Are you tired of hearing about hair oils? Trust us, you’re not alone. But before you write them off completely, let us break down the truth behind scalp and hair oiling. Is it just a myth, or does it really work?

Let’s start with scalp oiling. Your scalp is living tissue, which means it can benefit from being oiled. If you use an anti-inflammatory oil like Soothe, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy scalp and fight dryness without leaving buildup. Oiling your scalp also helps protect it from weather elements and insect bites. Plus, massaging the oil into your scalp stimulates blood flow, promoting hair growth over time.

But when shouldn’t you oil your scalp? If you’re suffering from a scalp condition like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, applying more oils can further sensitize your already irritated skin. Wait until your scalp has healed before using oils again. And if your routine already uses thick oils, butters or hair grease, there’s no need to add more. Too much of these can block your hair follicles.

Now, let’s move on to oiling natural hair. It’s important to remember that oils aren’t truly moisturizers, but they do have several benefits. Some oils like olive oil and coconut oil can provide some moisture as their molecules are small enough to penetrate the hair. In curly and coily hair, the oil produced by your scalp (sebum) has a hard time making it all the way down the hair strand due to all the texture in the way. Hair oiling helps replenish and mimic the natural sebum that natural hair often lacks.

One benefit of oiling hair is the oil’s sealing properties that help prevent the moisture in the hair from escaping. Some oils don’t penetrate the hair but sit on top of the hair shaft, like jojoba or mineral oil. This is why they are able to keep the hydration you put in your curls locked in, to some degree. But remember, no oil is an absolute barrier on the hair, so some water can still enter in and out. However, moisture loss is much slower in hair that’s been oiled than not.

So, how can you incorporate hair oiling in your hair routine? Try the LOC/LCO method. In these techniques, you use an oil like Seal at the end of applying a liquid-based product and then a cream product, or after you apply a liquid-based product but before the cream. Whatever works for you. And to reduce the amount of water that can enter your hair during washing, pre-treat it with coconut oil, which reduces the risk of hygral fatigue.

Finally, is daily oiling good? We don’t recommend doing it daily as too much oil can leave your hair and scalp greasy, and the excess oil might end up blocking hair follicles on your scalp and causing pimples. When oiling hair, ensure you use a sulfate-free shampoo like Swish to remove any oil build-up accumulated in your routine.

In conclusion, oiling your hair and scalp can bring a range of benefits, as long as you use it appropriately and in moderation. So go ahead, make hair oiling your BFF and see the difference it can make!