5 Reasons to Use Oils For Your Scalp and Those to Use

Have You Ever Used Oil On Your Scalp?

Using oil on the scalp is something that naturalistas everywhere knows well. We use this method to not only moisturize our curls, but to increase blood flow, encourage growth, and fight dandruff. Personally oiling my scalp has been an essential part of my natural hair journey and has prompted my hair to grow so much over the last two years. By the time you finish this article, you’ll know how and why you should add oiling your scalp to your hair care routine.

Using Oil Is The Best Way to Go

The one huge misconception is that greasing and oiling the scalp is essentially the same thing. They are not! The difference between the two could be what’s hindering your hair growth. “Grease” is used to describe heavy pomades that are thick in consistency and commonly contain petroleum and mineral oil. Grease tends to sit on the surface of the scalp and don’t penetrate to below the surface. Oil, on the other hand, is lighter than grease and produced in a liquid form, including natural oils. Oils quickly absorb into the scalp and hair, which make them perfect for fixing scalp issues like dandruff.

Build Your Daily Blend

You can oil your scalp your a mixture of carrier oils and essential oils a few times a week. Combine them in an applicator bottle, and you can squeeze a little wherever your scalp seems a little dryer or inflamed than usual. The type of mixture you create is all up to you, and there is a mixture for everything! Below is a list of the best oils for your scalp and what they’ll potentially do for you. Remember no two people are the same and the current condition of your scalp and your health have a lot to do with growth and results. Happy mixing! Carrier oil is used to dilute essential oils when creating a mixture of oils. The carrier oil protects the skin from the potency of the essential oils, which can burn the skin or cause severe reactions if used alone. Carrier oil also helps with even distribution of the essential oil and smooth absorption into the skin and scalp. Ninety percent of an oil mixture should be a carrier oil, and the remaining 10% is your essential oil. When creating your mixture the essential oil may be difficult to detect. But once the mixture sits overnight or for a couple of days, the oils combine, and it's easier to identify the smell of essential oil.

Common Carrier Oils

Jojoba oil

A waxy substance that is similar to sebum, the secretion your scalp naturally produces, has high penetration into the scalp and balances the pH of the scalp and controls flaking

Extra virgin olive oil

Absorbs well, soothes to the scalp, contains vitamin E and fatty acids omega -3, -6 and -9, and provides moisture, elasticity and shine to the hair

Coconut oil

An emollient for all hair types and softens the hair

Shea butter

An excellent emollient that prevents dryness, strengthens the hair, regenerates skin cells, helps with healing, and absorbs well into the hair and scalp

Castor oil

Contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is rich in omega-6 essential fatty acids, which boosts blood circulation to the follicles leading to faster hair growth

Common Essential Oils

Peppermint

Has antiseptic properties, stimulates the scalp and creates a cooling effect. This oil restores balance to an oily scalp.

Rosemary

Is a potent stimulant for hair growth, has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and is excellent for dandruff

Tea tree oil

Is a highly effective antifungal; can create a powerful soothing and cleansing agent. It also stimulates the scalp and fights dandruff and flaking.

Lavender oil

When massaged into the scalp, lavender essential oil improves blood circulation, can prevent hair loss and promotes hair growth. Furthermore, lavender essential oil is a powerful moisturizer, antimicrobial and antiseptic. It moisturizes the scalp, balances sebum production and is ideal for those who suffer from dandruff.

Cedarwood oil

Ideal essential oil for hair growth because it balances the oil-producing glands of the scalp. It significantly improves blood circulation which can result in vigorous hair growth.

Chamomile oil

Has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Massage it directly into the scalp to relieve a dry and itchy scalp. Furthermore, it soothes and helps to eliminate dandruff, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Snatched Edges? We've Got You Covered

Have braids left your edges a little thin? No worries! Using oil on your problem areas will help your baby hairs grow back in no time. Just in case you've been sleeping under a rock and didn't know, Jamaican black castor oil is the savior of all edges. Its fatty-acid composition and anti-inflammatory properties kick the hair follicles into high gear and promote faster healthier hair growth. Use it as is or save a little money and mix it 1:1 with your favorite carrier oil, or my personal favorite, tea tree oil. Try it for six weeks and thank me later!

Hot Oil Treatments

It is a personal preference on how often to practice hot oil treatments, but many naturals do them weekly especially in the winter months. In the summer I do mine at the end of the month or after I take down a protective style. It is also best to apply your hot oil treatment after you have washed your hair. You don’t want to use it on dirty hair because your hair will be too caked in gunk to absorb of the benefits of the oil. You want to obtain full penetration of the oil onto your scalp and hair, and with dirty hair, the oil will sit on top of your hair. Applying your hot oil treatment right after you shampoo and before your deep condition is the best time to apply. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will gently and thoroughly cleanse your hair to prepare for your hot oil treatment. Some naturalistas even leave the oils on overnight for strong moisture retention. My at home blend is listed below; try it out and comment how it works for you!

My At-Home Hot Oil Treatment Recipe

Supplies:

• Coconut Oil
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Peppermint Oil (3 drops)
• Tea Tree Oil (3 drops)
• Applicator bottle
• Shower cap
• Satin Bonnet

You will need to heat your oil before applying to your hair and scalp. To do this, you can Place your oil in an applicator bottle or in a bowl that is safe for heating. Then put your oil in either hot water if you are using an applicator bottle, or the microwave if you are using a bowl for no more than 10 seconds at a time. Make sure to let the oil cool off before applying to your hair and scalp to prevent burning yourself. Test the oil on the back side of your hand if you aren’t sure if the oil is warm enough. Then apply to the hair and scalp, making sure to rake it through every section of hair, and place a shower cap over your head for about 15-20 minutes and rinse. I tend to do this on days when I’m working on the computer and leave the treatment on for a minimum of an hour with a bonnet on to trap more heat. You can also sit under a hooded dryer or steamer. Heat or steam will allow your hair cuticles to open up and help the oil penetrate your hair shaft which helps with moisture. After rinsing out your hot oil treatment apply a deep conditioner for even more moisture and shine.

Scalp Oiling Is Therapeutic Too

Who doesn’t love a multipurpose hair treatment? An added benefit to use oil of your scalp is the fact that depending on the which essential oil you use; it can positively affect your state of mind and overall well being. Essential oils like lavender and chamomile are great for when you're stressed and need to decompress. Mix your oils using one carrier oil from above and your essential oil. Then apply them to your scalp and especially at your temples and breathe deep. For added relaxation massage your scalp with your fingers or even a vibrating scalp brush to rub away the stress.

So Why Haven't You Tried It?

Oiling your scalp takes the cake as one of the most natural and most beneficial ways to care for your hair. Adding this to your haircare routine leads to more blood flow and moisture which we all know are major keys to hair growth. So answer me this, why haven't you tried it yet?