Hairs are undeniably the most beautiful feature of a woman. Grandmas and Moms regularly oiled our hairs when we were little. We hardly had any hair problems those days, but once we grow up we hardly have time for anything even if it is oiling our hairs regularly. Hence we start using various over-the-counter products to get those lustrous locks that we all yearn for- Splits-free, Dandruff-free, Hydrated,Conditioned,Healthy, Soft and Silky Hairs.
But what we don’t realize is that all our hairs need is the regular TLC (Tender Loving Care) that we generally ignore and subject our hairs to various chemicals that provide only short-term results. All our hairs need is few minutes of our time at-least twice a week and then *Poof* you would have those lustrous locks in less than few weeks.
There are no “rules” in massaging your hairs,You know your hair-management better than anyone else; but there are few Don’ts that you SHOULD follow to avoid breakage and weakening of your tresses.
1.Don’t use oils that are too hot. They can burn your scalp. Hence always prefer warm oils. Oils that are comfortable on the skin behind your palms are the ones you should go for.
2.Different oils have different heating temperatures. Some oils take less time and some take more. So be sure to heat them properly.
3.Never massage your hairs with your palms. They are the major cause for hair breakage. Always massage using only your fingers.
4.Never opt for vigorous rubbing and that could pull out your hairs from the roots.
5.Don’t ever leave hair-oil on your hair for more than 18-24 hours as they start attracting dust and they would start stinking with the sweat from your scalp.
Oil Massages for Hairs
There are many hair-oils that you can use for your hair-massage, but be sure you pick the one that is suitable to your hair. Here is the list of oils that you can use according to your hair type and need.
Normal Hairs:
People having this kind of hairs are the blessed lot. You hairs are neither greasy nor dull. They have their own “signature” shine and softness. You need to maintain that shine and health with a little TLC.
Oils recommended for you are Almond Oil, Amla Oil and Jojoba Oil
1. Almond Oil:
Being rich in Vitamin E and Potassium, Almond oil helps against breakage and hair loss. These oils have been used since centuries as a Natural Hair-loss Treatment. These oils also help fight against dry scalp and softens, strengthens and nourishes your hair.
2. Amla Oil:
This oil is generally used to strengthen your hair and also helps against pre-mature greying and hair-loss. It is also used for fighting dry and itchy scalp. Besides essential fatty acids, amla fruit are high in vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, and also contain water, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
3. Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba Oils penetrates down the scalp and hair shafts and are readily absorbed and are also helpful against many scalp related problems. These oils are called as “King of Carrier Oils”
4.Dry Hairs:
Dry hairs are very dull with no shine. They maybe soft, but they have no shine or strength whatsoever. These hairs are very prone to split-ends and tangles very easily.
Oils that stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more natural oils are needed viz., Almond, Coconut, Jojoba, Mustard, Argan and Coco-Butter oils.
1.Coconut Oils:
Being Super-rich in various minerals, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, Iron and consisting of over 90% Saturated fats; Coconut oils are the best natural conditioners for your mane. Coconut oils provide the long lost nourishment to your hair and helps them in regaining their health with regular use. They help fight against dry scalp, hair loss, and split ends. It provides the most essential proteins that is required to nourish the damaged hair and also softens your hairs.
2.Mustard Oils:
These oils are high in Omega-3 Fatty acids and helps in nourishing dry and damaged hairs. They also help in strengthening the hairs and make it voluminous. Mustard Oils in combination with Coconut oil or/and Almond oil works miracles on dry and fine hairs.
3.Argan Oils:
Although expensive, but this oil works miraculously. It is rich in vitamin E and contains omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids that provide nutrition for hair. In addition to these, it also contains Linoleic and oleic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize hair thereby regaining the lustre and nourishment &acts as a shield from harmful UV rays and protects the hair from environmental pollution.
Oily Hairs:
Oily hairs need more care than other hair types because of the excessive secretions from sebaceous glands, which generally over-works due to hardened pollutants settled on the scalp which your regular washing cannot get rid of.
Oils that are recommended for these hairs are Jojoba oils. Oily hairs are caused by a hardened build-up of sebum that clogs the hair follicles and eventually obstructs the hair follicle’s ability to function properly; jojoba rapidly penetrates down to the scalp and hair shaft, and readily loosens and dissolves this hardened build-up. The scalp and hair follicles are left clean and free to continue their normal function. Jojoba is great for all hair types and has an ability to inhibit excess activity of the sebaceous glands making it the perfect choice for people with oily scalps that still need conditioning.
Other than these Olive oil is wonderful oil that can be used by all hair-types. It helps fighting against dry, dandruff or itchy scalp, Fights frizzy and split ends, improves blood circulation and conditions the hair.
Tips for a proper hot oil massage:
1.Always check the temperature of the oils before massaging.
2.Make sure your hair is free of all the chemicals for proper penetration of these oils.
3.You can mix 2-3 different types of oils that are suitable for your hair for effective results.
4.Always detangle your hair before oiling.
5.Make sure to cover all of your hairs including the tips and the lengths of hair.
6.After oiling, massage your scalp for at-least 10-15 minutes. This massage will not only help in proper blood circulation but also helps in relieving stress and migraines.
7.Do wrap a hot towel on your head after oiling for a deeper penetration; But, if you are not so keen on wet towel wrapping, you can also blow dry your hair keeping the heat to a minimum, this will help open the pores for a deeper penetration.
8.Try leaving your oiled hairs over-night to let these oils work their magic on you manes.
9.Do try oiling your hairs twice a week regularly to restore the lost nourishment.
Always Remember- Regular oiling is not the only thing needed for a lustrous hair, they also do need a balanced diet that is rich in Proteins and Vitamins. Just try including all the Greens and Yellows and fruits.
Balanced Diet + Regular Oiling = Happy Hairs
By:Archa Dave
