Should I oil my hair in summer?

Dry and frizzy hair are not just common hair problems in winter. You still have to combat them when the temperature goes up. Hair oiling works wonders for women with dry and damaged hair. But with all the heat and sweat, using a hair oil in summer is the probably the last thing on mind. So, does that mean you should leave hair oil from your summer hair care routine? Whether you have dry or oily hair, don’t skip hair oiling in summer. Read on to know the benefits of hair oiling in summer.

What are the benefits of using hair oil in summer?

Hair oiling is good for you irrespective of the season. Here are its benefits:

1. Hydration

Summer heat and exposure to sun, and chlorine while swimming, can strip moisture from your hair. Hair oils help replenish lost moisture, keeping your hair hydrated and healthy, says dermatologist Dr Vijay Singhal.

2. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays

Some oils contain natural UV filters that provide a degree of protection against sun damage, reducing the risk of dryness, breakage, and colour fading. Almond oil, which has fatty acids, may protect against UV radiation induced structural damage to hair, according to a 2022 research published in the International Journal of Trichology.

3. Frizz control

Humidity levels tend to rise during summer, leading to frizzy hair. Hair oils can help tame frizz by smoothing the hair cuticle and providing weight and control to unruly strands.

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4. Scalp health

Oiling your scalp can help soothe irritation and reduce dandruff, says the expert. It helps to promote scalp health, which is important for overall hair health.

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Hair oiling and hair types

Oiling your hair in summer can be beneficial for all hair types, including normal, dry, oily, and coloured hair. However, the approach may vary depending on your hair’s specific needs:

1. Normal hair

If you have normal hair, you can oil it moderately during the summer to maintain its health and shine. You can opt for oils such as coconut oil or almond oil.

2. Dry hair

Summer heat can further dry out already parched hair. Deeply moisturising oils like argan oil or jojoba oil can help nourish and hydrate dry hair, restoring its moisture balance, says Dr Singhal.

3. Oily hair

Contrary to popular belief, oily hair also requires hydration in summer. Oils such as grapeseed oil or tea tree oil can help regulate oil production while providing essential nutrients to the scalp.

4. Coloured hair

Coloured hair tends to be more prone to damage, especially from the sun’s UV rays. Using a protective oil like sunflower oil or sesame oil can help shield coloured hair from sun damage while preserving its vibrancy.

What are the side effects of hair oiling in summer?

While hair oil can offer numerous benefits, overuse or improper application may lead to certain side effects during summer, including:

1. Greasiness

Using too much oil or applying it too frequently can leave your hair looking greasy and weighed down, especially in hot and humid weather. So, even if you have dry hair, don’t use it every day. Apply it just twice a week.

2. Product buildup

If you don’t cleanse your scalp and hair properly after oiling, it can result in product buildup. This can lead to dullness, limpness, and scalp issues.

What is the right way to apply hair oil?

After choosing the right hair oil for summer, make sure to cleanse your scalp thoroughly before oiling to remove sweat, dirt, and excess oil then do the following:

• Divide your tresses into sections to ensure even distribution of hair oil.
• Apply oil to the scalp and hair, focusing on the ends, where moisture is most needed.
• Gently massage the oil of your choice into your scalp in order to promote blood circulation and better absorption of the hair care product.
• You can leave the oil in for a few hours before washing it out.

Whether it is the summer heat or chlorine in the swimming pool, there are many factors that can damage your hair. So, go for hair oiling in summer, but do not overdo it.