There are many things that I hate about living alone and adulting like paying bills, booking my own doctor’s appointments. And, by far the worst is oiling my hair myself. I miss those long-drawn champi sessions with my mother as we would sit and watch endless amounts of TV. There was something so soothing, relaxing and destressing about those sessions that would always make my worries seem far away.
We all know that hair oiling can feel great after a long day. But does it actually help in hair growth? To understand this better, we got in touch with Dr Chytra Anand, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist, Indian Beauty Guru & Founder, Kosmoderma clinics who debunked a lot of hair oiling myths for us.
Does oiling your hair really help in hair growth?
“Oiling of the hair does not help hair growth but oiling the scalp helps nourish the hair roots. It’s important to remember that hair itself is nothing but protein, and it’s dead, but only the root is a living structure, and this needs nourishment when oil is applied, the lipids in the oil form a coat that strengthens hair,” explains Dr Anand.
What are the benefits of hair oiling?
Hair oiling nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair. The massage itself is very helpful for boosting blood circulation and lymphatics. The nutrients in the oil penetrate and aid the hair roots, making them stronger and more hydrated. It also helps in stress relief and works really well to calm your nerves.
Are there any downsides to oiling your hair?
Dr Chytra explains that if done correctly there are no downsides of oiling your hair. However, you should avoid this if you have an oily scalp, seborrheic dermatitis or any ongoing infections on the scalp like psoriasis.
What is the correct way of oiling your hair?
If you want to reap the maximum benefits of hair oiling then you’re gotta do it properly. The first thing to note is that you’ve got to apply it while it is warm as it increases the absorption. Then start by splitting the hair on the scalp into sections by one-and-a-half inches and apply oil using the tips of your fingers or cotton ball directly onto the scalp and massage it into the scalp. After an even application, massage the scalp with your fingers gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This increases the circulation in the scalp and is relaxing at the same time. Then smoothen your oily hands down the hair, but don’t apply the oil directly to the hair end, only to the roots. Post the massage, apply a warm towel to help increase the penetration of the oil into the scalp.
How often should you oil your hair?
“The frequency depends on the type of scalp. For dry scalp, apply once a week for 30 – 60 minutes and for oily scalp, once in 3 weeks for 30 minutes,” says the dermatologist.
People tend to oil their hair and then shampoo two or three times to get rid of the product. Is that counter-productive?
Dr Anand further explains that a critical point to note with hair oiling is that you should apply the oil to your scalp. Do not apply the oil directly onto the hair ends as this is of no value and can only end up stripping your hair further. Using an appropriate shampoo post hair oil or using shikakai will help get the oil out of the hair. Typically you will need two washes followed by a conditioning step.
Here Are Some Hair Oils To Add To Your Routine
Now that you know how to correctly apply hair oil, give your tresses some extra TLC this weekend.
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