandruff, lice, split ends, and graying hair. Several products and methods can be used to treat each of these problems. One of the methods utilized to address practically all of these issues is hair oil. (1)
But do you need to apply oil every day?
The answer to this question will be discussed in detail in this article, so continue reading to know more.
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how often you should oil your hair. It all depends on your hair type and what works best for you.
Ideally, you should oil your hair every time you wash it. But if that’s not possible, aim for 3–4 times per week. Your hair will thank you for it!
If you have never oiled your hair before, start by doing it once a week. You can increase the frequency gradually as you get used to the process and see how your hair responds.
Moreover, if you have oily hair, you may need to oil your hair less often, but if your hair is dry or damaged, you may need to oil it more often. Some people like to oil their hair every day, whereas others only do it once or twice a week.
Frequent hair oiling can work wonders for your locks! It’s not just a simple hair care routine – it can be an effective treatment for hair loss, prevent premature graying, and give your hair a healthy shine.
By regularly applying hair oil to your tresses, you can:
- Nourish and lubricate damaged hair
- Reduce split ends
- Restore elasticity to your locks
And if you really want to maximize the benefits of hair oiling, apply oil before washing your hair. Wrap a hot towel around your head to increase oil absorption and to smoothen your hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
So go ahead, give your hair some love and let the oil work its magic! However, if you are new to hair oiling, start with once a week and work your way up from there.
Some people claim that oiling daily can mess with your hair’s natural oils and make your hair greasy or even too dry. Yes, these effects can be true; however, if you wash your hair three times a week or less, there’s nothing to worry about. (1)(2)
According to your time and preferences, you can choose oiling twice/thrice a week before shampooing, while research suggests that oiling your hair once a week is must. (2)
So, depending on your time, convenience, and hair goals, you can choose the frequency of hair oiling, whether once, twice, or thrice a week.
How to Oil Your Hair
Here are a few different ways to oil your hair:
- Before shampooing, apply oil to your scalp and massage for 5 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
- After shampooing, apply oil to damp hair and comb through. Leave in for 30 minutes before rinsing off.
- To use oil as a deep conditioner, apply it to dry hair and comb your hair through. Leave in for 30 minutes before shampooing as usual.
Note: Apply oil only to the strands of your hair. There is no need to apply oil to the scalp or roots of your hair. Oil is a heavy molecule and does not get absorbed in the roots. Applying oil to your roots can increase the chances of seborrhea (dandruff).
If you have dandruff, it’s very important to restrict the use of hair oils to avoid exacerbating the condition. In such cases, you need to oil your hair only half an hour before a hair wash.
The Importance of Oiling Your Hair
If you’re not yet oiling your hair, you should start as soon as possible. Here’s why:
1. It keeps your hair healthy
Your hair is made up of keratin, a protein that needs to be kept hydrated to stay strong and healthy. When you oil your hair, you’re essentially giving it a much-needed dose of moisture. This helps to prevent breakage and split ends. (3)
2. It makes your hair more manageable
Dry, brittle hair is difficult to manage and style. Oiling your hair regularly will make it more pliable and easier to control. You’ll find that your hair is simpler to style into the latest trends and looks healthier overall. (4)
3. It adds shine and luster to your locks
Oiling gives your hair a natural shine and luster that can’t be achieved with any other product. (2)
4 Different Types of Hair Oils
Many different types of oils can be used on the hair, each with its own unique benefits. Here are four of the best:
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is one of the most popular hair oils for good reason. It’s packed with nutrients that help to keep your hair healthy, and it also does an excellent job of taming frizz. (5)
- Amla oil: Amla oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to fight off free radicals and prevent damage to the hair. It is also high in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy hair growth. Amla oil is also known to help reduce dandruff and prevent premature graying of the hair. Overall, amla oil is a great natural option for anyone looking to improve the health and appearance of their hair. (6)
- Sesame oil: Til oil, also known as sesame oil, is a natural oil that is widely used for hair care in many parts of the world. There are several reasons why til oil is considered good for hair – it nourishes the hair, moisturizes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and conditions the hair. (7)
- Olive oil: Olive oil is another great choice for all hair types. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish your scalp and strands. (8)
You can add herbs and flowers to make your hair oil fragrant and to reap additional benefits such as protection from damage. (9)
What Products to Use With Hair Oils
Several different products can be used with hair oils depending on your hair needs. If your hair is dry, you might want to use a heavier oil such as coconut oil. If your hair is oily, you might want to use a lighter oil such as jojoba oil.
You can also add traditional herbs and flowers to your hair oil to get additional benefits such as fragrance. (9) You can also use oils as a preshampoo treatment and overnight treatment, and you can mix them with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to experiment and see what works best for your hair type and needs.
Most-Asked Questions About Oiling Your Hair
I have never oiled my hair before. How frequently should I oil my hair?
Assuming you don’t have any medical conditions that would require special care, here are some general tips:
- If your hair is on the drier side, aim for 1–2 times a week.
- If your hair is more on the oily side, you can get away with once a week or every other week.
- If your hair is in good condition and you just want to maintain it, once a week should suffice.
My hair feels sticky and weighed down if I oil it twice a week. What should I do?
The information presented in this article is just a guideline, and ultimately you should do what works best for your own hair type and lifestyle.
Listen to your hair and pay attention to how it looks and feels after you oil it. If it feels greasy or weighed down, you may be overdoing it; if it looks and feels dry and brittle, you may need to oil more often.
Final Word
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how often hair oiling should be done, as the amount of oil you need to use on your hair depends on several factors such as your hair type and the climate you live in.
However, as a general guideline, you should aim to oil your hair at least once a week, and more often if you have dry or damaged hair. By regularly oiling your hair, you can help keep it healthy and hydrated, which will in turn make it look its best.
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