Hair oiling is a method of hair treatment that derives from an old Indian tradition. It has been practised in the ancient times and it lasted until today. Nowadays, it is extremely popular and more and more girls decide to change their beautifying routines into Ayurvedic methods.
Check out what hair oiling really is and see for yourself the spectacular results it brings.
What exactly is hair oiling?
Basically, hair oiling is applying oils to: the entire length of hair, only hair ends or scalp. Such methods of care are willingly used by many girls. Why? Oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids). Such components are responsible for regeneration, nourishment and strengthening of the scalp. They also provide protection against harmful external factors.
Can silicones be used instead of hair oils? The principle rule claims that if you want to nourish your hair from the inside, you should not use any products containing silicones. However, if you want to protect strands from harmful sun radiation – silicones will be necessary. Nevertheless, silicones coat your wisps and disturb proper functioning as well as prevent nutrients from penetrating inside.
What will you gain thanks to hair oiling?
You can enumerate many advantages of hair oiling treatment. The final results depend on what your hair looked like at the beginning, its condition from the start and what kinds of problems you want to deal with. You must know that hair oiling:
- regenerates damaged hair structure
- inhibits hair loss
- boosts hair growth
- provides shine and resilience
- helps healing dandruff
- regulates the work of sebaceous glands
- prevents hair ends from splitting
- prevents frizz and static
- protects against: harmful UV radiation, very low or high temperatures, air-conditioning, sea salt water, chlorinated water, hot air generated by the blow-dryer
- soothes scalp irritations
- strengthens and nourishes hair
- smooths and adds shine to dull and rough hair.
How to choose the one and only oil?
It all depends on hair porosity. Hair is divided into three groups: low porosity, medium porosity, high porosity. For low porosity hair try out coconut oil, sunflower oil, babassu oil. You will also need cosmetic butters such as: mango, shea and cupuacu. In order to take care of medium porosity hair, use: argan oil, plum seed oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, macadamia oil and avocado oil. When it comes to high porosity hair, the best oils are: flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, cotton seed oil, borage oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, wheat germ oil.
How to conduct hair oiling?
Hair oiling should be done once or twice a week. Leave the oil in your hair for about 30 minutes and on the scalp for maximum 2 hours. Regularity is the key to success. Only by systematic use of oils, you will be able to obtain spectacular effects. There are a few methods of hair oiling.
Dry hair oiling
It is probably the most common method of hair oiling. It consists in applying appropriately chosen oil (matched to hair porosity) to your dry strands. After a few hours, wash it off and comb wisps thoroughly. In this case, oil is to be applied to the entire length or the end or the scalp.
Wet hair oiling
The second most popular method of hair oiling. Oil is to be applied to clean and damp wisps. Remember to get rid of excess water before the application. If you do not have the time, there is no need to wash your hair prior to oiling. You can simply spray your strands with warm water or moisturising hydrolate.
Hair oiling in a bowl
This method is recommended not for beginners but more advanced users of hair oils. Pour one litre of boiled water into a bowl and add one or two tablespoons of oil and couple drops of hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, aloe vera juice or other moisturisers. Then, soak your hair in the bowl and after about a minute drain off excess water. Put on a plastic shower can and cover it with a warmed up towel (or an old winter hat). After 30 minutes take everything off and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Hair oiling with a conditioner
Another more sophisticated method for more advanced women. Not only you have to select the proper oil but also choose a conditioner that will fulfil your needs and complement the effects of the first cosmetic. You can either apply conditioner and then oil, or the other way around. Again, use shower cap and heated towel. After 30 minutes wash everything off.
Washing your wisps after hair oiling is also important!
Usually, it is best to wash your strands twice: the first time with a cleansing shampoo and the second one with a gentle, moisturising one. Moreover, you might as well wash your hair with the CWC method – conditioner – wash – conditioner. When applying conditioner, the oil emulsifies which results in easier washing. Next, rinse with warm water and apply your conditioner once again.