How To Oil Your Hair The Right Way

You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won’t have a chance to be absorbed, For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well it can dry hair. Another way to improve penetration? Use warm oil, as the liquefied formula can sink in better. Heat in the form of a hot towel or warm hair oil equals increased chances of absorption. You can warm up some oil in a bowl and apply it or use a hot towel on your hair after application.

 

How much oil should you be using?

The amount of oil you need depends on the oil you are using, the purpose (a few drops as a serum or more as a mask), and the length of your hair. Apply a few pumps or one to three palmfuls of oil onto your scalp gently and use one-two pump on your strands depending on density and hair texture. gently use your hands to apply oil to your mid-lengths and ends to give them much-needed moisture, especially if you color or chemically treat your hair.

 

How long should you leave it on?

While some leave the oil in their hair overnight, usually one-two hours should suffice. If you apply more oil than you need, thinking you need to coat every strand of your hair with oil, you will need the same amount of shampoo to get it off. This may lead to dryness, which is counterproductive. A little goes a long way.

 

Not everyone should oil their hair though. Those with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis should stay away from oiling as it may increase flaking, causing dandruff to stick to the scalp. In other cases, it can also lead to red patches, itching, inflammation, and more.

 

What’s the best way to apply hair oil?

 

1. Before you start, scoop out oil if solid, and microwave/heat gently until melted and warmed through.
2. Then, section off pieces of hair and massage the oil from the root to tip, combing after with a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution (and to prevent tangles). Massage with your fingertips.
3. Repeat until everything is coated, and then twist the hair into a topknot. Trichologists suggest against tying hair too tight, as massaging can loosen the hair from the roots, making them more susceptible to breakage when they’re weighed down.
4. Standing in a warm shower can help, as the steam can improve absorption. Try soaking a towel in hot water, and then covering your head with it.
5. When you suds up after, removing all traces of the oil is important, so you may have to lather up twice or thrice to be sure.