is applying oil good for hair - #37283
I am a bit confused about hair care lately. I've been hearing a lot about how is applying oil good for hair and if it's really worth the trouble. Like, I tried this coconut oil thing after reading that it's super moisturizing, but honestly... it made my hair feel kinda greasy and weighed down? I've got long hair, and sometimes it gets really dry, and I thought I was doing right, but now I'm not so sure. Other people swear by sesame oil, saying is applying oil good for hair for promoting shine and health. But then, each time I use it, it feels like I have to wash my hair more often, which takes forever! Last week, I had a horrible hair day after using it, but my friend says I should stick to it because of the benefits in the long run. It a such a mess trying to find what works for me. Should I consider mixing oils or something? I just wanna know, really, is applying oil good for hair or is it just a temporary fix? What do y’all think? Any tips or experiences? It's kinda stressing me out.
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Doctors’ responses
Applying oil can indeed be beneficial for your hair, but it’s understandable why you might find conflicting results. In Ayurveda, oiling the hair is a traditional practice believed to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles, contributing to healthier and shinier locks. However, it’s important to understand that how oils work on hair can vary greatly depending on individual factors like your hair texture, scalp type, and overall constitution, or prakriti.
Coconut oil, as you observed, is deeply moisturizing and often recommended for those with dry or damaged hair. However, for those with finer hair textures, it can feel heavy and greasy if not used properly. To avoid this, you might want to apply coconut oil sparingly and focus on the ends of your hair rather than the scalp, leaving it on for just a few hours before washing it out.
Sesame oil, grounding and nourishing, is another favorite in Ayurveda due to its warming properties, which is particularly helpful in balancing vata dosha. If you find it leaves your hair feeling weighed down, try using it before a wash, leaving it on for 30 minutes and using a mild, natural cleanser to wash it off.
Mixing oils can be a good approach. You might create a blend with lighter oils like jojoba or almond oil in combination with coconut or sesame oil. This can provide nutrients without the heavy, greasy feel. Plus, each oil has different benefits – combining them allows you to get more comprehensive care.
Regarding frequency, weekly oiling is generally sufficient unless your hair or occupation demands more. Avoid falling into the trap of excessive oiling thinking it will bring faster results; balance is key. Using herbal hair masks after oiling can also help enhance the benefits and even alleviate the stress you’re experiencing with your hair regime.
Remember, the goal with Ayurveda is long-term hair health, not just temporary fixes. It takes time to observe the benefits in line with your natural constitution, so give each approach a fair trial. If frustration persists, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance tailored to your body type might offer more answers than guesswork.

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