what your need to know about hair and scalp oiling

We all enjoy lush shiny hair without breaking a sweat, and hair & scalp oiling seems to be the 'go-to' treatment to help achieve thicker, healthier hair. So, What are the benefits of oiling your hair and does it really help hair grow faster, thicker and lusher?

Let us take you through all you need to know about hair and scalp oiling, including the benefits of hair oil and when it might not be the right treatment for your hair type.

Benefits of Oiling Your Hair and Scalp

First let's start with the benefits of a hair and scalp oil treatment...

• It strengthens your hair
  It can be the perfect hair treatment to firm roots equaling healthy shiny hair. In addition, hair and scalp oiling can exfoliate your scalp giving your roots freshness and strengthening your hair follicles and roots.
  
  Oils like Almond oil contain Vit B and K that help strengthen your hair.
  So if you want to deal with weak hair follicles and strands, a good oil is essential.
  
  

• Hair oiling hydrates your hair
  Oils rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E are perfect for your hair as they can create a physical barrier around the hair cells. So, when you use oils like Prickly Pear, Coconut oil or Almond oil, you get extra moisture trapped into your hair strands, so your hair stays hydrated, preventing dull and dry looking hair.
  
  
• Reduces hygral fatigue
  Hydral fatigue happens when damage occurs to your hair cuticles due to excessive moisture entering and departing the hair cuticle. Sounds familiar? Your hair cuticles tend to swell with moisture while your hair is damp, and contracts as it dries, so with a bit of oil here and there, this will be over within no time. Apply oils like coconut oil lock in moisture and prevent swelling.

• Triggers hair growth
  Hair and scalp oiling can trigger hair growth by allowing blood circulation to the scalp and roots of the hair. Of course, healthy hair thrives in a healthy condition. Hair oiling creates one for your hair to grow.

When Hair and Scalp Oiling Wouldn't Work

The body naturally produces oil, which keeps its environment going and regulates the Ph level of the scalp. So when you apply too much oil to your hair, this could block your hair follicles and reduce the Ph level of your hair.

Natural oils are not water-soluble, so we need to consider external factors like exposure to free radicals, pollutions and chemicals. Non-soluble oils tend to leave a residue when you wash them off, which can attract the above mentioned external factors and can be problematic when you're in the sun. The sun will heat the oil layer, turning up the heat of the internal structure of your hair - then all the moisture is gone. So the timing of using your hair oil is really important.

Plus, adding extra oil to an overly oily scalp would most likely cause more damage. It could even lead to hair loss and affect the oil/hair balance on your hair.

So if you want to get the most lovin' from your scalp oiling, it's important to do it right. Here's how;

How To Oil Your Scalp

Follow these steps to learn how to apply hair oil and get the best hair oiling benefits for your hair :

1. Choose the right oil for your hair
The first step is choosing the most suitable oil for your hair type. Is your hair dry? Oils like coconut oil and almond oil would do just the trick. 

And if you want to go a little extra, our roots'n'all hair and scalp oil is packed with hair nurturing oils packed with fatty acids from prickly pear, Kakadu plum and coconut for deep nourishment promoting healthy hair. 

2. Massage your scalp with oil in a circular pattern with your fingertips.
Now you have chosen an oil, carefully part your hair and apply it to your scalp. While doing this, gently massage your scalp to release tension around it; this helps the oil circulate properly. 

3. Apply any leftover oil from your hand to your hair.
Let your hair soak up every last bit of oil for extra richness.

4. Overnight, cover with a towel or a shower cap.

5. Shampoo hair while it is still damp the next day. Thoroughly rinse, then condition.

All these steps are easy to follow and can yield results if you choose the right oil and routine for your hair type. However, a little patience is also needed, which is the icing on the cake.

Is your hair dry and fizzy? 
The roots'n'all hair and scalp oil goes deep into the roots to nourish your hair follicles.

All you have to do is apply to a dry or wet scalp or hair and leave it on for 45 minutes before rinsing. For extremely dry hair and scalp, use as a leave-in conditioner. Apply to clean hair, wrap in foil or a towel, and leave in overnight for best results.

Is your hair is coarse (curly), or do you have a very dry scalp?
Use roots'n'all hair and scalp oil as a leave-in treatment. Apply overnight without rinsing for optimal results.

Is your hair normal or oily? 
Use it as a rinse-off mask on damp hair. Make sure to clean your scalp for at least 45 minutes for optimal results.

Because oils absorb easier on a damp surface, applying it to a clean scalp with no buildup will allow the oil to permeate deeper. 

How Often Should You Oil Your Scalp

Hair types fall into three categories: dry, regular, and oily. So how often you should oil your hair and scalp is determined by your hair type.

Oiling the scalp once or twice a week is appropriate for people with healthy hair. If you haven't oiled your scalp in a long time, you should do it daily or alternating days for the first week, then once or twice a week after that. 

Weekends are ideal for oiling your scalp because you can leave it oiled for some time before having a bath. So we recommend allowing your hair to cool for half an hour to an hour before washing it. 

If at all possible, leave the scalp lubricated overnight before washing your hair the following morning. The golden rule to reap the benefits of hair oiling is to apply it right!

Does Scalp Oil Work For All Hair Types?

Scalp oil works for almost all hair types. We say almost because if you are dealing with dandruff, then it's a big No-No.

The truth is, using oils as a hair treatment for dandruff is a big misconception. Yep! You can oil your scalp to avoid buildup, but using too much will encourage dandruff! 

Also, allowing oil to penetrate your scalp might lead to infections. You can avoid extra oil in your hair as long as you stick to a regular washing regimen. So if you retain a little dandruff struggle on your hair, then you might want to steer clear of hair oils. With determination, it would be all gone in no time. 

With the golden rules above, you should now know what type of hair and scalp oiling is right for you.

How To Choose The Right Oil For My Hair Type

Just like every skincare product, choosing the right hair oil is your choice. However, make sure to always patch test before using to prevent any allergy flare-ups.

Your hairs needs will determine which oils are most suitable for you. Here's is a rich well of oils you can choose from:

Coconut Oil 
Rich in Vit E and omega 3 fatty acids. So if you desire great shiny hair, coconut oil is the way to go.

It works even better if you have fine to medium shining hair. You will typically see good results from coconut oil, including stronger, shinier hair with increased volume.

But if you have got coarse or dry hair, you may have to steer clear of this one. Because you may not notice a difference in protein levels, and coconut oil may cause brittleness and hair loss.

 
Prickly Pear Oil 
Prickly pear seed is high in antioxidants, boosting collagen stimulation and keeping your scalp healthy by constricting the pores and follicles on your scalp.

Rich in vitamin E deeply conditions hair, and the fatty acids and protein restore hair's natural shine, making it smooth and glossy, improving your hair's health.

It also reduces excess oil production without leaving your hair and scalp dry. So you can use prickly pear oil without having to worry about disturbing your scalp's PH.

 
Kakadu Plum Seed Oil
Australian A-beauty packed into a cutesy little plum. Kakadu Plum is versatile and works for all hair types. Rich in antioxidants, Kakadu plum seed oil promotes hair moisturisation and hydration by maintaining collagen and elastin. This, in turn, increases moisture and gloss in dry or lustreless hair.

It can also protect your hair from free radicals and environmental damage, which can improve the condition of your scalp and hair.

Rosemary Cineole oil
A 2015 study compares rosemary oil to minoxidil (an over-the-counter hair regrowth treatment). The study found that both treatments resulted in significant hair regrowth in participants after six months.

Rosemary is considered one of the top essential oils to help promote hair thickness and growth and strengthen and protect the hair. In addition, its active ingredients can help heal damaged nerve endings in the scalp that can prevent hair growth, giving those strands a growth spurt.

Peppermint oil
Not only does Peppermint leave your hair smelling minty fresh, but a 2014 study suggest the minty oil may promote hair growth.

The study shows peppermint oil outperforming saline, jojoba oil, and minoxidil for benefits including hair thickness, growth, and density over four weeks. In addition, Peppermint opens the blood vessels, which may stimulate new follicle growth. Suitable for all hair types but especially for those who experience excess hair shedding.

The take-away
You need to consider your environment and the best time to use hair oil. External factors like pollution, chemicals and treatments can impact the effectiveness of a hair oil treatment. So if you are heading out for a day in the sun, be sure to throughly shampoo your hair before it can attract any gunk.