Hair oil can be used as a deep treatment before washing or you can use it to tame your hair (dry or wet) before styling. The amount of oil you should use depends on your hair length. If you're rocking a shorter style, then 1 to 2 pumps is enough, while longer styles might consider 3 to 4 pumps more sufficient.
“You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won't have a chance to be absorbed,” says Dr Gupta. For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well it can dry hair.
It depends on the result you are seeking. Applying oil on wet hair means less shine, but there are other benefits, such as detangling and heat protection before blowdrying. On dry hair, the shine factor is higher and you will get better frizz, UV and pollution protection.
Apply oil before washing your hair:
This is something you might already know. Shampoos can make your hair dry and frizzy. To make sure that your hair gets cleaned but still remains nourished and frizz-free, apply oil every time before you wash your hair.
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.
“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.”
Oiling your hair 1-2 times a week is enough. Doing it everyday can attract dirt and also strip away essential oils from your hair. Combing, rubbing and vigorously massaging your hair with oil can also cause breakage.
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.
Applying hair oil on dry hair is best if you want to address specific surface or texture issues, like combatting frizziness or masking damage. The oil will smooth and add shine immediately because it sits on the surface of your strands rather than soaking in.
Use It to Boost Your Conditioner
After saturating your hair with conditioner, add a layer of coconut oil on top. The oil is occlusive, so it will trap the the conditioner's hydrating ingredients within your hair, allowing them to penetrate the shaft longer and more effectively.
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.
A 2015 study found that oils can help revive hair with a much-needed moisture boost. Another study from 2021 found that coconut oil strengthens hair fibers. Especially for hair that's been affected by intense styling and heat damage, hair oiling can fill in some gaps to keep it moisturized and, in turn, silky smooth.
DON'T Apply to the roots
Like most shine-enhancing products, a hair oil should be applied to the mid-lengths and ends only. Applying too much product at the roots can weigh hair down and, as it's rich in nourishing oils, it may cause unwanted greasiness.
When your glands are producing too much oil, this can cause your hair and scalp to be overly greasy. Although this seems harmless, excess oil can clog pores on your scalp which can prevent your hair follicles from growing normally! And as a result, you may experience rapid hair loss.
As a regular practice, it is natural to reach out for your comb right after oiling your hair to remove tangles. But this is a common mistake and you should avoid it. After a good oil massage, you scalp becomes relaxed and fragile, combing your hair immediately after can cause hair breakage and hair loss.
Try combing before oiling. You are encouraged to comb your hair while having your hair conditioner on. Using too much oil when oiling can make hair washes even more hectic. Residual oil in hair can clog pores and make your scalp dehydrated and oily.
Depending on what you're looking for either shiny or moisturised hair, we would suggest to use leave-in conditioners to keep your natural hair smooth and moisturised! Though, using hair oils helps your hair look shinier and feel healthier than a leave-in conditioner.