To make sure that your hair gets cleaned but still remains nourished and frizz-free, apply oil every time before you wash your hair. Even if it is difficult to keep up with it every time, try to oil your hair at least twice a week. However, if you have an oily scalp, you can reduce the frequency of oiling your hair.
Oil your hair no more than 1 to 2 times a week. Leave it on for approximately an hour or two but you don't need to leave it on longer than that. When you leave oil on too long you run the risk of zits because oil will run down onto your skin and you also don't add any real benefit by leaving it on longer.
Things You Should Know
Pour your chosen oil into your palm, then use your fingers to rub the oil into your roots and scalp. Then work the oil along the length of your hair. Apply hair oils about once a week, or whenever your hair feels dry. Avoid oiling it every day to prevent excess buildup.
One of the best ways to keep your hair smooth is by oiling them daily, or atleast regularly. Oiling your hair increases the blood circulation in the scalp and thus, repairing of damaged hair. This will make your hair look smoother and shinier.
“You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won't have a chance to be absorbed,” says Dr Gupta. For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well it can dry hair.
In general, it is not recommended to leave oil on for more than 6-8 hours, as that might make things tricky. The oil can attract a lot of dirt, dust, grime and get them to stick to your hair! So, it will take a lot more effort to wash your hair with all this added stuff to wash off.
The best time to apply hair oil is when your hair and scalp are clean. Otherwise, the oil will not get absorbed. You can massage oil when your hair is damp.
Leaving oil on your hair everyday for too long can cause product build-up on your scalp. It may also clog your pores, attract dirt and accumulate dandruff. Oiling your hair everyday also means that you have to wash it with shampoo everyday. This is not ideal to achieve healthy, lustrous and soft hair.
The moment your hair is left to soak in oil for more than 12 hours, your scalp collects dirt and mixes with your scalp's natural oil. Leaving oil on your hair overnight can make it greasy and sticky, and it will also attract dust from your pillow and bed. As a result, it can lead to hair loss and other hair problems.
Apply oil before washing your hair:
Shampoos can make your hair dry and frizzy. To make sure that your hair gets cleaned but still remains nourished and frizz-free, apply oil every time before you wash your hair.
Always apply oil before washing your hair
“We all know that oil is a great moisturizer and if you want to keep your mane hydrated and frizz-free then you must apply oil before washing your hair,” explains Dr Kapoor. She also adds that hair oil protects the scalp from harsh chemicals.
Apply a leave in conditioner or a light serum to ensure you lock in the moisture in your hair after a wash. This will also help you detangle your hair easily, especially if it is long. Use a wide-toothed comb and run it through your wet hair to remove tangles.
You might even need to shampoo your hair a few times to get rid of the oil, but do not overdo it. Washing it too many times can also undo the effects of hair treatment.
So, oiling your hair everyday could clog your scalp pores. Your hair can only absorb a certain amount of nutrients per week. If you apply the oil every day to your hair, you won't give it time to assimilate all the nutrients. Then, the pores will become clogged, and cause irritation and dandruff.
Avoid leaving oil in overnight
The longer, the better — that may be true for some hair treatments but not for hair oiling as the oil can block your hair follicles. Unless an ayurvedic doctor or expert has asked you to leave a medicated oil overnight, wash out the oil within 3-4 hours.
When your glands are producing too much oil, this can cause your hair and scalp to be overly greasy. Although this seems harmless, excess oil can clog pores on your scalp which can prevent your hair follicles from growing normally! And as a result, you may experience rapid hair loss.
For most men and women, the application of oil to their scalp will not cause instant damage. It will not create a scenario where your hair will fall out.
More oil means using more shampoo, and this in turn can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving you with dull, damaged and dry locks. Tight hairstyles are a strict no-no especially after you've oiled your hair. When your hair is oiled, it is in a vulnerable state.
Hair experts say it's best to apply hair oils directly to damp hair for best results. That said, do be careful not to overdo it, as it may make your hair greasy and heavy.
Generally, you can consider oiling your scalp once a week. You can modify this regimen depending on your lifestyle. Folks with dry scalps & hair can choose to oil their scalp every other day. You should be consistent with your hair care by using natural hair oils at least once a week or every 15 days.