Applying the oil while the hair is wet will nourish and protect it from frizz and pollution as it dries into a subtly shiny version of its natural texture. Once the hair is dry, you may pump a touch more oil into your palm, rub it between your hands and smooth it over your lengths and ends.
Oil repels water. If you apply oil to wet hair, water will repel it and won't allow for deep penetration. This will make it ineffective. Water forms a layer on your hair and scalp that does not allow the oil to pass through it.
When you're using it as a styling product, the best time to apply hair oil is in the morning when you're getting ready for the day. And, if you choose a product that's formulated with lightweight oils, like Hair Oil, you can use it every day.
A recent 2021 study found that coconut oil in particular has a positive effect on the scalp. Another study suggests that hair oiling can even prevent dandruff. But other experts, such as Dr. Khetarpal, advise against putting oil directly on your scalp.
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.
Avoid oiling your hair if you have an oily scalp
“There are high chances of getting an infection if you apply oil frequently on an oily scalp. You can do it once in a blue moon. Also, if you have acne on your forehead then avoid applying oil to the crown region,” she suggests.
Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil is extracted from macadamia nuts and is enriched with fatty acids. These fatty acids make it one of the best hair oils for dry and frizzy hair. If you frequently style your hair with heat tools, using hair masks with macadamia oil can deeply nourish your hair.
You should never comb your hair immediately after applying oil. You see, hair is more fragile after oiling and your scalp is a lot more relaxed. Combing your hair roughly can cause hair breakage and loss. If you do want to comb your locks, start from the tips and gently make your way to the top.
“Hair loss is directly linked to the pH level of your scalp,” says Anker, “So if your hair is dry or overly oily, you'll experience more hair loss.” Adding extra oil to the scalp also messes with the natural oil/water balance on the scalp. “If you put extra oil on it your body will stop producing natural oil.”
The oil protects each strand from drying out while you shampoo. Rinse the oil from your hair after shampooing and apply a conditioner as normal.
If you've applied it while hair is wet or after just drying it, you're on the right track to smooth hair. If though, you've let hair dry and left it for several hours then applying oil you risk creating frizz. This is because as time passes the hair cuticle opens up.
“Oiling hair is good and has its benefits— it boosts nourishment to the scalp, reduces hair frizz and dryness, strengthens the hair, reduces dry, scaly dandruff and can stimulate hair growth," says Dr Chytra Anand, cosmetic dermatologist and founder, Kosmoderma Clinics and chief formulator, SkinQ.
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.
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.
Oils like castor, peppermint, onion, coconut, jojoba, argan, amla, olive, grapeseed, rosemary, and tea tree are often recommended for hair growth. They help boost blood circulation and strengthen hair.
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.
Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or gentle fabric to keep the oil off your pillow covers, and let the treatment do its magic while you sleep. The very next morning, don't get your hair wet or shower!
Oils have been shown to help rehydrate the hair and smooth the cuticle. Olive oil, in particular, is said to help soften the hair and replenish much needed moisture. It's also easy to work with and relatively inexpensive. Just be sure to wait a few days post-coloring before you do an olive oil treatment.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles Or Don't Tie Your Hair At All
It's best to leave your hair untied at night. If you're using an overnight product in your hair, first comb it with a wide-tooth comb and tie it in a loose braid. Remember not to use metal or rubber hair ties. Instead, go for a soft, silk scrunchie or headwrap.