Oiling hair is not recommended for people with serious dandruff issues on their scalp because it can exacerbate these conditions.
Dr Renita Rajan, consultant dermatologist, RENDER Skin and Hair points out that oiling can be avoided altogether if you're acne-prone: “Sebum secretion on the scalp and the face is pretty high in our ethnicity, and it is quite counterproductive to apply more oil if you have facial or truncal acne.”
“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.
Greasing or oiling the scalp has historical roots for black Afrikans born in America. In fact as we've become more knowledgeable about the benefits of natural oils, scalp oiling has become common practice among people of all ethnicities to maintain healthy hair and scalp.
“People with dry, coarse tightly curled hair can benefit from oiling, while others with fine, straight hair may find oiling weighs their hair down too much. Those who are prone to dandruff should avoid all types of oils.”
Over-oiling leads to a greasy buildup that may block hair follicles and affect scalp health adversely. This can breed a fungus and the onset of dandruff, which exacerbates hair loss. A moderate amount will work, applied sparingly, as a rule. Most people find that once a week or every fortnight is ample.
Black castor oil is often regarded as one of the best oils for promoting hair growth and thickness in afro hair. Its moisturising properties help nourish the scalp and stimulate hair follicles, resulting in healthier, stronger hair growth.
The most prevalent fatty acid in sebum, sapienic acid (16:1, n10), is significantly higher in African Americans and correlated with the higher sebum output in that ethnic group.
During the oiling process, your scalp is likely to be massaged vigorously. This vigorous massage can cause some of the weaker hairs to be pulled out, resulting in hair shedding. In addition to the massage, the oils themselves can also contribute to hair shedding.
Hair serums are generally lighter and less greasy compared to hair oils. They're designed for a more polished finish without weighing hair down. Hair oils, on the other hand, are richer and more hydrating, which makes them ideal for deep conditioning treatment that you can use before you shampoo your hair.
Rosemary hair growth oil is quite effective in curbing hair loss and promoting blood circulation in the scalp, which helps improve hair growth. However, it should never be used in a concentrated form but should be diluted using Coconut Oil or any other hair oil that suits your hair to offer better results.
Asian hair and Caucasian hair handle stress and fatigue well. Asian hair has the highest hardness and elasticity. It is resistant to stretching and can withstand a traction force of 60 to 65 grams.
People with oily hair or who use hair care products daily should consider washing their hair once every 1–2 days. People with dry hair can wash their hair less frequently. Those with textured or coily hair should only wash it once every 1–2 weeks.
Makeup products
For many makeup items, Black and Mixed Race women used these products the least often. Table 2 Age- and education-adjusted mean use per week of personal care products by race/ethnicity, with the highest mean per category in bold (CAPABLE Study, 2019–2020).
For optimal nourishment, it is generally recommended to oil your 4C hair once every 2-3 days. This helps to replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy.
To encourage hair to grow it is important to keep hair hydrated. Steps you can take to grow black hair quickly include regular hair treatments, a balanced diet, reduced heat styling, and scalp massages. It is important to remember that hair growth requires patience and consistency.
A reason behind hair fall after applying oil can be frequent oiling. This can also lead to product buildup on the scalp and hair, which can weigh down strands and make them more prone to breakage. Over time, this buildup can also attract dirt and pollutants, leading to scalp issues and hair loss.