Ayurvedic oil for hair growth

Hair: our most prized possession. Keeping hair healthy and growing is an important part of the hair routine in everyone’s lives, and one part of this routine is applying hair oil. However, not many people know how to apply hair growth oil properly. Hair growth oils target scalp health and stimulate hair follicles by nourishing them with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. This also benefits common hair concerns, including thinning, dandruff, dryness, and breakage.

The scalp microbiome is a community of beneficial bacteria and microbes that are crucial to scalp health. Oils impact this ecosystem. Take coconut oils for example; it contains lauric acid, known for its antibacterial properties, which can balance microbiome health by preventing overgrowth of dandruff-causing fungi. Meanwhile, certain oils, like argan oil nourish without disrupting this balance, supporting healthy oil production and moisture retention.

Here are some popular hair growth oil ingredients and how they benefit the hair:

• Coconut Oil: Deeply penetrating and highly conditioning, this oil is highly suitable to combat dryness and promote hair strength.
• Argan Oil: Light and packed with antioxidants and Vitamin E, argan oil is ideal for fine hair and non-greasy hydration.
• Black Seed oil: This oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and is highly effective for dandruff and scalp irritation.
• Ayurvedic blends: Oils like Amla, Bhringraj and Brahmi are traditional solutions for strengthening roots, promoting growth and improving hair texture. Ayurvedic blends, like Jamna Herbals’ Kesh Kanchan Taila are often recommended to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that may be impacting hair health.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Hair Growth Oil for Maximum Results 

You might have found yourself wondering, ‘After applying oil in hair, when to wash?’ Applying oil to your hair is more than just massaging it into your scalp; the process begins with choosing the right oil for your hair type. Read on for a guide on how to apply oil on hair step-by-step:

• Fine Hair: Lightweight oils like Jojoba or grapeseed prevent the hair from being weighed down.
• Curly hair: Heavier oils like olive or castor help seal in the moisture in curly hair.
• Chemically Treated Hair: Argan, or sweet almond oil, both of which are nutrient-rich and gentle, can help restore strength.
• Take a personalised quiz: If you are unsure about your hair type, take a personalised quiz online that will tell you your hair type. Based on the results, you can decide which oil will suit your hair best! Try taking this quiz to determine your hair type.

Your next step is answering the question: ‘Best time to apply oil on hair.’

• Morning V/S Night: Oiling the hair and leaving it overnight allows for deeper penetration. On the other hand, morning oiling offers styling benefits and protective conditioning throughout the day.

Here are some innovative techniques for oil absorption:

• Steam and Hot Towel Wraps: Heat softens the cuticle layer, and allows the oil to penetrate more effectively, especially for medium to high-porosity hair.
• Porosity-based absorption: Low-porosity hair benefits from lighter oils applied with heat, while high-porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly, and responds well to heavier oils.
• Step-by-step Application: Use diagrams to show parting techniques, applying oil from the scalp to the ends, and gentle massaging techniques to stimulate blood flow.
• How to tie hair after oiling: Braiding can help protect the hair and minimise the frizz, while leaving it open will allow for ventilation and prevent strain on the scalp.

Common Hair Oil Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Is applying oil daily good for hair?
  Applying too much oil can clog the pores, leading to build-up and aggravating scalp conditions. This is particularly common if you use heavier oils such as castor or olive oil.

• Scalp Sensitivity and Allergies
  It is advised that you conduct a patch test before using essential oils or highly potent oils, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions on sensitive scalps. 
• Weather-related Mistakes:
• Humidity: In humid climates, reduce the oiling frequency; this is because excess moisture can lead to stickiness and attract dirt.
• Dry Weather: Frequent and lightweight oiling is beneficial for hair during these times. Also, try combining the oil with a diluting moisturizer like aloe vera gel to enhance moisture retention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Can we apply oil on wet hair?
   Applying oil on damp hair can be beneficial, as it will help lock in moisture, especially for high-porosity hair. Avoid applying oils on wet hair if you have low-porosity hair; this will help repel moisture.

2. How long to leave oil in hair?
   It depends on the kind of oil you are using:

• Light oils, like Jojoba, can be left overnight without heavy build-up.
• Heavy oils, like castor oil, are best for shorter periods, mostly 1 to 2 hours, to prevent greasiness and pore blockage. 

3. When to wash hair after applying oil?
   For those with dandruff or oily scalps, avoid leaving the oil on for too long; it can worsen these conditions. Washing within a few hours is usually recommended.

Oiling Frequency: What’s the Right Schedule for You?

Tailored Schedules for Different Hair Types:

• Oily Hair:

• Weekly application.
• Use lightweight oils that won’t block any pores, like jojoba oil. This will help you avoid exacerbating the oil production in your hair. 

• Dry, Frizzy Hair:

• Two to three times a week.
• Opt for heavier oils, such as olive oil, castor oil or any that have shea butter.

• Lifestyle Considerations:

• High-pollution environments may call for more frequent cleansing of hair and scalp to avoid a build-up, while those in dry climates may need more frequent moisture-focused oiling.

How Long to Leave Oil in Hair for Optimal Results

How long to leave oil in hair? The answer to this question is dependent on your hair type and how much nourishment it needs. Let's take a deeper look into short-term and long-term hair oiling:

Short-term V/S Long-term Oiling:

• Short-Term: Usually 30 minutes to 1 hour long, this is effective for moderate nourishment and hydration without risking excess build-up.
• Long-term: There are many benefits of oiling hair overnight; it works well especially for those with thicker or drier hair types. However, it should be balanced with regular washing to prevent clogged pores.

Circadian Rhythms and Oil Absorption:

• Studies indicate that skin, including the scalp, may absorb products differently at various times due to circadian rhythms, as in, our sleeping schedule. Night-time application could align with the skin’s repair cycle, potentially enhancing absorption and the oil’s effectiveness.

Scalp Health Tips:

• Avoid leaving oils on for too long without washing to prevent clogging. Clarifying shampoos can help remove excess oil build-up periodically without stripping the hair of its natural moisture.

Best Practices for Washing Hair After Oiling

• Choose Natural Cleansers:
  Herbal shampoos and sulfate-free cleansers are gentler on hair and prevent the stripping of any natural oils, especially after an oil treatment. Opt for cleansers with ingredients like reetha and shikakai, to help balance the scalp’s pH, while removing excess oil.

• Shampoo Types for different needs:
• Clarifying Shampoo: Use it sparingly; it deeply cleanses by removing any buildup and residues, but can be drying. It is ideal for occasional use, especially after using heavy oils like castor or olive oil. 
• Moisturising Shampoo: This is best for dry or curly hair types, as it cleans without drying out the strands. Moisturising shampoos help maintain hydration after oiling, supporting moisture retention.

Frequency: Adjust the frequency of washing your hair based on your oiling habits. If you oil regularly, shampoo two to three times a week, and alternate between a moisturising and clarifying shampoo for balance.

Is It Better to Oil Your Hair Before or After Shampooing?

• Pre-Poo (Before Shampooing)

• Benefits: Acts as a protective barrier against harsh cleansing agents, reduces protein loss and prevents moisture depletion during washing.
• Best for: Dry or damaged hair, and those seeking deep conditioning without leaving hair greasy post-wash.

• Post-Wash Oiling

• Benefits: While you might wonder about the benefits and think, ‘Can we apply oil on wet hair?’ the truth is that this process adds shine, reduces frizz and locks in moisture from washing. This works well as a leave-in conditioner, especially on damp hair.
• Best for: Men with shorter hairstyles or those with fine or oily hair, who need minimal oiling for conditioning.

Men’s Grooming Tips: For men, applying a few drops of lightweight oil, like argan or jojoba, and post-shampooing enhances the shine and maintains scalp hydration without extra build-up.

The Best Time to Apply Oil on Hair for Growth

• Timing for Optimal results:

• Morning: Applying oil in the morning can protect hair from environmental damage, especially if you are heading outdoors.
• Evening: Applying oil at night may work with the body’s natural repair processes, airing deeper absorption and nourishment.
• After a workout: This increases scalp blood flow, which can maximise nutrient absorption when oil is massaged into the scalp post-exercise.

Circadian Rhythm Influence: Research has shown that hair follicles may have a circadian rhythm, with increased cellular repair and absorption at night. This amplifies the benefits of oiling hair overnight, especially when targeting hair growth and repair.

Special Section: Oiling Tips for Specific Hair Concerns

• Hair thinning: Look for oils that are rich in biotin, caffeine or DHT blockers like saw palmetto to stimulate the hair follicles and curb hair thinning.

• Recommended oils: Rosemary, pumpkin seed and castor oil.

• Dandruff and Dry Scalp: Oils with natural antifungal and antibacterial properties will help combat dandruff while being soothing to the scalp.

• Recommended Oils: Tea Tree, Neem and Rosemary.

• Frizzy and Damaged Hair: Use rich oils with moisturising properties, and incorporate deep-conditioning methods to soften and protect the damaged strands.

• Recommended oils: Shea Butter, Castor Oil and Ceramide-rich oils.

A holistic approach to oiling hair with specific concerns is to combine oils with treatments like micro-needling, to improve scalp health or gentle exfoliation. This helps remove any buildup and allows the oil to penetrate deeply.

Overnight Oiling: Myth vs. Reality

• Benefits of oiling hair overnight: Allows for intensive nourishment and is especially beneficial for dry and thick hair types.

• Common Mistakes:

• Applying too much oil can cause scalp congestion, clogging the follicles and leading to a greasy buildup.

For fine or oily hair types, overnight oiling can lead to excessive greasiness or weight down the hair. If you choose to oil your hair overnight, you don’t want the oil to get absorbed by your pillow. In such a case, use a breathable and soft wrap or pillowcase cover to prevent any oil transfer to bedding. This will also allow for air circulation, and reduce the risk of irritation to the scalp.

DIY Recipes for Hair Growth Oils

• DIY Blends for Different Concerns:

• For Hair Loss: Combine Castor Oil, Rosemary essential oil and a few drops of peppermint oil. These will stimulate blood flow and strengthen follicles.
• For Shine and Smoothness: Blend Argan Oil with a few drops of lemon or ylang-ylang essential oil for glossy, soft hair.
• For Dandruff: A mix of neem oil, tea tree oil and coconut oil will offer benefits such as antifungal benefits and scalp relief.

• Seasonal Recipes:

• Summer: Light Oils like grapeseed or almond, combines with aloe vera for a non-greasy and cooling effect.
• Winter: Heavier Oils like castor or olive oil, combined with honey or avocado for deep hydration, are perfect for combating winter dryness.

Conclusion: Tailoring Your Oiling Routine for Maximum Hair Health

• Customise your routine: Adjust your oil choices and techniques based on your hair type, lifestyle and environmental conditions for best results.

• Encouraging Experimentation:

• Since hair needs can change with seasons, diet and stress levels, experiment with different oils, application times and methods that will help you find a routine best suited for your hair health over time. Tailoring routines will allow for optimal and personalised results.

Now that you know how to apply oil on hair step-by-step, follow these steps and incorporate them into your hair care routine for optimal results, and get healthy, strong hair, within weeks!

If you are looking for an effective hair growth oil, then Jamna Herbals Kesh Kanchan Taila is the best choice. Armed with the power of hair growth oil ingredients such as Bhrami and Bhringraj, along with Yashtimadhu and Til Taila, applying this oil regularly, depending on your hair type, will help strengthen your hair follicles, prevent dandruff and dry hair, enhance shine and soothe your mind.

Just massage it into your hair 2 to 3 times a week and wash it within an hour, with a mild shampoo. You could also leave it overnight for maximum absorption, and wash it away the next morning!