Oil is necessary for scalp and hair health, and your body naturally produces oil known as sebum through a gland located at the hair follicle (where the hair sprouts out of your scalp).
Sebum is a natural, waxy oil produced by glands in hair follicles that keeps the skin moist and forms a barrier to protect the skin from infection. When combined with sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris, the buildup can cause flaking and make the hair look greasy.
Oils penetrate the hair shaft and increase elasticity - which makes it feel softer and break less easily. Oiling your hair is not only amazing for your hair, it also promotes a healthy scalp too.
Sebaceous glands are microscopic glands found in your hair follicles that secrete sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that protects your skin from drying out. Sebaceous glands can clog, so you can keep your glands healthy by following a skin care routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing your skin.
The role of the white bulb is to help the hair follicle root to the scalp, which then allows the hair to grow until it is shed. It's important to keep in mind that the white bulb is not the actual hair root, but rather, the protein bulb that is present during a specific phase of the hair growth cycle.
Scalp 101
Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.
"The white bulb at the end of the hair is keratin (or protein) and is the same keratin that makes up your skin and nails. A white bulb is not indicative of hair loss," said stylist Carrie Capalbo of Salon YOSHIKO. "It's part of the lining of the hair follicles.
Specialized cells, called sebocytes, dissolve and release sebum into the sebaceous glands. Sebum travels through the follicular duct that connects the sebaceous gland to the hair follicle. The growing hair pulls the sebum up and onto the surface of the skin.
Hair has actually been scientifically proven to treat oil waste thanks to its porousness as well as oil's natural affinity to it.
Slathering your scalp and hair with oil isn't doing anything for its health—on the contrary, it's counter-productive. “Applying excess oil can clog hair follicles, leading to hair fall and dandruff. Similarly, applying it to dirty hair can cause scalp infections,” shares Dr Smita Naram, co-founder Ayushakti.
While leaving oil on your hair may seem beneficial, prolonged exposure can have adverse effects. If hair growth oil is left on for extended periods, it can attract dirt, clog pores, and lead to dandruff and itching. Over-saturation may also weaken hair strands, making them prone to breakage.
Moisturizing agent – It moisturizes the hair follicle and prevents dryness. It has enhanced penetration capacity[38] Hair growth – As the oil has enhanced penetration and reaches up to the hair follicle, it increases the circulation of the scalp, thereby increasing hair growth and reduce graying of hair.
Some examples of Penetrating oils are: Coconut, Red Palm, Avocado, Olive and Argan. You'll notice Red Palm oil in our Hot Sauce and Avocado and Argan in our Moonshine and Banana Cream! Sealing oils, on the other hand, are unable to penetrate the hair shaft.
Dabur Amla Hair Oil today is the largest hair oil brand in the world with over 35 million consumers. Dabur Amla Hair oil has constantly evolved as the epitome of beauty for Indian women. It has been the secret of stronger, longer, thicker hair in India and around the world for over 80 years.
Hair Type: Fine hair might only need 30 minutes to absorb the oil, while thick or coarse hair can benefit from overnight treatments. Oil Type: Lighter oils like argan or jojoba can be left in longer, while heavier oils like castor oil might need a shorter application time.
In contrast, coconut oil is well-known for its penetration ability and interactions with the hair cortex, making it a suitable reference for our study.
It's crucial to wash your hair after applying oil, otherwise residue will weigh down water-based products (such as leave-in treatments) so they can't penetrate your hair. This may also make your scalp look oily and unkempt. In fact, it's a good idea to wash your hair after using any product that coats the strands.
The follicle also contains a hair and an oil gland (sebaceous gland). The oil gland helps remove old skin cells, keeps the skin lubricated, and prevents drying of tissues.
White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of the hair. Several species of fungus that live in soil or dirty water can cause it. Piedra is the Spanish word for stone.