Hair oiling is an age-old technique to nourish our hair. Many of us have fond memories of weekend ‘champi’ sessions, providing us with the relaxation effects of a massage, as well as ensuring the health of our hair.
Oiling the hair regularly helps hydrate the hair, soften it, prevent hair fall, ward off infections such as lice. The nourishing effects of hair oiling are due to the various vitamins and minerals, which strengthen the roots and add volume.
As per research by the International Journal of Trichology, hair oiling has a protective effect, as it prevents hair damage. Hair oils have the ability to penetrate into the hair cuticle and cortex, ensuring that hair is protected from hair fall and infections.
Although we have our set ways when it comes to hair oiling, derived from family wisdom, there are certain myths that we need to be careful of!
1. You need to keep the oil overnight for deriving maximum benefits
The common misconception is that the longer the oil stays on our hair, the better it will be absorbed by the scalp. In fact, if the oil stays for long hours, it may start to attract dirt, and block the benefits that the oil stands to provide our hair with. Leaving the oil for 1-2 hours would suffice the purpose. Besides, the longer the oil stays in your hair, the more difficult it would be to wash it off.
2. Oily hair attracts dirt and causes infections
Just like most things in life, even hair oiling is based on the mantra of ‘balance is the key’. Our scalp secretes natural oil, which when mixed with diet due to environmental factors, could clog the pores. The fact is that oiling the hair can help unclog the pores, and also disinfect the scalp. The trick is to not use large quantities of oil, and not let it sit in the hair for long hours. Hair oiling is usually accompanied by a gentle massage, which can help improve blood circulation, unclog the pores, and provide a nourishing effect by ensuring that the disinfectant properties of the oil reach the entirety of the hair.
3. Oiling the hair can lead to dandruff
This myth perpetuates from the fact that excessive use of hair products can cause fungal infections, and lead to dandruff. Whereas, the fact is that regular application of hair oil and the wash afterwards, can help disinfect the hair, and prevent dandruff from developing. A clean and disinfected scalp can actually prevent sweat from accumulating on your hair strands, and the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the hair oil can help restore balance to your scalp.
So ladies, be mindful of these hair care myths, when it comes to hair oiling, and continue on your path to nourish your hair!
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