There are many reasons for hair fall, dandruff and thin hair appearance and one of the reasons is not applying hair oil. Applying oil to the hair has been a traditional practice for centuries and offers a wide range of benefits for hair health.  The frequency of applying hair oil depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and personal preference.

Why should one consider applying hair oil regularly? The following reasons will help you to understand importance of oil application to hair.

1. Nourishment and moisture: Hair oils provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish both the hair and scalp. They help restore moisture, especially for dry or damaged hair, by forming a protective layer around the hair shaft.

2. Prevents hair damage: Oiling can reduce damage caused by environmental factors like pollution, UV rays, and heat styling tools. It forms a protective barrier that shields hair from dryness, split ends, and breakage.

3. Improves scalp health: Regularly applying oil helps maintain a healthy scalp by keeping it hydrated and preventing issues like dryness, dandruff, and flakiness. Certain oils also have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help maintain scalp hygiene.

4. Promotes hair growth: Massaging oil into the scalp stimulates blood circulation, which can enhance nutrient supply to the hair follicles. This stimulation can promote hair growth and reduce hair thinning or shedding.

5. Strengthens hair: Oiling helps strengthen the hair shaft, making hair more resilient to breakage and thinning. Oils rich in omega fatty acids (such as coconut or argan oil) penetrate the hair shaft and help repair damaged strands from within.

6. Improves hair texture and shine: Oils smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in softer, shinier, and more manageable hair. This is especially beneficial for frizzy, coarse, or curly hair that needs extra moisture and control.

7. Reduces frizz: Oils act as a natural anti-frizz treatment by taming flyaway and preventing humidity from affecting the hair shaft. This can help in maintaining smoother hair throughout the day.

8. Detangles hair: Oiling can make the hair more manageable and easier to comb by reducing knots and tangles, which can otherwise lead to breakage when brushing.

9. Prepares hair for washing: Applying oil before shampooing, acts as a pre-conditioning treatment. It helps reduce the harsh effects of shampoos that may strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it less dry after washing.

10. Relieves stress: The act of massaging oil into the scalp can be a relaxing ritual that reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. This may indirectly contribute to healthier hair by lowering stress-related hair loss.

How often we should apply hair oil? Depending on hair type one should consider how frequently oil should be applied.

1. For Dry hair and scalp: Frequency? 2–3 times a week.  Oiling frequently helps nourish and hydrate dry hair and scalp, preventing flakiness, frizz, and split ends. The oil locks in moisture and restores the natural oils that your hair may be lacking.

2. For Oily hair and scalp: Frequency? Once a week.  Oiling too frequently may lead to greasy hair if your scalp already produces enough oil. Applying once a week can help keep your scalp balanced without overloading it.

3. For Normal hair: Frequency? 1–2 times a week.  Normal hair can benefit from oiling to maintain a healthy shine and nourishment without overdoing it. You can adjust based on how your hair feels after oiling.

4. For Curly or coarse hair: Frequency? 2–3 times a week or as needed. Curly and coarse hair tends to be drier because the natural oils from the scalp do not travel down the hair shaft as easily. Regular oiling helps manage frizz and maintain moisture.

5. For Hair growth: Frequency? 2–3 times a week. Massaging oil into your scalp regularly stimulates blood circulation, which can promote hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles.

Which oils are good for hair health? To enhance hair health, texture, appearance and to protect hair from damaging following five oils are highly recommended.

1. Coconut oil: Deeply moisturizing and good for hair strength and growth.
2. Argan oil: Rich in vitamin E, great for shine and hydration.
3. Almond oil: Contains magnesium, which helps reduce hair breakage.
4. Castor oil: Promotes hair growth and thickening.
5. Jojoba oil: Mimics the scalp’s natural oils, great for hydration without making hair greasy.
6. Homemade hair oil: There are several types of hair oils one can prepare at home.

How to apply hair oil?

• Warm the oil slightly before applying for better absorption.
• Massage gently into the scalp to improve circulation.
• Leave the oil on for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for deep conditioning) before washing it out. Or if you are comfortable you can leave the oil for 2-3 days and wash.
• Use a mild shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of moisture.

You can adjust the frequency based on how your hair reacts, but generally, oiling a few times a week can help maintain healthy, strong, and nourished hair.

Image credit: Image by tranhahai37 from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)