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 science supports the idea that scalp oil can impact hair growth; it is more about building a healthy foundation for growth.
After you oil your scalp, shampoo the hair to remove 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, help scalp stimulation, 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 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, you want to use an oil to moisturize the hair, like argan or coconut oil. You need one with antibacterial properties if you wear a tight protective hairstyle and often sweat. For hair growth, choose castor oil or rosemary.
2. Apply The Oil And Massage
Next, add a couple of drops to your scalp per area, hair part, hairline, and the nape of your neck.
We recommend starting at the neck’s nape and working the oil with both hands up and down the crown.
Then, work upwards to your ear, starting at the base to the top of your head on both sides and taking your time for at least five minutes while massaging 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 half an hour to an hour. Yet, if you have dehydrated hair, you can sleep with the treatment overnight with a bonnet or a silk headdress.
4. Wash Your Hair
Once the treatments work into the scalp, you can wash your hair, and if the roots feel greasy after shampooing, you can wash it for 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 hair and scalp. Some may need to do it once a week, while others may do it once daily. If you have seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, we recommend using a medicated scalp oil at night, which occasionally helps.
Possible Side Effects of Oiling 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 appropriately used, the treatment should not create a buildup on your scalp as long as 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 unhealthy 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 bacteria/anti-fungal properties.
Wrap-Up: Take Care With a Scalp Oil Treatment
While scalp oil treatments are gaining popularity for their soothing and moisturizing benefits, you should customize them to fit your 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 important thing is to balance the frequency of oil application and monitor for potential side effects. Also, avoid using oils that may exacerbate conditions like dandruff.
With proper care and consideration, applying scalp oil can be beneficial in your hair care routine.
Still, if you are unsure about your scalp condition and applying oil, talk to our stylists at Haste to schedule a scalp consultation to recommend the best treatment for you.
FAQ
Can I oil my scalp daily?
Oiling your scalp daily can benefit you if you have a dehydrated scalp without dandruff or want to keep it hydrated. However, it is not recommended if you have a very oily scalp.
How often can I oil my scalp with braids?
Oil can be used at the roots of braids every night, while others might only need to do it every other week.
Will oiling my scalp help make your hair grow?
Oiling the scalp only makes the hair grow if you use minoxidil oil.
How long must you leave the oil on your scalp?
You can leave the oil on your scalp for up to an hour or sleep with it before shampooing it in the morning.