applying oil to hair daily is good or bad - #23267
I am kind of at my wit's end with my hair situation. For the last few months, I've been applying oil to hair daily because my friend swears by it for healthy hair and I thought why not give it a try. At first, I loved how it felt and smelled, but now I'm not so sure if this daily routine is actually helping or maybe even hurting me. My hair has been greasy and weighed down at times, which is not what I expected. I mean, I read that applying oil to hair daily is good or bad, but what does that even mean for me? I tried coconut oil, argan oil, and even some fancy blend with essential oils, but I feel like it’s either making my scalp too oily or drying out the ends. Plus, I’ve noticed a few more split ends and I think that’s from being too heavy-handed or maybe I’m overdoing it? I got this idea from a blog post, they said applying oil to hair daily is good or bad depending on your hair type... but mine seems to be in the middle. I really just want to know if staying consistent is good or if I should really just cut back on the oil. Is there a golden rule or maybe some tips for applying oil to hair daily without messing it up?
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Doctors' responses
Applying oil to your hair daily can have both benefits and drawbacks, and the effect really depends on your hair type and overall hair health. For some individuals, especially those with coarse, curly, or dry hair, applying oil can be a great way to lock in moisture and add shine. However, for others, especially if you have fine or oily hair, it might make the hair look greasy and weighed down as you’ve experienced. One potential pitfall of using oil daily could indeed be an overly oily scalp, which might result in your scalp producing even more oil – a somewhat counterintuitive result. It might also lead to build-up, especially if you’re not cleansing thoroughly. You mentioned experimenting with various oils; different oils suit different types of hair and scalps. Lighter oils, like argan oil, tend to be better for fine hair whereas thicker oils, such as coconut oil, are more suited for coarse hair. Using oils with essential oils can sometimes cause irritation or dryness, if the essential oils are too concentrated. So it’s crucial to ensure they’re diluted properly. To find a balance, reduce the frequency to two or three times a week and apply oil sparingly, focusing more on your ends rather than the scalp to see if this helps with split ends. Always use the oil before washing your hair, allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes so it nourishes but doesn’t stay excessive post-wash. Be mindful, too, about how much oil you’re using—dime-sized amounts are often adequate. If you’re not seeing an improvement, consider consulting a dermatologist or trichologist to assess your hair type and get personalized advice, especially when you’re dealing with new split ends or other changes. Avoid things that could delay serious treatment if you notice significant changes. It’s aslo worth considering the type of shampoo you’re using which should ideally be sulfate-free to avoid drying out your hair. By adjusting the frequency and method of application, you’ll likely find a routine that benefits your hair type without overpowering it.
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