Oiling your hair or champi is a deep-rooted practice in our hair care routines. A greasy bottle of trusty coconut oil is found in most Indian households. The practice is age-old, but are we oiling our hair right? Experts suggest we might not be.
Many people use hair oiling as a traditional cure for better hair health. However, the method and oil are crucial.The molecular weight of oil is too big to penetrate the scalp, offering little benefit for hair growth or scalp health. Instead, oiling might increase the growth of Malassezia, causing dandruff and scalp inflammation, which can lead to hair fall. Moreover, oiling can clog the scalp follicles, resulting in scalp pimples and scarring alopecia.
Post-shower hair oiling, whether using argan oil, coconut oil, or other oils, helps lock moisture, prevent frizz, and add shine to your hair. The best way to apply oil to your hair after a shower is to use a small amount on damp hair. Focus on the ends of your hair, as they are usually the most dry and damaged. Avoid applying too much oil to your roots, as this can make your hair look greasy.
Using hair oil after a shower is beneficial, especially if you have dry or damaged hair. The oil can act as a barrier, protecting your hair from environmental damage and heat styling. It also helps in detangling your hair, making it more manageable. The key is to choose the right oil for your hair type and to use it sparingly to avoid a greasy appearance.
Why Do You Lose Hair While Oiling?
You lose hair while oiling for various reasons, such as the stage of the hair growth cycle, clogged pores, dandruff, and an oily scalp. Oiling your hair gives life to limp strands, and as long as the hair fall is within numbers of 80–100, you don’t need to worry. However, hair fall beyond 100 is a cause for concern and you need to check with a physician.
Over oiling
Oiling hair with too much oil can clog pores and trap dirt, stopping hair growth. You should oil hair twice a week only and wash it off after 3–4 hours with good-quality shampoo and conditioner.
Not using cotton balls to apply oil
When applying oil to the scalp, part hair and dip a cotton ball in oil. Gently apply to the scalp. Avoid using fingers as nails can damage the soft skin.
Rubbing the hair too hard
Some people rub their scalp and hair too hard while oiling. This causes great damage to the scalp and hair follicles, eventually leading to hair fall. When oiling, apply oil gently and massage with your fingers in circular motions.
Keeping the oil for too long in the hair
Keeping oil on your head for a long time can lead to hair fall as excess oil blocks scalp pores, causing scalp pimples, rashes, and more hair fall.
Using hot oil
Heating oil before applying to tresses can be helpful as it encourages hair growth, reduces split ends, moisturizes hair, and helps maintain a healthy scalp. However, heating oil to a high temperature can cause blisters and damage hair follicles. Instead, use warm oil to reap benefits.
Using the wrong oil
The choice of hair oil is crucial for the benefits you reap. the author recommends choosing an oil with the right percentage of lipids and penetrating triglycerides. Coconut oil is best with 95% absorption, while olive oil absorbs 94%, sunflower oil 91%, and castor oil only 15%.
Using an incorrect technique
Typically, champi involves a vigorous head massage. Drs recommends warming the oil first. Massage oil into your scalp for a few minutes, then distribute evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends. Use fingertips to massage gently in a circular motion, applying slight pressure to increase blood circulation. Leaving hair oil for an hour or two is sufficient before washing. This helps prevent dandruff and maintain black hair.
Incorrect way of washing hair
Overwashing or using harsh shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils, causing brittleness and dryness. Opt for a gentle clarifying shampoo to remove oil without leaving residue. Don’t skip the conditioner. Avoid high-foam shampoos. Dr Sethi and Dr’s recommend applying a good leave-in serum when hair is 50-60% dry to seal hair and keep it protected. Using rain water for hair can also help maintain its natural softness and shine.
Massaging in the wrong way
Massaging oil into the scalp and hair should be done in circular motions for 5–10 minutes. This allows the oil to penetrate and improves blood supply to the hair follicles, resulting in healthy hair growth.
Using a poor-quality shampoo
Using shampoo that contains ingredients harmful to the hair can result in further hair loss. However, using shampoos with natural ingredients like coconut oil, onion juice, aloe vera, and tea tree oil provides several benefits including moisturizing hair, stimulating hair growth, strengthening hair follicles, and preventing hair thinning.
Tying the hair after oiling
Tying hair tightly in a bun or braids after oiling might seem like a good idea, but it can cause undue pressure and friction on the roots, leading to hair fall. To control hair fall, don’t tie hair after oiling; leave it loose. This helps remove scalp build up naturally.
Combing the hair after oiling
Common practice for people is to comb hair after oiling, but this pressure on hair follicles and scalp causes hair fall. The scalp becomes soft after oiling and massaging, making it prone to hair fall if you start combing hair immediately after oiling.
Not using conditioner
After washing hair with shampoo, many people skip the all-important step of conditioning. They think that because they have oiled hair before washing, there is no need to condition again. However, this practice should be corrected. Conditioning hair after oiling and shampooing adds moisture and nourishment; it should not be skipped.
Dandruff
It’s best to avoid putting oil in your hair if you have dandruff, scalp pimples, or other scalp disorders. If your scalp is oily, you should not apply hair oil as it can lead to clogged pores and hair fall.
Conclusion
Oiling your hair or champi is a deep-rooted practice in our hair care routines. A greasy bottle of trusty coconut oil is found in most Indian households. The practice is age-old, but are we oiling our hair right? Experts suggest we might not be.
Many people use hair oiling as a traditional cure for better hair health. However, the method and oil are crucial. The molecular weight of oil is too big to penetrate the scalp, offering little benefit for hair growth or scalp health. Instead, oiling might increase the growth of Malassezia, causing dandruff and scalp inflammation, which can lead to hair fall. Moreover, oiling can clog the scalp follicles, resulting in scalp pimples and scarring alopecia.
FAQ’s
Is hair fall during oiling normal?
Losing a few strands while applying oil is normal as part of the hair’s natural shedding process. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, the lost hair should regrow.
Can oil make your hair fall out?
Leaving oil on your hair overnight can make it greasy and sticky, attracting dust from your pillow and bed. This can result in hair loss and other hair problems.
Does coconut oil cause hair loss?
Applying coconut oil to your scalp may allow detached hair to fall away, especially if using too much, which can leave hair greasy. Usually, coconut oil doesn’t cause hair loss, but it might make previously detached hair fall away more easily.
How many times a week should I oil my hair?
Apply oil to nourish and keep hair frizz-free. Washing can make hair dry and difficult to manage. Twice a week is ideal for oiling your scalp.
