Here's Everything You Need To Know About Oiling Your Hair The Right Way

From mixing varying oil blends to a favourite brand, most of us have hair oiling tips and tricks passed down from generations of women within the family.

'Oils play an important in protecting hair from damage. Oils penetrate the hair and reduce the water absorbed in the hair. It fills the gap between the cuticle cells and prevents aggressive substances to enter the follicle. There are multiple mineral oils and vegetable oils with different properties, which have been used for preventing hair damage and hair regrowth. The saturated and monosaturated oils diffuse easily into the hair as compared to polyunsaturated oils,' says Dr Pallavi Sule, dermatologist and aesthetic physician.

However, she also adds that not all oils are made the same and can have a varying effect on different hair types, textures. 'While choosing your hair oil, one must assess the scalp, hair textures, active infection, weather, climatic conditions etc. Essential oils are used according to the hair condition and also to maintain healthy hair. Sometimes oils can cause allergic reactions, so before applying on scalp and hair, one must do a patch test over skin behind the ear. Incase no redness or irritation, they can continue to use it,' she says.

So, whether you swear by a weekly warm coconut oil massage or are partial to adding a few fragrant drops of eucalyptus oil in your oiling blend, here are Dr Sule's recommendations to upgrade your routine.

Coconut oil for hair loss

This oil is proved to reduce protein loss from the hair shaft. The fatty acid present in coconut oil –Lauric acid, penetrates the hair shaft forming a protective film. Thus, coconut oil can be used for all hair conditions like dry hair, frizzy hair, to condition and protect normal hair. It has heat protecting property and also prevents UV damage.

Coconut oil is rich in anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Argan oil for frizzy hair

Argan oil has become very famous as the main ingredient in hair cosmetics. This oil is rich in tocopherols, polyphenols and is rich in anti-oxidants. Argan oil is rich in Vit A, C and E, also linolenic acid and antioxidants. This makes the oil an excellent hair nourishing agent and conditioner. Since argan oil is a great anti-oxidant it helps to reduce inflammation on the scalp, helps in the treatment of dandruff, itchy scalp, also condition like psoriasis.

It is also been used as an excellent nourishing hair mask. Application of hair mask over wet hair for about 15-20 minutes helps in the formation of protective film over the hair shafts. It seals the split ends of the hair, reducing the chance of hair breakage.

Argan oil is a great anti-frizz agent, hence used in hair sprays as a great styling product giving the hair a good shine and even look.

Tea tree oil for dandruff

Tea tree oil is a popular oil, a native of Australia. It is a natural oil and is put to use as a cosmetic for its anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties hence used in hair oils. Tea tree oil can actively be used for treating dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, follicular infections. It also helps kill the hair lice.

Castor oil for thinning hair

Castor oil as we all know is an age-old remedy to hair fall and hair thinning. How does it exactly help? Castor oil is extracted from seeds of Ricinus Communicus plant. The active toxin is Ricin which is destroyed once the oil is heated. Castor oil is rich in monosaturated acids, which are great humectants. This property of castor oil helps lock and seal the moisture in the hair, preventing dryness.

Application on castor oil on the scalp, its key ingredient Ricinoleic acid, stimulates the microcirculation of blood on the scalp hence providing more oxygen and nutrients to the hair bulb. This helps in faster hair growth. Apart from this, it also is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Oiling basics

Now that you have narrowed down on the oil that suits you best, here's what you need to know about getting the best results:

· Apply hair oil at least twice a week.

· Ideally, keep the oil on your hair overnight or even 20-30 mins before you wash it off.

· Some oils work best when warmed. So, heat the oil a bit and apply on the scalp with your fingertips. Gently massaging for 5-10 mins helps increase blood flow to hair bulbs. Always use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair. After oiling tie hair into a loose bun.

· Steam or a hot towel wrap given to the hair helps increasing the seepage of oil deep in.