How often should you actually oil your hair? The science-backed answer
Why does your hair constantly fall prey to tangling and slow growth
Do you know that oils, when massaged into the hair, create a barrier that shields hair from dust and pollution?
Studies have shown that massaging oil into the scalp improves blood circulation and stimulates hair follicles, which can promote healthier hair growth.
The question isn't just about oiling the hair, it has more to do with how often this oiling routine should be carried out. When should the oiling process start, and how can you tell when it's the right time to stop?
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?
Your hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle, to a very large extent, determine the rate at which you are to oil your hair.
That’s why Trend Tree has put together a simple and effective oiling guide for different hair types. Find the one that fits your hair and follow the steps to see the difference.
How massaging your scalp with oil regularly reduces hair fall and hair loss
1. Improved Blood Circulation - For your hair growth patterns to be improved, there must be an even circulation of blood in the scalp. When there is adequate blood flow in the scalp, the hair follicles will be stimulated for hair growth.
2. Strengthened Roots - The Nutrients in oils fortify the roots and strands of your locks, thereby reducing shedding. When the roots are massaged with oil, they become armed with the essential nutrients to prevent excessive hair fall and fight the external forces that trigger it.
3. Faster Hair Growth - If you want to improve the growth pattern of your locks, regular scalp massage with oil should be carried out. Regular stimulation and nourishment promote quality hair growth by stimulating your hair follicles.
4. Natural Shine - The color and vibrancy of your locks can become vulnerable to the drying effect of heat styling and harsh climatic conditions. Regular oil massage of the scalp puts an end to the dull and lackluster appearance of your locks, giving them a more vibrant and natural shine..
5. Frizz Control - Frizz is one enemy of your locks that gives birth to other negative hair conditions such as tangling, hair fall, and loss, as well as many others. Oil smooths your hair strands, tames the activities of frizz, and puts an end to tangling and other negative conditions that frizz brings.
Tips for oiling each category
Dry or Curly Hair:
● 2–3 times a week
● Helps retain moisture, reduce frizz, and prevent breakage.
● Leave oil in for a few hours or overnight, then wash.
Oily or Fine Hair:
● 1 time a week
● Too much oil can weigh hair down or clog pores. Use light oils (e.g., argan, jojoba).
Normal Hair:
● 1–2 times a week
● Maintains scalp health and protects against environmental damage.
Chemically Treated or Damaged Hair:
● 2–3 times a week
● Coconut, almond, or castor oil can help strengthen and repair.
One important point you mustn't forget is that your scalp must never be oiled when it's dirty because this will only worsen your hair condition by rubbing the dirt in.
Not oiling your locks regularly leads to increased hair dryness, split ends, and reduced elasticity, especially in low-humidity climates.
A study conducted on human hair indicated that 65 percent of participants who stopped oiling reported increased dryness and tangling within two weeks.
Just like your skin, your scalp can become dehydrated when it is starved of its essential oils. This deficiency can result in flaking and an itchy scalp.
Hair treated with oil retains 35-40% more moisture than untreated hair under controlled humidity conditions. This means that regular scalp massage with oil reduces your chances of having dehydrated hair and the consequences associated with it.
Lack of oil can make your hair feel dry and appear dull. It makes your hair feel weak and prone to breaking.
Every hair needs regular oil massage, irrespective of the hair type. For instance, the oily hair type requires an oil massage at least once a week, while other hair types have higher doses.
Stop hiding your hair under scarves and buns due to your struggle with hair fall and breakage. Want your hair to feel soft, full, and healthy again? Start with a little help from Trend Tree.
Written By Ritikka Puranik
