Hair oils have become a staple in many beauty routines, promising to deliver luscious, shiny locks. But how should they be applied, and can they actually do more harm than good if overused?
Jasmine Cleo, Curly Hair Specialist and Stylist at Taylor Taylor London’s Portobello salon, shares her insights on the proper use of hair oils to achieve the best results.
Credit: Taylor Taylor
Can You Over-Oil Your Hair?
The golden rule with hair oils is moderation. A little goes a long way, and overuse can lead to the opposite of the desired effect, making your hair even drier and leading to a vicious cycle. Jasmine emphasizes that hair oils should primarily be used on your scalp to promote growth and overall hair health. Think of your hair like your skin: it needs moisture but can become suffocated and damaged if overloaded with heavy oils.
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?
For optimal results, Jasmine recommends oiling your hair and scalp no more than once a week. She advises doing this the night before you plan to wash your hair. This allows the oils to penetrate deeply and work their magic, ensuring that your hair is hydrated and nourished when you wash it out the next day.
What Is the Most Effective Method for Hair Oiling?
The best approach to hair oiling, according to Jasmine, is to apply the oil to your scalp and mid-lengths before bed, then wash your hair the next morning. Combining this routine with regular trims every 8 to 12 weeks will significantly enhance the shine and health of your hair. Regular trims help remove dry, dead ends, preventing split ends and promoting healthier growth.
What Are the Best Products to Use?
Jasmine advises avoiding products containing silicones and sulfates, opting instead for natural oils. Her personal favorites include:
Peppermint Oil: Ideal for those with a dry, flaky scalp and particularly beneficial for individuals with coily and curly hair who may not wash their hair as frequently. Peppermint oil helps cleanse the scalp and hair of residue and buildup.
Rosemary and Rosehip Oils: These oils are excellent for promoting hair growth.
Castor Oil: A classic for growth, but should be used sparingly due to its thick consistency.
For a reliable range of quality oils, Jasmine recommends Mielle Organics, particularly their Rosemary Mint Oil, which can be found here.
Can Hair Oils Be Used as a Styling Product?
Yes, but with caution. If you want to use hair oils for styling, apply a very small amount to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to add shine. For a fantastic styling oil, Jasmine suggests Davines Oi Oil.
Other Tips for Hair Growth
Jasmine underscores that hair oils alone won’t solve all hair issues. Regular trims are crucial, as many people avoid haircuts due to past bad experiences, leading to unhealthy, damaged hair. A consistent oiling routine combined with regular trims will yield immediate improvements in your hair's health and appearance.
Finally, she advises lowering your shower temperature. While hot water can feel soothing, it can strip your hair of essential oils, leading to dryness and damage.
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