Whether you’ve read it on the internet or heard it from your grandmother, the benefits of oiling hair are prescribed as a blanket solution for everything from lifeless tresses, damaged ends to stress relief. You’ve probably received this bit of hair advice from many people—mothers, grandmothers, relatives, friends, doctors, maybe even a stranger or two.
But the first thing we need to understand is the anatomy of hair.
Hair is made of a tough protein called keratin.
Your hair shaft is the part of your hair that can be seen above your scalp. A hair follicle anchors each hair into the skin.
The hair bulb forms the base of the hair follicle.
In the hair bulb, living cells divide and grow to build the hair shaft.
Blood vessels nourish the cells in the hair bulb and deliver hormones that modify hair growth and structure at different times of life.
The scalp has a natural pH level that is regulated by the body’s natural production of oil.
Hair loss is directly linked to the pH level of your scalp. So if your hair is dry or overly oily, you’ll experience more hair loss.
How does hair oil work on hair and scalp?
Hair oil forms an oily film on the hair shaft, prevents excess moisture absorption from the environment, and prevents water loss.
While oiling increases or stimulates the circulation of blood to the scalp, the massaging technique helps to bring the nutrients to the scalp, which then works by nourishing the hair. And it also acts like a stress buster which is also one of the causes of hair fall.
Is warm oil good for hair or not?
Warm hair oil application helps the oil penetrate into the hair fibre and leave just a thin film on the hair shaft, giving a less oily appearance.
What not to do after applying hair oil?
It is advised not to step out in the sun with a coating of oil on your hair. The sun heats the oil layer, which heats the hair’s internal structure, and all the moisture is gone. You have fried it internally.
Do not wash off the hair oil too soon. Let the oil remain for altleast an hour.
Do not tie your hair into a tight bun or ponytail. When your hair is oiled, it is in a vulnerable state. Tying it up in a tight bun or ponytail can add pressure and lead to breakage, and at times, also cause split ends.
Keep these things in mind and start caring for your mane now to have healthy and happy hair always.