At some point in your natural hair journey, you might have heard about scalp and hair oiling. If not, it’s the simple premise of lubricating or 'greasing' your hair and scalp with an oil. Many people do it under the assumption it will give them more shine, stimulate growth, add moisture and soften hair. But does hair and scalp oiling actually work? Is it a myth? Let’s get into it.
Does Scalp Oiling Work?
Scalp oiling is slightly different from hair oiling as the scalp is living tissue, whilst hair is made up of dead keratin (protein) bundles. As living tissue, if you do not have any scalp issues, your scalp may obtain several specific benefits from being oiled.
Our favourite oiling benefit is, if you use an oil like Root2tip’s Root Engerizer oil and Grow It Long Scalp Serum you’ll be able to maintain a healthy scalp and fight dryness without leaving buildup. If you are suffering from an itchy scalp, the help of lightweight oil can help soothe the itchiness, as prolonged scalp scratching can break the skin and damage hair follicles.
Oiling your scalp also help it stay more protected from the weather elements and even insect bites! Now, that’s a win-win.
Moreover, oiling your scalp can actually have a knock-on effect on your hair, too. As you gently massage the oil into scalp with the tips of your fingers, it stimulates blood flow to the area, which over time promotes hair growth.
Does Oiling Afro Hair Work?
Onto the topic of oiling afro hair. First of all, it’s important to remember that oils aren’t truly moisturisers. But oiling curly hair does also have several benefits because, whilst water is the primary hydrating ingredient, some oils like olive oil and coconut oil can provide some moisture as their molecules are small enough to penetrate the hair.
In curly and coily hair, the oil produced by your scalp (sebum) has a hard time making it all the way down the hair strand due to all the texture in the way. So hair oiling helps replenish and mimic the natural sebum that natural hair often lacks.
One benefit of oiling hair is the oil’s sealing properties that help prevent the moisture in the hair from escaping. Some oils don’t penetrate the hair but sit on top of the hair shaft, like jojoba or mineral oil. This is why they are able to keep the hydration you put in your curls locked in to some degree.
Do keep in mind that no oil is an absolute barrier on the hair, so some water can still enter in and out. However, moisture loss is much slower in hair that’s been oiled than not.
Another benefit of oiling your hair is the reduction of hygral fatigue. When you oil hair before washing it, you protect it from the damaging repeated effect of water entering and leaving the strand, making the cuticle expand and contract. Hygral fatigue is the resulting hair damage caused by this repeated strand expansion and contraction. It makes your curls and coils more prone to breakage and losing moisture faster. To fight this issue, we recommend pre-treating your hair with coconut oil which reduces the amount of water that can enter the hair during washing.
Is Daily Oiling Good?
We don’t recommend doing it daily as too much oil can still be a bad thing. It may end up leaving your hair and scalp greasy, and the excess oil might end up blocking hair follicles on your scalp and cause pimples. When oiling hair, ensure you use a sulphate-free shampoo like Root2tip’s Stimulate and Cleanse SLS Free Shampoo to remove any oil build-up accumulated in your routine.
As you can see, oiling your hair and scalp can bring in a range of benefits. Oils should be treated like the BFF of your natural hair, not a foe. But should you oil your scalp and hair?
If your scalp is free of medical woes and you have a quality, lightweight scalp oil then you’re all good!
Choosing the best oil for your afro hair can be a little tricky, as everyone’s hair is unique and what works for one person may not work for another.
Below are recommendation from us the best oils for your afro hair and reason behind it.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil is super lightweight and works well for black hair because it’s rich in antioxidants and has a high concentration of oleic acid. This acid is able to penetrate the hair shaft for extra hydration. Although it’s lightweight, you should avoid putting this oil on the scalp, as this will help reduce build-up.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular choice for afro hair because it penetrates the hair shaft to moisturise and strengthen the hair. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it nourishes and protects the hair. Be sure to patch test before use, however, as some people have sensitivities to coconut oil. Use in moderation to avoid build-up, and warm in the hands before applying to avoid dragging the hair.
- Castor Oil
Castor oil is a rich, thick hair oil that's absolutely great for afro hair. Why? Because it's high in fatty acids and vitamin E. It's also a natural humectant, which is just a fancy way of saying that it helps retain moisture in the hair. We recommend using this once a week, diluted with water, to avoid build-up.
- Almond Oil
Rich in vitamins and minerals, almond oil supports hair growth, promoting soft, more manageable locks as well as restoring moisture, protecting from breakages, and reducing frizz. To benefit from this oil, you can use it in a variety of ways including a leave-in treatment and as a serum. Almond oil is suitable for all hair types but dry, damaged, and curly hair types respond particularly well to this.
In conclusion, scalp and hair oiling can indeed offer significant benefits, especially for maintaining a healthy scalp and enhancing hair moisture. While oils are not true moisturizers, they can help seal in hydration and protect your hair from environmental stressors. For afro hair, oiling can be particularly beneficial due to the unique texture and moisture retention challenges. However, it’s essential to use oils in moderation and select the right type for your specific hair needs to avoid build-up and scalp issues. By understanding how different oils work and applying them thoughtfully, you can enhance your natural hair routine and enjoy healthier, more resilient curls. Visit us at www.root2tip.com for variety of haircare products.