Nourish Your Hair: Ancient Practice of Hair Oiling

In a world where beauty routines are often complicated and filled with countless products, it's refreshing to discover simple, time-honored practices that have stood the test of time. One such tradition is the ancient Ayurvedic practice of hair oiling.

Rooted in thousands of years of wisdom, hair oiling is more than just a beauty ritual—it's a holistic approach to hair health that offers numerous benefits for your scalp, hair, and overall well-being. Let's dive into the world of Ayurvedic hair oiling and explore what it can do for you.

What is Ayurvedic Hair Oiling?

Ayurvedic hair oiling involves massaging warm, herbal-infused oils into the scalp and hair. It’s more than just a routine—it's a holistic way of nurturing your scalp and hair. Not only can it enhance the texture and shine of your locks, but it also targets the root of many common hair issues.

“Hair oiling is not just about aesthetics, it’s about rejuvenation and repair from within.”

Let’s delve into the wonderful benefits this age-old practice can bring to your hair care routine.

What are the benefits?

Smoothness and Shine

One of the first things you'll notice after incorporating hair oiling into your regimen is the added smoothness and shine. This is because the oils penetrate the hair shaft, locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier that reflects light.

Boost Overall Scalp Health

Regularly massaging oil into your scalp can significantly improve scalp health. The process stimulates blood circulation, which nourishes the hair follicles and keeps them healthy. Oils like coconut and olive oil also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to maintain a clean, balanced scalp environment.

Promote Hair Growth

If you're looking to boost hair growth, hair oiling can be a valuable component of your regimen. The increased blood flow to the scalp ensures that hair follicles receive essential nutrients, fostering a conducive environment for hair growth.

Prevent Breakage

Oiling your hair regularly can also help prevent breakage. The added moisture and lubrication reduce hygral fatigue—the swelling and drying of hair that leads to breakage—and protect the hair from wear and tear caused by daily styling.

The importance of scalp health

Not only does hair oiling protect the hair itself, but it also has substantial benefits for your scalp. Massaging the oil into the scalp promotes blood circulation, helping to nourish hair roots and promote a balanced, healthy scalp environment. Your scalp health can determine the health of your hair.

How to Practice Ayurvedic Hair Oiling

Choose the Right Oil Select an oil that suits your hair type and dosha. ( See table below for which oils might suit your hair needs) or try our tri-doshic Hair Care Oil.
Warm the Oil Gently warm the oil to a comfortable temperature. Warm oil penetrates the scalp and hair more effectively and enhances relaxation.
Massage Your Scalp Part your hair and apply the oil directly to your scalp. Use your fingertips to massage the oil in circular motions, covering the entire scalp. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Apply to Hair Lengths After massaging the scalp, apply the remaining oil to the lengths of your hair, ensuring each strand is coated.
Leave it On Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, to allow the nutrients to deeply penetrate the hair and scalp.
Wash and Rinse Wash your hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to remove the oil. You may need to shampoo twice to ensure all the oil is removed. See the chart below for our recommended Ayurda hair cleanser.

How often should you oil your hair ?

The frequency of hair oiling largely depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and personal preferences.

For those with dry or damaged hair, oiling 2-3 times a week can help restore moisturise and improve hair texture. This regular application ensures that the hair receives adequate nourishment and hydration.

If you have an oily scalp, you might want to limit hair oiling to once or twice a month. Over-oiling can exacerbate the oiliness and lead to a greasy appearance. A weekly oiling session can still provide the necessary nutrients without overwhelming your scalp's natural oil production.

For people with normal or colour-treated hair, oiling once or twice a week is generally sufficient. This routine helps maintain a healthy balance of moisture and nutrients, promoting overall hair health without causing any adverse effects.

Individuals with curly or textured hair may benefit from more frequent oiling, as these hair types tend to be drier and more prone to frizz. Oiling 2-3 times a week can help define curls, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.

Ultimately, the best frequency for hair oiling is one that fits your specific hair needs and lifestyle. Pay attention to how your hair responds and adjust your routine accordingly. If you notice any signs of buildup or excessive oiliness, reduce the frequency of application.

Wondering which Ayurvedic oils can provide the best care for your hair? Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of oils known for their hair-nourishing properties.

Some popular choices include:

Coconut Oil: Renowned for its deep moisturizing capabilities and its role in preventing protein loss.
Almond Oil Or Jatamansi Oil: Rich in vitamins A, B, and E, it strengthens and softens hair while promoting hair growth.
Bhringraj Oil: Known as the "king of herbs," this oil helps in reducing hair fall and encourages thicker hair.
Neem Oil: Effective in combating dandruff and keeping your scalp healthy.
Amla Oil: Packed with vitamin C, this oil conditions the scalp and reduces premature graying.
Castor Oil : Thickens hair and accelerates hair growth due to its high ricinoleic acid content.
Ayurda Hair Care Oil: A tri-doshic hair oil made with sesame oil infused with hair nourishing herbs such as Bhringraj ( known to support hair growth and prevent premature greying, strengthening hair follicles) Amla is renowned for its ability to strengthen and promote hair growth, while Hibiscus helps maintain hair colour and vitality. It enhances hair lustre by nourishing the roots and protecting the scalp from skin ailments.

For the best results, remember to warm your oil before applying it to your hair. Warming the oil helps in better absorption, ensuring that your hair and scalp fully benefit from the nutrients the oils offer. Simply heat the oil for a few seconds, making sure it’s warm but not too hot. A warm oil massage can also be deeply relaxing and enhance the overall experience.

Embrace the Ritual

Incorporating hair oiling into your weekly routine can bring not just healthier hair but a sense of well-being and relaxation. It's a time-honoured practice that reconnects us with nature and reminds us of the simple yet profound ways we can care for ourselves.

Hair Type	Recommended Oiling Frequency	Best Oils to Use	Ayurda Shampoo Conditioner
Dry Hair (Vata)	2-3 times a week	Bhringraj Oil Sesame Oil Ayurda Hair Care Oil	Sanjivani Hair Cleanser
Oily Hair (Kapha/Pitta)	1-2 times a month	Brahmi Oil Neem oil Ayurda Hair Care Oil	Kayakalp Hair Cleanser or Cleansilk Hair Cleanser
Normal Hair	Once a week	Amla oil Coconut Oil Ayurda Hair Care Oil	Kayakalp Hair Cleanser
Curly Hair	2-3 times a week	Hibiscus Oil Amla Oil Ayurda Hair Care Oil	Sanjivani Hair Cleanser
Color-Treated Hair	Once a week	Jatamansi or Almond oil Ayurda Hair Care Oil	Sanjivani Hair Cleanser or Cleansilk Hair Cleanser