Wondering Which Natural Hair Oils to Use for Your Locks?
There are good reasons why many people vouch for routinely massaging the scalp with natural hair oils. Apart from instant relaxation, a good ol’ scalp and hair massage with natural hair oils has several other benefits—from reducing fatigue, swelling, and hair drying to exfoliating.
However, the simple process has some exceptions.
For instance, a commercial hair oil with mineral or sunflower oil as the base will be far less effective in preventing hair fall than a bottle of Organic Virgin Coconut oil extracted from coconut milk.
Moreover, a person who applies oil specifically on the scalp versus someone who equally distributes the oil on the hair shafts sees better post-wash results.
Similarly, there are countless such caveats determining the post-application results of these oils.
So, selecting the correct hair oil and knowing how to apply it correctly is critical for the results you desire.
This article will examine some common blunders you might be making while oiling your tresses and how to avoid them. You’ll also see the best natural hair oils you can get your hands on.
What Causes Hair Fall During or After Oil Massages?
Surprisingly, widely practiced reasons can lead to hair fall during and after oil massage.
Here are a few reasons that can turn champi from boon to bane:
- Hot oiling - Warm oil promotes circulation and calms capillaries and nerves during massages. In addition, it relieves tension by helping your body and mind to relax.
However, people frequently mistake using hot oil instead of lukewarm oil, which can cause hair follicle inflammation and hair loss.
- Over-oiling - Many people apply oils only to their roots, which clog pores and leaves the rest of the hair dry and frizzy.
Another mistake can be leaving the oil on your hair for too long before rinsing. A greasy scalp for more than 3-4 hours will interrupt natural oil production, causing hair to fall out even more.
- Not combing before oiling - Combing your hair removes knots and tangles built up throughout the day. Oiling knotted hair is one of the most common oiling errors since it further tangles the hair, causing damage to the roots and hair during massages. Hair will also get weaker, resulting in damage.
- Choosing the wrong natural hair oils - People frequently turn to the readily available oil, which may contribute to hair fall. Instead, you should choose the correct natural hair oils since hair can be unique, and oil works differently for everyone. Suitable hair oils can help keep your tresses strong and smooth.
5 Best Natural Hair Oils to Keep Your Tresses Healthy
Now that you’re familiar with some common oiling errors, it's time to learn about the best natural hair oils you can access:
Bhringraj Oil
Bhringraj oil comes from a plant known as the "false daisy." It has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, which contribute to dandruff reduction. It's also said to help with scalp blood circulation, strengthening hair follicles.
This herb includes minerals and vitamins that help to prevent hair loss and breaking. According to Ayurveda, the leaf of Bhringraj is a great liver cleanser and is especially beneficial to the hair.
Ideal for - Bhringraj oil is recommended for people with dry, thin hair because it penetrates and hydrates the scalp while also increasing the number of hair follicles, preventing hair loss.
Onion Oil
Onions are high in vitamins C, B9 (folate), B6, potassium, and other components linked to stronger hair roots, faster hair development, and a more attractive mane. Because it contains many antioxidants, onion juice promotes the hair development cycle.
It helps improve the performance of specific enzymes that work together to prevent hair loss. It can also prevent premature graying, as onions are high in antioxidants.
Ideal for - Natural onion hair oil is suitable for all hair types, including thick, thin, delicate, coarse, color-treated, and so on.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular natural hair oil in many countries. It is rich in lauric acid–a type of saturated fat. Lauric acid has the unique ability to penetrate deep into the hair shaft and restore damaged hair.
Ideal for - Coconut oil is suitable for all hair types with multiple benefits. Some benefits are:
- Straight hair - coconut oil can make your hair appear shiny and prevent split ends.
- Wavy hair - dries out a little too soon. Coconut oil prevents this by providing a rich source of vitamin E to your hair.
- Curly hair - needs additional moisture and care to look frizz-free. Coconut oil can smoothen your hair, make it manageable, and appear lustrous.
- Coily hair - is very frizzy and tight, more prone to breakage. But, no matter the type of oily hair, applying coconut oil can make your hair look smooth and shiny and lock in the moisture and oil in your hair.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the deficiency of which may contribute to hair loss. Sesame oil's fatty acids let it penetrate deep into the scalp. The fatty acids aid in the healing and soothing the scalp and roots. Small bald patches or areas of thinning hair may benefit from sesame oil.
Ideal for - It is ideal for fighting dry scalp and curly hair. The fatty acids aid in the healing of the scalp and roots. Sesame oil can help prevent premature graying with its antioxidant properties.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a powerful combination of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Although this natural hair oil contains antibacterial characteristics, it can combat bacterial or fungal overgrowth on the scalp.
The high quantity of ricinoleic acid in the oil may enhance blood circulation in the scalp, resulting in better nourishment, stronger strands, and less breakage.
Ideal for - strengthening and nourishing dry strands. Castor oil is helpful for those who have brittle hair and a dry or flaky scalp.
Which Oil to Use?
It's important to identify whether your hair needs oiling at all. For example, you may be dealing with a chronic condition causing your hair to fall out or get dry (like telogen effluvium or dandruff). Before you choose natural hair oils, rule out these possibilities.
Now that we've cleared things up, it's crucial to understand each element in natural hair oils. It will ensure that the product is free of harmful chemicals.
After that, focus on your hair to choose the most refined product available. You should experiment with several hair oils before settling on one that works.