Hair Oiling

It’s time to hit the bottle; the bottle of oil that is. As you count your falling locks, turn towards your grandmother armed with her trusty hair oil that solves all hair problems — from dandruff to thinning and hair that refuses to stay on your head. Know more about this age old magic cure from Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Parachute Advanced Hair Expert.



Why is oil good for the hair?

Oiling is very critical for the hair. It provides nourishment and strengthens them from the roots. Coconut hair oil is especially important. It is about 90 per cent saturated fat and is rich in a medium chain triglyceride called lauric acid. A natural conditioner that works on hair, it protects, covers and restores sheen by penetrating into the cortex (the inner most part of your hair). Use at least once a week to protect hair against all artificial treatments, colouring, perming and straightening.

What are the best ways to do it?

The best way is to oil your hair and leave it overnight. This allows the oil to seep in through the pores into the scalp and thus enhances hair health. Massaging increases blood circulation. Make sure you oil your hair for 20 minutes before you go in for a head bath. Do it before a swim, stepping out in the sun or treating hair with artificial chemicals. Coconut hair oil works as a protective shield.

What are the advantages of coconut over other oils?

Coconut hair oil penetrates into the cortex (the central part of the hair) three times more than most other oils. It prevents chemicals in shampoo from destroying the proteins present in the hair. It acts as a protective sheet against pollutants like ultraviolet rays, bleaches, and other harmful chemicals that make hair limp and lifeless.

I have oily hair. Can I still oil my hair?

Yes. In most situations, people mistake an oily scalp (thanks to natural oils present on the scalp) for oily hair. It is important to oil the hair not just on the scalp but also the tips as the tips are the driest and subject to damage. Use light hair oils that are less sticky.

What kind of a shampoo should I use to wash the oil off?

Make sure that you do not use excessive amount of shampoo to rinse off the oil. Finish off with one rinse. If the oil is not completely rinsed off, go in for another round of shampooing. It is also important to wet your hair completely so that you require less shampoo to rinse the oil off.