Hair Oiling Benefits, Choosing Oil, and How to Do It

Table Of Content

• How to Use Olive Oil in Hair
• Guideline for Oiling Durations
• May promote hair growth
• Hair Oiling Is the Ayurvedic Secret to My Healthy, Silky Hair

As mentioned above, you’ll want to really consider how an oil might affect your hair type. Dr. Nathan says those with fine or naturally oily hair should limit this practice to the scalp only. Mehta wouldn’t recommend this to those with skin conditions such as scalp infections and allergies, as hair oiling might exacerbate those issues. But as with everything, you only see results if you’re using the right oils and doing it consistently. If you have fine hair, keeping oil on your scalp and ends for an extended period of time can possibly weigh your hair down (more on this below, though).

How to Use Olive Oil in Hair

For most of us, a hair oil massage for the hair is a tradition passed down through generations, making it almost as routine as washing your strands. But even if you've been doing it for years, it's helpful to hit refresh on the best practices. We spoke to Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, medical director of ISAAC Luxe, and a big hot oil treatment fan, to tell us how she does it. Peppermint oil is good for all hair types but may be especially beneficial for folks who experience excessive hair shedding or hair loss.

Guideline for Oiling Durations

Before you turn your whole head into an oil slick, do a quick patch test to make sure you don’t have an allergy to that type of oil. Massaging oil into your scalp will boost blood flow and just might come with a host of other benefits. And according to research from 2016 and 2019, even scalp massage can result in increased hair thickness. Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships.

May promote hair growth

How to apply oil to hair and how often to oil hair are two concerns that go hand in hand. As per Ayurveda, oiling the hair must be a part of one’s daily routine however that is not practically possible these days. The best is to oil your hair the night before you are planning to wash your hair. If overnight oiling is not possible for you, you can apply oil about half an hour to an hour before washing the hair.

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Some even work to minimize bacteria and promote hair growth, says Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist. This combination of high-quality ingredients is exactly what you’d expect from a skin-care maven famous for her nourishing and moisturizing products. And, considering how connected your skin and hair are, it makes total sense that Josie Maran would take the tried-and-true argan-oil formula to your roots. As an added bonus, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can cause hair dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and decreased luster. 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.

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. Perfect for frizz, damage, and all hair types, you’ll increase shine and smooth strands. This weightless blend of coconut, apricot, and sunflower oil is light and effective without the use of silicones.

Essential oils are not water soluble, but can be mixed with fats, alcohols, and ethers. Olive oil is pretty thick, so it often requires good effort once you’re ready to remove it. You know that esteemed list of cure-alls—Aquaphor and WD-40 and Windex and dark chocolate, just to name a few—that you can’t live without?

Dr. Khetarpal points out that hair oiling isn’t going to affect each head of hair the same way. Chances are, most of the articles and social media posts involve applying oil directly to your scalp. But this particular method of hair oiling may not work for everyone.

Hair Oiling: This Self-Care Treatment Might Be a Recipe for Perfect Hair-mony

Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym. The age-old practice may be the key to healthier, stronger strands. Massaging your scalp too fast or vigorously can break your hair.

While the choice of oil might vary, the benefits of hair oiling can be harnessed by all hair types, be it curly, straight, wavy, or coily. But, even better, the process of hair oiling can have a positive impact on your mental health, too. In Ayurveda, the ritual of self-massage, self-love and self-care is known as ‘abhyanga’ and involves seeing your hair as an extension of your body’s energy. ‘The crown chakra is an energetic point that, when touched, helps release stress,’ explains Akash.

If your hair is sweaty and too dirty, it is recommended that you don’t apply oil to it. You want to reap the benefits of your hair oil, without having to deal with dirt trapped inside your pores. Oiling your hair everyday also means that you have to wash it with shampoo everyday.

While it can be done both during the day and night, Mehta says that leaving oil in overnight allows for better absorption and nourishment. But in the end, it’s all dependent on how it works with your schedule. Sounds simple enough, but if you’ve been curious to see what the hype is all about, you’ve come to the right place. To better understand the benefits and how to properly put oil in our hair, we turned to the experts.

“Hair with a curl is naturally drier so an oil coats the hair and absorbs for a smoother cuticle,” Eliot explained. These don't weigh your hair down and allow the benefits of the oil to shine through. With these techniques, you're not just washing your hair, you're nurturing it. Proceed to apply the oil along the length of your hair, ensuring it's evenly coated from root to tip. Rooted in ancient practices and cherished for centuries, oiling has always been a cornerstone for hair vitality and luminescence.

How to Oil Your Hair: Benefits, Types, and Tips

Table Of Content

• Overnight Treatment
• Deep Conditioning Treatment
• Step 2: Choose Your Essential Oil
• Hair oiling 101: everything you need to know about the 3,000-year-old Ayurvedic ritual
• Unlocking Deep Nourishment: Steaming with Hair Oils
• Choosing Your Oils

According to a 2017 review, it may boost hair health and growth, but studies on topical use are pretty limited. Typically, you’ll apply oil once or twice a week and let it soak in overnight. Remember that experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect hair oil for you and the method that may work the best for your hair and scalp. Hair oil has a myriad of benefits that can change the health and appearance of your hair for the better. Let's take a closer look at some of the biggest things hair oil brings to the table. Depending on the specific oil you choose to use on your hair, experts agree that you may also get some protective benefits.

Overnight Treatment

Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. The oil will help moisturize and tame frizz, leaving your hair smoother and more manageable. Some of these oils are readily found on grocery store shelves, like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil. Others like argan oil, baobab oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and sweet almond oil may be found in health food shops or drugstores.

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Points out that the unique oil is often laced into perfumes because of its olfactory benefits. “It has a warm, woody aroma and is known for its various therapeutic properties,” he says. Great for weaves, extensions, and braids, this mixture helps to encourage stronger, healthier hair with extra shine. Plus, it conditions and moistures hair to promote healthy hair growth along the way.

Step 2: Choose Your Essential Oil

“You just need to be gentle on your scalp and use your fingertips or a cotton swab to help penetrate the oil. Otherwise, hair fall and damage is inevitable,” she concludes. She also adds that hair oil protects the scalp from harsh chemicals. Rooted in traditional Ayurvedic haircare practices, hair oiling involves the use of natural oils to nourish your hair and your scalp.

Oils like castor, coconut, and rosemary are popular choices for promoting hair growth but always consult with a hair specialist to find what’s best for your individual needs. By aligning your routine with your hair's unique characteristics, you can enjoy optimized benefits and flaunt radiant, healthy tresses. This reduces the risk of breakage and prevents excessive pulling. In essence, the act of oiling amplifies what the scalp naturally does, offering a rejuvenating boost and acting as a fortifying agent for each hair strand.

We consulted Novak, Costenoble, Kimble, Dr. Williams, Sabrina Porsche, Mane Addicts stylist, and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best hair oils available. These oils may be applied to directly the ends of the hair, added to shampoo, or used for leave-in hair treatments. Baobab oil has potent conditioning properties and is well absorbed by hair even at lower temperatures.

Unlocking Deep Nourishment: Steaming with Hair Oils

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Experts break down all the benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic haircare practice. Remember to adjust the quantity of oil based on your hair's length and thickness. Additionally, the frequency of oiling may vary depending on your hair's needs. It may also help support hair growth, though research is limited, especially when it comes to topical application. Keep in mind, when using oil on your scalp, it may be worth testing to be sure you don’t have an allergy. Do a patch test before using oil in your hair for a full treatment.

Almond oil

It's also worth noting that when applying oil as a hair treatment, porous hair will retain what's necessary, and everything else will be shampooed away, says Labrecque. With its thick texture, castor oil (derived from the seeds of a castor plant) can make the hair appear thicker and is often relied upon for hair growth. Currently, there is scientific evidence for its actual impact on hair growth. However, it can still benefit those dealing with dry ends or tons of frizz. A key component of castor oil is a fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, often used in hair and skin products as an antistatic and softening agent.

Choosing Your Oils

Dr. Nathan likes marula oil, which contains antioxidants and protects hair from environmental aggressors, and recommends a product like the Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Hair Oil. Ayurvedic hair oils, as Mehta explains, often contain a blend of natural botanicals and herbs selected for their therapeutic properties. Her favorite oil is naturally her own, Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil, which also contains ashwagandha to strengthen strands.

I also recommend patch tests to check for any allergic reactions. There are a few different ways to oil your hair, depending on your hair type and goals. Dr. Spann suggests heating the oil for a few seconds for maximum penetration.

Massaging your scalp gently in circular motions is the right way to go about it. Towels are rough and can break your hair when it is soaked in oil. Your hair is in a vulnerable state and is already weighed down by the oil. Getting rid of all the excess oil is important, but not too soon!

I don’t think I’ve ever double-tapped a post so quickly in my life. Hair oiling, a practice that dates back to ancient India, may promote hair growth and shine. It contains lots of lauric acid, a fatty acid that bonds easily to hair protein.

A 2013 study conducted on mice with testosterone-related hair loss (yes, even rodents can experience male-pattern baldness!) also found that rosemary could regrow the hair. Folks in India have been using this method for centuries, and it’s even recommended as a part of Ayurvedic medicine (a type of traditional Indian healthcare). Besides providing your hair with shine, oil can be a crucial ingredient for nourishing and locking in moisture, says Witherspoon—particularly when applied to damp hair. This can vary, but leaving the oil in your hair for at least an hour or overnight is best for maximum benefits.

This helps it penetrate into the strand’s shaft and potentially repair existing damage. Oils play a vital role in keeping hair well moisturized, strong, and healthy. According to research from 2015, oils help prevent hygral fatigue (repeated swelling and drying that can damage hair). Hair oiling is an ancient practice that involves pouring oil directly onto your hair and massaging it in, with the goal of boosting moisture, luster, shine, and overall hair health. If you have a confirmed allergy to the plant from which an oil is derived, steer clear (for example, avoid almond oil if you have a known allergy to nuts in general). Also, as with any hair product, patch-testing before applying all over may be the best course of action.

Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments and Prevention Options

Table Of Content

• Talk to your doctor
• action: 'healthbeat'
• Free Healthbeat Signup
• Trademark Notice
• Are you balding? A dermatologist explains some preventative measures.

Other supplements meant to help with hair loss tend to contain a lot of one nutrient. Because this can cause you to get too much of the nutrient, many dermatologists recommend taking a multivitamin instead. If finasteride works for you, you will need to keep taking it to continue getting results.

Talk to your doctor

To notice the full results, you may need to continue with one or a combination of treatments for several months. It's most often temporary, but sometimes it can last for months or years. It usually happens when you're in your late 50s or 60s.

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In some cases, the cause of hair loss is obvious — for example, if you're losing hair while going through chemotherapy. Other times, your healthcare provider will need to do some detective work to figure out what’s causing your hair loss. Within a few months of treatment, you may begin to notice less hair loss.

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More hair falls out, but new strands don’t always grow back. You can receive laser therapy treatments from a dermatologist, but you can also purchase portable laser devices without a prescription. Companies like HairMax sell wearable devices intended to stimulate weakened follicles and reverse hair thinning or loss. This medication, which you can purchase over the counter (OTC), comes in foam or liquid form. It may cause more hair loss at first, and new growth may appear shorter and thinner than before. You may also need to use it for 6 months or more to prevent further loss and promote regrowth.

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Those units and then are implanted into the bald area of the head. When the ringworm fungus affects your scalp, it triggers a distinct hair loss pattern -- itchy, round bald patches. Your doctor will treat it with antifungal medication. It’s easy to spread by direct contact, so check your family members for symptoms, too.

Several serious diseases also attack the hair follicle, says Robert Brodell, a dermatologist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. The authors suggested that nicotine and other chemicals could speed up hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm this. But if you experience more sudden loss, loss in patches, or overall thinning, you may want to see a doctor. In one small 2016 study involving 9 people, participants saw results after receiving as little as 4 minutes of massage a day for 24 weeks.

If you can, avoid heat styling tools such as curling or straightening irons, which may also damage or break the hair shaft. In the meantime, talk with your doctor before adding ginseng supplements to your diet. Hormonal imbalances before, during and after menopause can lead to more permanent hair loss, Dr. Simpson says. Not getting enough iron, protein or vitamin B12 in your diet can also cause your hair to thin.

Few hair growth products contain ingredients that have been shown to slow or reverse hair thinning. Here are the best products available that can encourage hair regrowth. Being gentle with your hair while it’s experiencing change is important so as not to exacerbate any thinning. It goes without saying that excessive heat and chemical treatments aren’t a good idea, but try and opt for protective hairstyles too. “Opt for hairstyles that minimize tension on the hair follicles, such as loose braids, buns or ponytails,” advises Gaboardi.

If you have hair loss that you find difficult to cover up (around 50% hair loss or more), or your hair loss is a result of cancer treatment, you may be eligible for a wig on the NHS. Always contact a GP or dermatologist for advice before starting or finishing any treatments or medicine for alopecia. Hair loss is a well-known side effect of chemotherapy. It's also common for women to lose more hair than usual up to 3 months after they've given birth.

While serums work from the outside in, supplements work from the inside out. Ideally, you’ll be able to use both types of products at once for optimal results. We also looked carefully at customer reviews, choosing only products that real customers find useful in their experience. According to the company’s trials, the OLAPLEX intensive hair treatment can make hair three times stronger in just one use.

The most common cause of hair loss in women is female-patterned baldness (androgenetic alopecia). OTC medications may help reduce hair loss and promote growth. Other types of hair loss may involve treating the underlying cause.

Your body makes more male hormones, or androgen, than it should. This can cause extra hair to sprout on your face and body while the hair on your head thins out. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.

It leads to cysts on a woman’s ovaries, along with other signs and symptoms, which can include hair loss. Stopping some types of birth control pills can cause a temporary hormonal imbalance. Women who develop a hormonal imbalance can develop thinning hair (or hair loss) on their scalp. Hair usually starts to regrow within months of finishing chemotherapy or radiation treatments to the head or neck. Dermatologists can offer medication to help hair grow back more quickly.

Some hairstyles and hair care habits can damage hair, leading to hair loss. If your dermatologist finds that this may be causing your hair loss, your dermatologist can recommend changes that will help you stop damaging your hair. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. If you lose significant hair, it’s important to protect your scalp.

“As soon as you notice hair loss is happening, you should come in,” says Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, South Carolina. If thin areas are easy to spot, consider a weave, a hairpiece, a scarf, or a hat. Good-quality wigs are more comfortable than ever -- and they rarely have bad hair days. If hair loss affects your job or social life or makes you not want to leave the house, talk with a counselor.

If your blood test reveals that you’re not getting enough biotin, iron, or zinc, your dermatologist may recommend taking a supplement. If you’re not getting enough protein, your dermatologist can tell you how to boost your intake. It’s essential that you not become pregnant while taking spironolactone. To prevent pregnancy, your dermatologist will also prescribe a birth control pill if it’s possible for you to get pregnant. More studies are needed to find out who is most likely to benefit from this treatment and whether these devices cause long-term side effects. It’s important to understand that not everyone who used a laser saw regrowth.

Treating female pattern hair loss

Table Of Content

• What’s The Most Common Cause Of Female Hair Loss?
• Different types of hair loss
• Treatments for Alopecia and Hair Loss
• Cancer: Managing Symptoms Discussions

Soon after, you may experience an increase in thickness or regrowth. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about hair loss, since they can help identify any medical conditions contributing to hair loss and recommend the right treatment. With this type of hair loss, your follicles gradually shrink and the growth cycle is shortened. After a while, some follicles may stop producing hair. Things that interfere with the growth cycle -- like medications, illnesses, infections, or chemicals -- have the potential to stop hair from being formed the right way. Beyond that, age, hormones, stress, and even the way you style your hair can lead to hair loss.

What’s The Most Common Cause Of Female Hair Loss?

There is also evidence to suggest that sexual dysfunction is another adverse effect of men taking these medications, according to a 2019 study. Additionally, due to the risk of causing birth defects, people who can get pregnant should not take finasteride or dutasteride, Agbai emphasizes. Both men and women develop this type of hair loss, which is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. Regardless of whether it develops in a man or women, the medical term is androgenic alopecia. Regrowth continues for over a year, after which time it stabilizes. Minoxidil usually needs to be used long-term to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Different types of hair loss

This likely encourages hair to grow back fuller and speeds up the rate at which lost strands are replaced. It’s available over-the-counter—generically and under the brand name Rogaine—in both 2% and 5% formulations. Recent studies have linked the prolonged use of 5mg finasteride and 0.5mg dutasteride to alarming health complications in men, including  hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.

Treatments for Alopecia and Hair Loss

If you need treatment for regrowth, the earlier you start, the more likely you are to see regrowth. Studies indicate that laser therapy is safe and painless but requires many treatment sessions. To see a bit of hair growth, you may need several treatments a week for many months. Prescription ketoconazole, 2% (Nizoral) offers another option to treat androgenic alopecia. This medication, which comes in the form of shampoo, is an antifungal agent that may help reduce your body’s production of testosterone and other androgens that lead to hair loss.

What causes baldness?

You might be able to prevent some hair loss by eating nutritious foods that provide necessary nutrients (like vitamins, minerals and protein) or adding vitamins to your daily routine. When looking for effective hair regrowth products, consider the ingredient and if those ingredients have been clinically proven to help regrow or thicken hair. Minoxidil is thought to work by partially enlarging hair follicles and lengthening the hair’s growth phase.

But when you begin to lose more hair and experience less regrowth, you may notice more significant hair loss. When you see a doctor to see what's causing your hair loss, they’ll probably start with a physical exam and ask about your diet, family history, and medical history. They may ask whether any of your relatives have hair loss. Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that's brought on by the way you style your hair. Hairstyles like cornrows, braids, or tight ponytails can cause it. Some signs of traction alopecia include hair loss in patches where the hair was pulled and shorter strands of hair near the forehead.

Doctors often prescribe oral medications to be used along with topical minoxidil because studies show the combination boosts hair production. Low-dose oral minoxidil (prescribed off-label) has been found to be effective and safe for most patients, Mirmirani says. Other oft-used drugs include finasteride (Propecia) and spironolactone. Depending on what’s causing your hair loss, it may be temporary or permanent. Treatments can help people with certain types of hair loss.

How long does it take for hair growth products to start working?

Smoking also increases the production of free radicals. These molecules react with others to cause oxidative stress, which can harm cellular DNA. A 2018 review found that cells in the hair follicles of scalps with hair loss are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress. Ginseng contains certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on your scalp. But further research is needed to recommend specific dosages. Some research, including a 2024 review, suggests that there may be a connection between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia.

Some shedding is normal

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You may need to use the device regularly to see results. Skip tight braids or ponytails that may pull on your hair at the root and potentially lead to excessive shedding. You can find daily multivitamins at most grocery stores or drugstores or ask your doctor to prescribe one for you. It’s unlikely that you’ll get too much vitamin A from dietary sources. So, fill your plate with foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach. Most of us shed hair a little at a time — pretty much all the time.

If your levels are normal, taking a supplement can be harmful. For example, if you take too much iron, you can develop iron poisoning. Early signs of this include stomach pain and vomiting.

In some circumstances, tretinoin may cause hair loss, so it’s important to only try this medication with guidance from your doctor. Still, a dermatologist or other healthcare professional can offer more guidance on strategies to help minimize hair loss in the meantime. Sometimes hair loss is a sign of a condition called hyperandrogenism, which happens when your body makes too many androgens (male hormones). In women and others with female reproductive organs, its most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Along with hair loss, other signs of PCOS include weight gain, acne, and irregular periods.

The FDA has approved a few laser treatment devices to treat hair loss at home. But we need more studies into their safety and effectiveness for long-term use. Spironolactone is another medication your doctor may prescribe for hair regrowth and to keep hair loss from getting worse. It stops the action of male hormones called androgens. Although it’s more common in men, hair loss regularly affects women and people of other genders. You may experience any one of several types of hair loss, such as hair thinning, a widening part, or patchy hair loss.

Anyone can have androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). These hair changes can make it hard to maintain how you want to look, especially if you're transgender or nonbinary (which means you don't identify as fully male or female). You may want to shift where hair grows (or doesn't) to reflect your affirmed gender. Not all researchers agree that spironolactone works, and the FDA has not endorsed it as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, the medication has still been used off-label for years to treat hair loss in women.

Regular pulling on your hair via tight ponytails, braids, extensions, or weaves can cause traction alopecia—shedding caused by persistent tension, per the AAD. “The most common treatment for telogen effluvium is removing the trigger if it can be identified—and also time,” Dr. Lo Sicco says. Scalp ringworm, which is caused by a fungus, requires antifungal medication. Losing your hair — whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent — can be emotionally difficult for many people.