Oiling your hair can indeed be beneficial, especially when dealing with dryness, brittleness, and split ends, but there are nuances to consider in this practice. In the Siddha-Ayurvedic tradition, the choice of oil is tailored to your dosha—vata, pitta, or kapha—as well as specific hair and scalp conditions. For dry and brittle hair, which often coincides with an imbalance of the vata dosha, using oils that are deeply nourishing and moisturizing can help. Sesam oil is a great choice, as it’s warming and grounding, helping to balance vata by providing moisture and protecting the hair follicles.
Coconut oil, which you’ve tried before, is cooling, making it more suitable if you have a pitta imbalance—the symptoms include a tendency for scalp irritation, redness, or itchiness. If itchiness seems more like your concern, neem or brahmi oil can soothe and calm the scalp due to their cooling and healing properties.
For best results, apply oil once or twice a week. Warm it slightly before massaging it into the scalp with gentle, circular motions to enhance absorption and promote circulation. Allow it to penetrate for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to get deep into the hair shaft. Don’t overdo it—washing off becomes harder, and residue buildup can lead to other problems.
Also, shampoos with harsh chemicals can strip natural oils, so consider a mild, herbal shampoo. If split ends persist, regular trimming every 4-6 weeks is essential as no oil will repair already-damaged ends.
If your current condition feels progressively worsening or leads to severe scalp issues, consult a dermatologist, or physician who might provide a more appropriate intervention. For the majority of cases, integrating these principles into your hair care routine will often bring the vitality your hair needs back.
