There’s a lot to be said about an ancient hair ritual that has been passed down through family lineages thousands of years ago. Hair oiling has proven its value goes far beyond attaining gorgeous lengths.
While you may understand it to be just another step in your hair care routine, the benefits outweigh physical aesthetics. Considered somewhat of a spiritual practice, it supports mind, body, and spirit connection.
So, if you have found yourself beginning a new venture- one of hair wellness to be exact- to achieve the hair of your dreams, then this post is for you. This is your beginner’s guide to the ancient hair ritual, hair oiling. You’ll definitely want to bookmark this for later!
The History of Ayurvedic Hair Oiling
Did you know that hair oiling actually originated over 5,000 years ago? And though this ancient ritual holds roots in several cultures within Africa and South Asia, it has made its way into the mainstream beauty spotlight due to the increasing popularity of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is translated from Sanskrit as the science of life. It is a holistic medicine system of healing that focuses on balancing energies within, versus taking drugs which are believed to weaken the body.
Hair oiling is one of many practices has been passed down through word of mouth within families. Many even have secret family recipes. Using natural oils and herbs helps to address many hair concerns also engages the senses and helps to balance the crown chakra.
What Is Hair Oiling?
Hair oiling is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. But you can make it as simple or as intimate as you’d like.
It involves applying natural oils, some infused with herbs or essential oils, on to your scalp and throughout the length of your hair. The oil can then be left on anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours before it’s rinsed. Depending on my mood, I’ll leave it in for a few hours while cleaning the house. This process is usually done about once or twice a week depending on how often you wash your hair. For hair on the finer side, you may want to space it out to every two or three weeks when you first start.
Benefits of Hair Oiling
Hair oiling is truly one of the most simplest ways to get your hair back to good health. There are a number of proven benefits you and your hair can receive just from this hair ritual alone.
If you decide to adopt this hair ritual, understand you’ll be working directly with your crown chakra. This is considered the bridge from the physical realm to the spiritual realm. Make sure you set positive intentions, and be sure fill your space with vibrant, relaxed energy.
In addition to transporting and invigorating your senses, here are some awesome hair benefits.
1. Hydrates & Nourishes Hair
You know, your scalp naturally produces oil for a reason? It’s meant to lubricate, hydrate, and protect the scalp environment. But it also needs to be distributed through to the ends of your hair. Unfortunately, at the first sight of oily hair, our first instinct is to wash, wash, wash.
This dries out the scalp, and keeps our ends from getting the nourishment they need, too. So the body goes into over drive, telling your scalp to keep producing more oil. Thus, we fall into the cycle of washing our hair more frequently.
Hair oiling locks in moisture along with other nutrients, from roots to ends. This combats frizz and improves luster and shine!
2. Improves Overall Scalp Health
Between seasonal changes, product buildup, and everything in between, our scalp takes a beating throughout the years. Hair oiling acts as a magnet, attracting other oil, dirt and debris for a deep clean after shampooing. Your hair will appear more voluminous without the extra weight. Talk about addressing concerns at the root!
You’ll even notice reduced flaking if you suffer from dandruff. And it can soothe your scalp against psoriasis flare ups and other irritating scalp conditions.
3. Protects Against Environmental Stressors
Hair oil creates a protective barrier around your strands. This prevents daily damage to the cuticle from the environment. Everything from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, to air pollutants, wind, and evaporation.
4. Hair Grows Stronger
Massaging hair oil on your scalp not only helps you transcend on a new mental plane, but you’re improving the blood flow too. Why is that important? Because stimulating the scalp allows the blood to bring nutrients to each follicle.
The natural oils that are used contain fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients to improve the strength of your strands. The molecules within these oils are small enough to penetrate the cuticle.
Choose Your Hair Oil
When it comes to choosing the right hair oil for you, you need to understand certain factors about your hair. Knowing your hair density, porosity, and texture are essential when it comes to planting the seeds for healthy hair.
If you want to feel more connected with your product, you can purchase most carrier oils at health food stores, or beauty supplies. Below are just a few of the most popular oils to use as you are getting started in this new journey.
You can infuse with herbs, essential oils or other natural remedies for added hair benefits!
But if you’re not into making your own, don’t fret. There are great pre-made hair oils on the market that use natural and organic ingredients, too. Try Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Hair Growth Oil, here.
How To Oil Your Hair
Below we’ll go over exactly how you should be oiling your hair. We’ll cover the basics, but I’ll also let you in on a few secrets of mine that can make your hair oiling experience more luxurious.
Prep First!
Before you start oiling your hair, you’ll need to prep your hair canvas. First and foremost, detangle. There’s nothing more messy than saturating your entire scalp and hair with oil, and not being able to get a comb through it. Save yourself the hassle. Get out the knots. And then add your oils.
Application Time!
Start with your scalp first. I apply the oil to my usual part and work in horizontal sections down the sides and back of my scalp. Once that has been covered, I skip to the next part before pulling the oil down through my ends.
Here’s one of my secret tips. Heat up your oil in a double boiler like this one. This opens up the cuticle and allows more moisture and nutrients to penetrate through quickly. It also creates a more fragrant aroma if you want the feel of basking in a spa-like environment!
Give Yourself A Scalp Massage
Gently massage the oil in using the pads of your finger tips. Avoid using your nails as this can cause small abrasions amongst the scalp.
For extra luxury, use a scalp massager like this one.
Make sure you fully saturate your hair from roots to ends. Clip your hair away from your face, and wrap it so oil doesn’t drip down. I used to use plastic wrap and a bag to create extra heat, but now they have these awesome heat caps.
Then, relax. Kick back with a glass of wine. Or read a book.
Not enough down time, get chores done around the house while your hair oil is working its magic.
Ready For Your Hair Oiling Adventure?
Hair oiling is a low maintenance way to improve the connection between the mind, body, soul and your hair. So if you’ve been planting the seeds for healthy hair, you’ll want to add this to your list of rituals.
I have incorporated this hair resolution for the last fifteen years and can absolute attest to the amazing benefits. If you wish to manifest spiritual beauty while also nurturing hair wellness from within you’ve got to give this a try. It’s super easy and totally worth it.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any other questions about hair oiling!