Massaging your hair and scalp with beneficial oils is an age-old secret known by Indian women for healthy lustrous hair. Regular oil massages have several proven direct and indirect benefits for the scalp and hair, including increased circulation, deep conditioning, relaxation, decreases stress, and more.
Read on for the benefits of oil massage, the best oils for hair growth and health, and the right way to go about massaging your scalp!
Benefits of oil massage
Best oils for hair
Best method to oil hair
Hot oil massage
Dos and don’ts
Benefits of oil massage
Boosts hair growth
Hair is made of protein and as such, needs sufficient vitamins and other nutrients to grow well. Hair oil acts as a replenishing agent, giving your hair the nourishment it needs. Moreover, massaging oil into the scalp helps open the pores and facilitates better oil absorption. Regular oil massages help reverse the damaging effects of chemical and other hair treatments, boost blood circulation, strengthens roots, and promotes hair growth. Indulekha Bringha Oil works not only by reducing hair fall but also reviving and regenerate hair.
Strengthens hair
Limp, flat hair, extreme dryness or excess greasiness, split ends, and hair breakage are all signs of weak roots. Common reasons for weakened roots include cold temperatures, poor diet, heat from styling tools, certain hair products, etc. While it's normal to lose 100-150 hair strands a day, if you're experiencing more hair fall, regular oil massage can greatly benefit you. Oil massage boosts blood circulation in the scalp, facilitating the easy transfer of nutrients to the roots. Hair oils also unclog pores on the scalp, promoting root health and hair growth.
Protects hair shaft
Hair is naturally hydrophobic or water-repelling, due to the natural oils being produced in the scalp. While natural oils serve to keep the hair strands moisturised and nourished, weather changes, chemical hair products, heat tools, pollution, chlorinated water, and a host of other factors wreak havoc on hair health and make it dry, dehydrated, and coarse. Limp and lifeless looking hair is normally porous because its outer protective layer has been damaged. Humidity or washing hair causes water molecules to penetrate the shaft and make hair strands expand or swell up. Since the outermost layer of the hair strand, called cuticle, cannot expand like the inside layers, it ends up curling outward, forming an uneven and scaly texture instead of being smooth. Oiling hair regularly protects the hair shaft by making it hydrophobic, preventing water molecules from penetrating it and causing damage.
Adds shine and lustre to your locks
Luscious shine is one of the most attractive features of healthy hair. Hair oil boosts shine by making the hair shaft hydrophobic, which prevents the outer cuticle from swelling and forming a scaly texture. A smooth and shiny cuticle contributes to shining, healthy hair. Heat damage causes hair to become brittle and develop split ends. Regular oil massage can treat split ends and nourish hair from the inside out to keep hair looking shining and gorgeous.
Prevents infection
When skin pores on the scalp clog, it can lead to minor to major problems like irritation to bacterial or fungal infections. Infections can further lead to dandruff and also provide a suitable growth environment for hair lice, resulting in hair loss. Note that there are good bacteria present on your scalp at all times, and that regular oiling with natural anti-bacterial ingredients like honey can nourish the scalp and keep infections at bay. If you notice your scalp is tender in places or has developed red spots, consult a dermatologist right away.
Prevents dandruff
Dandruff is the major cause of hair fall and weather changes and pollution play a role in worsening the situation. Dandruff results from a dry scalp, causing itching, damage to roots, hair breakage and hair fall, and also providing lice with a suitable growth environment. Dandruff is essentially dead skin cells, often affecting individuals with an excessively dry scalp, the dryness itself, arising from the sebaceous glands present on the skin producing little to no natural oil. Regular oil massage can not only keep the scalp nourished, but also help oil glands produce sufficient natural oil. Note that excess oil can also hinder growth by clogging pores, so wash off with mild shampoo to achieve a balance that works for your hair.
Prevents greying
Premature hair greying is a common problem seen in youngsters and adults today. It usually arises due to lack of vitamins and protein in food. That being said, there are several reasons that contribute to premature greying, one of them being genetic predisposition. Just as melanin present in the skin lends it its colour, so does it for hair. The higher the concentration of melanin, the darker the hair colour; lack of melanin causes greying. Regular oil massage helps retain the colour of your hair. Since oil also forms a protective sheath around hair strands, they are protected from pollution and UV rays which can otherwise contribute to hair lightening.
Relaxes mind and body
Massaging scalp with lukewarm oil facilitates blood circulation and soothes capillaries and nerves. Oil massage relaxes your mind and body, alleviates stress, and boosts mood. Since stress is a contributor to hair loss, regular oil massage can boost hair growth. Research also suggests that it improves eyesight!
Best oils for hair
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and helps soothe the scalp. Studies show virgin coconut oil is anti-inflammatory, thus the ideal oil to counter-effect hair loss as inflammation is the physiological reason behind hair fall. It also acts as a great moisturiser and boosts shine and lustre.
Almond oil
This light, non-sticky oil is packed with the goodness of vitamin E that nourishes hair, keeps it moisturised, and makes hair strong and lustrous. Almond oil also nourishes the scalp and helps reduce dandruff. Indulekha Bringha Oil has almond and coconut oils as carrier oils, infused with the goodness of ayurvedic herbs that boost hair growth.
Olive oil
This oil is amazing for topical application and non-heated consumption. It is packed with essential fatty acids that revitalise the scalp, nourish hair roots, and promote growth of hair. A highly moisturising hair oil, olive oil is rich in vitamin E, an important nutrient for hair growth. The oleic acid present in this oil easily penetrates the hair shaft and locks in moisture.
Castor oil
Castor oil works wonders for hair and is a popular cosmetic oil. Individuals facing hair loss have excess of the hormone prostaglandin or PGD2 in their bodies; research shows that this hormone can be inhibited by a substance found in castor oil, thereby increasing hair growth and slowing down hair loss.
Sesame oil
Used in many ayurvedic preparations as a base oil, sesame oil boosts hair growth and treats scalp infections. It's best used as a hot oil treatment for conditioning hair, nourishing the scalp, and treating dandruff.
Argan oil
Obtained from the kernels of the argan tree, argan oil is rich in antioxidants, tocopherols, and polyphenols that fight oxidative damage. It reduces inflammation and help renew skin faster.
Jojoba oil
Known for its use in beauty treatments and cosmetics, jojoba oil can help loosen and remove build up on the scalp that inhibits hair growth by blocking hair follicles. This oil is effective in moisturising hair and protecting it from external damage. The best part is that jojoba oil is hypoallergenic and won't harm your hair or scalp in any way.
Best method to oil hair
Pre-shampoo
Indian women have been following this method since ancient times! Oiling hair before shampooing makes hair hydrophobic, preventing damage to the hair cuticle.
Overnight treatment
If you have very rough, dry, and coarse hair, an overnight oil treatment will work in your favour. Pick a high-penetration oil and massage into the scalp, spreading evenly through hair strands. Mix essential and carrier oils that work for your hair type! Put on a shower cap before getting into bed – you can also place an old towel on your pillow to avoid staining the pillow case and sheets. Next morning, wash hair using a mild shampoo.
Hot oil massage
A warm oil massage is said to be more effective than a cold oil massage as heat can increase blood circulation, thereby boosting nutrient supply to hair follicles. Hair also absorbs oil better when it is warmer. Just be careful of not overheating the oil as it could scald your skin – heat enough oil so that it’s just hot enough to touch without burning your skin. Do not overheat as it can destroy the nutrients.
• Raised cuticle scales will readily absorb oil. If oiling after washing hair, avoid applying to the roots as it can weigh down your hair.
• If you’re short on time, simply mix a few drops of hair oil with your conditioner and massage into hair strands.
• Fill a bowl with water and add a tablespoon of hair oil to it. Swish around and soak your hair in it for 15-20 minutes. Wrap a towel around your head to maximise benefits, leaving on for an hour or so. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
• Fill a spray bottle with water and add in a few drops of hair oil. Shake well and spray onto damp hair. This nourishes hair and protects it from damage caused by heat styling procedures and tools.
• Apply hair to dry scalp and hair. Soak a towel in warm water and wring it. Wrap around head to enhance the healing properties of the oil.
Dos and don’ts
• It's possible that your hair fall is caused by improper massage techniques; rubbing oil into the scalp using your palm will likely lead to breakage. Massage your scalp using your fingertips for 10-15 minutes to boost blood circulation. Refrain from tugging at your hair.
• One rule to abide by when massaging the scalp is to not use your fingernails. Massage techniques are of two types - effleurage and petrissage. Effleurage uses stroking and circular movement of hands, while petrissage involves lifting and kneading the scalp. The former is most recommended and beneficial.
• Consider dabbing on oil on the scalp with a piece of cotton – it’s gentler than your fingers.
• Using more hair oil than is necessary won't do your tresses any good. You'll also need more shampoo to wash it off. So remember to use adequate oil, but don't douse your hair and scalp in it.
• Always remove knots and tangles before massaging your hair or else you'll end up with more tangles leading to breakage.
• Bear in mind that hair roots tend to loosen up after a head massage so avoid tying hair up tightly as it can lead to hair fall.
• Oiling hair regularly is a must for maximum benefits, but too often and you could do more harm than good for your locks. Stick to massaging no more than twice a week. Remember that shampooing too often can strip your scalp and hair of natural oils, worsening skin and hair conditions.
• Pick carrier and essential oils that work for your scalp and hair type and address specific problems that you have. For example, almond oil is nourishing and prevents dandruff while argan oil is great for dry frizzy hair.
• Do give your scalp and hair time to absorb all the goodness of the oil. Wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing.
• Avoid heat styling your hair after treating your tresses to the best.
Now that you’ve read all you needed to know about oil massage and its benefits, go on and give your hair the right kind of nourishment it needs!
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