The scalp oil treatment dates back centuries to African and Asian cultures. Recently, these treatments have become popular.

But how often should you apply a scalp oil treatment to keep your hair hydrated? Applying too little will dehydrate your scalp, and using too much will leave your hair greasy.

What is a Scalp Oil Treatment?

A scalp oil treatment involves applying oil and massaging the scalp to soothe it, moisturize the hair, and encourage hair growth.

Still, no scientific evidence supports the idea that scalp oil can impact hair growth; it is more about establishing a healthy foundation for growth.

After applying oil to your scalp, shampoo your hair to remove any unwanted residue. You can also customize your scalp oil treatment to treat distinct hair needs.

For instance, you can apply a scalp-soothing oil if you have a dry and irritated scalp. You can also use exfoliating serums or oils if you find buildups and help with growth-boosting.

The Benefits of a Scalp Oil Treatment

Applying scalp oil is a pre-shampoo treatment that can help restore moisture, stimulate hair growth, and protect the follicles while washing. Still, it all depends on the oil you use.

For example, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils have antibacterial properties. Rosemary and castor oils are known to promote hair growth. Lastly, argan and coconut oils help moisturize the hair.

4 Steps To Oil Your Scalp

1. Choose Your Oil

Select an oil suited for your hair care needs. If you have curly, coily, or dry hair, consider using an oil to moisturize it, such as argan or coconut oil. You need one with antibacterial properties if you wear a tight protective hairstyle and often sweat. For promoting hair growth, consider using castor oil or rosemary oil.

2. Apply The Oil And Massage

Next, add a couple of drops to your scalp, targeting each area, including the hair part, hairline, and the nape of your neck.

We recommend starting at the nape of the neck and working the oil up and down the crown with both hands.

Then, work upwards to your ear, starting at the base and moving to the top of your head on both sides, taking at least five minutes to massage the oil into your scalp.

Doing this will soften the skin and exfoliate to help remove debris while encouraging blood flow. At the same time, it improves blood circulation and promotes hair growth.

3. Leave It On

To enjoy the benefits of a scalp oil treatment, leave it on for at least 30 minutes to an hour. However, if you have dehydrated hair, you can leave the treatment on overnight with a bonnet or a silk headscarf.

4. Wash Your Hair

Once the treatments have worked into the scalp, you can wash your hair. If the roots feel greasy after shampooing, you can wash them a second time.

How Often Should You Oil Your Scalp?

The general recommendation is once per week. Nonetheless, how often you do this will depend on your lifestyle and the health of your hair and scalp. Some individuals may need to do it once a week, while others may need to do it daily. If you have seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, we recommend using a medicated scalp oil at night, as it may occasionally provide relief.

Possible Side Effects of Oiling the Scalp

If you have a sensitive scalp, the ingredients might cause a reaction, and it’s best to monitor yourself for redness or breakouts. When used appropriately, the treatment should not cause a buildup on your scalp, provided you use it as a pre-poo.

Hair and Scalp Considerations

We do not recommend using a scalp oil treatment to manage dandruff. Pre-shampoo might be okay, but it will depend on the severity of the problem.

The scalp is a soft microbiome comprising healthy yeast known as Malassezia. Specific oils can interfere with the balance of developing healthy bacteria.

Hence, shedding dandruff and the buildup of oils and sebum creates a more significant problem on the scalp.

If you have dandruff, we recommend using water-based tonics and scalp scrubs. If you wear protective styles, a proper scalp treatment combined with a detoxifying scalp oil helps.

Use oils with anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and antibacterial/antifungal properties. Another helpful thing is to visit a hair spa near Medford, MA, for a scalp detox treatment.

Wrap-Up: Take Care With a Scalp Oil Treatment

While scalp oil treatments are gaining popularity for their soothing and moisturizing benefits, it’s essential to customize them to fit your specific hair and scalp needs.

It helps to apply the right oil properly to maximize the benefits of soothing irritation, promoting hair growth, and protecting the hair follicles.

The key is to strike a balance between the frequency of oil application and closely monitor for potential side effects. Additionally, avoid using oils that may exacerbate conditions such as dandruff.

With proper care and consideration, applying scalp oil can be beneficial in your hair care routine.

Still, if you’re unsure about your scalp condition and the use of oil, consider consulting our stylists at Haste to schedule a scalp consultation and receive personalized treatment recommendations.

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