When it comes to maintaining the shine and volume of our hair, Indian women turn to hair oils. Hair oils have been a part of our beauty rituals for ages – and why not? Hair oil, whether in its raw, pure form or infused with herbs and essential oils, offers multiple benefits. It is the oldest-known conditioner that protects weak, damaged strands. Natural, cold-pressed oils are rich in minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids that form a protective layer on the strands, improving the tensile strength of your hair. Mansi Chowdhary, Director, Body Cupid, gives us a lowdown on all things hair oil.
Table of Contents
The Benefits Of Using Hair Oils
Massaging your hair and scalp twice or thrice a week with oil helps to improve circulation to the scalp, which helps to strengthen the roots. In fact, if you are looking for shiny, soft strands, smooth some oil on your strands, leave it overnight, and wash it off the next morning. This is one of the best ways to revive dull, breakage-prone strands. It also helps to seal rough hair cuticles, and reduce the appearance of split ends. If you have a dry, itchy scalp, regular oiling helps to control the condition. Even in normal conditions, it is a good idea to oil your scalp and hair to nourish the roots and improve shine and volume. And let’s not forget that the simple act of massaging your scalp is so relaxing, especially when you are stressed.
The Oils That Heal Your Hair
Coconut Oil:
Extracted from fresh coconut meat, coconut oil contains high levels of omega-3 that penetrate easily into the skin and hair. It is rich in saturated fats, vitamin E and antioxidants that strengthen strands and soothe the scalp. Pick up the extra-virgin, cold-pressed variant as that is gentle on your hair, and is one of the best kinds if you want thick, lush hair. Treating your hair with coconut oil twice a week will help protect it against damage, and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
Who can use:
Coconut oil is ideal for dry, dull, damaged hair and a dehydrated scalp. It helps to repair brittle strands and soothe a dry, irritated scalp. It helps to add shine to dull hair too. It nourishes weak roots and helps to minimise the appearance of split ends and damaged strands. Since coconut oil can solidify at room temperature, heat it up slightly before applying.
How to apply:
For those with an oily scalp and dry hair: Apply to the strands, avoiding the roots. Massage the scalp and hair. Shampoo off after half an hour. Avoid keeping it on for longer. For those with a dry scalp and dry hair: Apply to your hair and the roots. Massage well, using a circular motion. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes. You can also keep it on overnight if your hair is brittle and your scalp very dry. Wash off with a gentle shampoo.
Almond Oil:
Almond oil is extracted from the kernels of the nut. It contains vitamins A, B and E, fatty acids, proteins, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium that strengthen weak strands and moisturise the scalp. It seals the cuticles, and forms a protective layer on the strands that prevents breakage. It also helps to stimulate circulation to the roots and helps to slow down hair loss and promote growth. You can even add this pure pressed oil to your diet to sustain your hair from inside.
Who can use: It is ideal for dry and damaged hair, and hair that grows slowly. It is also good for those with a dry and sensitive scalp and colour-treated hair. It is lightweight and gives hair softness and movement, and helps to make hair stronger and longer.
How to use: Since it is a lightweight oil, it does not clog the roots, so this oil can be left on overnight. Warm the oil very slightly, and massage it into your scalp. Leave it overnight, and shampoo out in the morning. If you have very curly, wavy or brittle hair, this oil can be used as a post-wash serum. Towel dry your hair, rub a few drops of almond oil on your palms, and smooth them over the length of the hair. Comb with a wide-toothed comb and let hair air dry. It will be smooth, shiny and manageable.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is derived from the olive fruit, and is a rich and versatile oil that is highly moisturising. It has protective and repairing properties. It contains antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that prevent damage and soothe dry strands and scalp. It helps to shield the hair cuticle from damage, and prevents moisture loss from the scalp, so that your hair looks nourished and smooth. It has deep conditioning properties. It protects hair from damage caused by styling tools and gives hair a sleek, smooth finish. It is a heavier oil, so people with limp or thin hair should not keep the oil on for long as it can drag down your hair.
Who should use: It is ideal for damaged, dull, frizzy hair. It soothes a dandruff-prone scalp, and prevents flakes from appearing on the scalp.
How to use: Use this oil as a weekly deep-conditioning treatment. Massage enough quantity of olive oil on your scalp and strands. Keep on for a half-hour, and wash off thoroughly with a cleaning shampoo. You can combine lemon juice with this oil to fight dandruff and calm an itchy scalp. Olive oil helps to restore the scalp’s natural pH balance.
