Although hair oiling has recently become one of the most talked about trends on social media, it is actually an ancient practice that people have been using in South Asian communities for around 5,000 years.
If you’re completely new to the practice, here are some tips on how your hair and scalp can benefit from the art of hair oiling.
Research your oil options
There are many different oils to choose from when it comes to hair oiling, some popular choices include coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, and jojoba oil. The key here is to take into consideration both your hair type and your scalp. Do you suffer from a dry scalp? Do you dye your hair? The unique makeup of your current hair and scalp will directly impact the oil you should choose.
Warm oil is the most effective oil
Once you have chosen the correct oil type for your hair, its type to apply it. Prep the oil by warming it gently in a pan, as warm oil can better penetrate the hair shaft allowing for maximum benefit from the oil’s properties. Be sure that you only warm it for a short amount of time – oil can heat very quickly and hot oil will be too much for your scalp and hair to handle.
Prep your hair
Brush through your hair thoroughly whilst dry and wear clothes you don’t mind getting oil on. For extra protection, wrap a towel around your shoulders. Then divide your hair into sections using clips, to ensure you get an even application of oil.
Applying the oil
Dip your fingertips into the warm oil and apply it to your scalp using gentle, circular motions. First making sure to cover the entire scalp. Spend a few minutes massaging your scalp to improve blood circulation, as this can help with hair growth and relaxation. Next up is the length of the hair. Work the oil through the length of your hair, concentrating on the ends. This helps prevent split ends and keeps your hair moisturised. Finally, when the oil has been applied through each area, use a wide-tooth comb to make sure the oil is distributed evenly through your hair (double bonus: this also helps detangle your hair).
Leave the treatment on
After applying the oil, for deeper nourishment use a shower cap or wrap your hair in clingfilm to create heat. This helps the oil penetrate the hair shaft. Allow the oil to sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight for deep conditioning. As a rule of thumb, the longer you leave it on, the better the results.
Aftercare for the oil treatment
When you’re ready to remove the oil, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to ensure all the oil is removed. Follow up with a conditioner. For most hair types, you can repeat the process once a week – but adjust the frequency depending on your hair’s needs.
