Over the past few years, you may have noticed that hair oiling has taken the limelight when it comes to haircare... and for very good reason. In this blog, I'll be sharing the benefits of hair oiling, my own experiences with this haircare routine and delving into it's ancient, Ayurvedic origins. I'll also share my hair oiling tips, recommendations for who hair oiling might be good for and how to incorporate it into your haircare routine. Let's get into it!
So, what is hair oiling? Although relatively self explanatory, hair oiling is the practice of massaging natural oils into your scalp and the lengths & ends of your hair. This can help with an array of hair concerns such as hair that is dry or dull, promoting hair growth by stimulating the follicle, adding moisture to the hair, supporting hair and scalp health and giving hair a shiny, glossy finish. The results of hair oiling will largely depend on the oils within the formula of the hair oil. Traditionally, the oil is massaged into the scalp to stimulate acupressure points (known as "Marma" in Ayurveda). This stimulates energy switches on the scalp as well as stimulating the hair follicle and promoting blood flow to the scalp, which can support hair growth.
Who is hair oiling for? Hair oiling can benefit pretty much anyone with hair. It's great for those dealing with hair loss (especially postpartum hair loss, like I'm currently experiencing), those with hair prone to breakage, dryness and is a little lacklustre. It's also great for anyone who needs to carve out time to unwind, de-stress and relax, as this ritual is perfect for that. I have had a hair oiling ritual for many years now, ranging from weekly to bi-weekly hair oiling depending on what my hair has needed at the time. I have created a variety of oil blends and used different essential oils over time, again depending on what was needed. I have had wonderful success in growing my hair and supporting it from dull, prone to breakage and snapping, to long strong and healthy locks. As I am now 4 months postpartum with my first baby, I've really noticed my hair shedding more and more each week (which is completely normal and expected). Due to this, I have been very strict with my hair oiling routine to promote a healthy scalp, hair and the growth of new hair to balance out the postpartum hair loss.
So where does hair oiling originate from? The ritual of hair oiling is approximately 5,000 years old! It stems from Ayurvedic practices that have been kept alive for all of this time. For centuries, hair oiling has been a staple ritual in many South Asian households across the globe, where warmed oils are gently massaged into the scalp and often worked through the hair, left on for multiple hours, sometimes overnight, and then rinsed out. This beautiful ritual has been preserved through time, to modern day, where it is now gaining global popularity.
It's so easy to create a hair oiling ritual of your own, have a think about your hair and its needs and get yourself a hair oil that's designed to address those needs. Pick a schedule, will you do your hair oiling ritual once a week, every two weeks? Be intentional. Massage your scalp with intention and be mindful whilst coating your mane. Breathe in the scents of your oil and take a moment to relax. Let your oil do its magic for the recommended time and follow the rest of your hair routine. Your scalp and hair will thank you for it!
This ancient ritual brings nothing but goodness to your hair, scalp and week, and is one I would recommend to absolutely everyone. Do you oil your hair already? Or is it something you would try? Let me know in the comments!
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