Wellness Wows (Hair Oiling)

Hair Oiling Promotes Healthy Hair and Calm Nerves

Regular hair and scalp massage with nourishing oils tightens roots, accentuates shine and drives hair growth while also offering a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. From a domestic beauty regime to a luxurious self-care indulgence endorsed by celebrities, influencers and wellness enthusiasts across the globe via high-end premium brands, the ritual of hair oiling has evolved into a timeless, modern and elegant grooming trend. Experts weigh in.

Photo Credit: Pexels.com


BY PRAMITA BOSE

Everlasting Beauty

In fact, the old-school concept of beauty stems from the lovely look of oil-soaked tresses flaunted by the erstwhile divas, who would court compliments for their crowning glory from their besotted admirers or marvel at their self-image in the mirror. Right from the familiar practice of mothers applying the oil on their children’s scalps to grandmas dishing out a hair oil pack from her secret kitty to today’s fashionistas sporting shiny hairdos on the red carpet, the saga of hair oil has come a long way with its desi aroma and simple, homespun contents to the global wellness landscape.

Worldwide Popularity

Notwithstanding the modern-day plush parlours and swanky salons brimming with spa specialists, imported wet or dry shampoo containers and conditioners, the magical charm of hair oiling remains untouched. Its advantages are intact.

Opines Delhi-based facial, cosmetic and aesthetic surgeon Dr. Shweta Mishra: “Deeply rooted in Indian culture, this lustrous silken syrupy liquid with the look of a molten metal has over time gained a global traction owing to its eco-friendly approach to hair health.”

For Busy Bees

Given the busy work schedules, today’s women hardly get any time to take care of their hair with a patient oil massage. Is there any quick-fix solution to this or a substitute for hair oiling?

“Using leave-in conditioners or hair serums in lieu of oiling can be a prompt cure for time-pressed ladies who don't have spare time for a traditional oil massage. Without requiring the hours and efforts of a complete oiling procedure, these rapid solutions are made to hydrate, nourish and protect hair,” shares dermatologist Dr. Shitij Goel (HOD) from Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida.

Star Value

Stars like Alia Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani, Bhumi Pednekar, Shilpa Shetty, Nora Fatehi and of course, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan too have time and again endorsed a hair oil brand, unstintingly praising its useful benefits. Infused with coconut, almonds, vitamins, fruity or flowery extracts, hair oils are usually made rich with essential elements obtained from nature to nurture hair organically. It’s a holistic way of taking care from the roots.

Clip on Coconut Oil

A Tip: Coconut oil contains myristic, capric and lauric acids. It provides antibacterial and antifungal properties, smoothens the hair shaft and prevents hair loss. Cold pressed oils like preferably virgin coconut oil is recommended.

Home Care

A home remedy for haircare that goes well with oil massage:

A D-I-Y hair mask made with honey, yogurt and olive oil is a fantastic at-home treatment that gels well with an oil massage. Yogurt strengthens and nourishes hair with its proteins and probiotics, while honey acts as a natural humectant, adding shine to the hair and retaining moisture. Combining them with olive oil deeply hydrates and restores damaged hair.

Instruction:

Just combine two tablespoons of plain yogurt, one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of olive oil to form the mask. For a bonus nutritional boost, leave the mask on your scalp for 20 to 30 minutes after you've finished massaging simply because it strengthens and conditions the hair from its root to the tip, leaving it smooth, lustrous and healthy. This treatment complements oil massages wonderfully.


The number of times a week one should resort to hair oil massage:

The ideal frequency of hair oil massage depends on one’s hair type, scalp condition and lifestyle. If you have the following cases:

Normal to Dry Hair: Apply oil massage twice a week to deeply nourish and hydrate the scalp.

Oily Scalp: Once a week as excessive oiling can make the scalp greasy and attract dirt.

For dandruff-prone scalp, you need to use anti-bacterial oils like neem or tea tree oil to control the flakiness. For weak or damaged hair, it is enough to use oils of castor or argan variety twice a week to repair damage.

“It’s always advisable to consult your doctor first before adhering to any kind of oil practice sessions for your hair because it is necessary to address the concern with urgency rather than getting influenced by any random social-media post or a viral video,” suggests Dr. Mishra.

“Also, there is no need to put oil and keep it overnight. Rather apply it at least an hour or a couple of hours before washing, which is sufficient to address your concerns,” she chips in.


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