How to Choose the Right Hair Oil for Your Hair & Scalp Type

As a desi kid, hair oiling isn’t something new for me. My mom has probably been oiling my hair since the day it grew. To be very honest, I never was a fan of it. I mean, who even likes greasy hair?! And it’s not like she put the enough amount; it always had to be half the bottle! If you grew up in a brown household, you know the deal (eye roll)! It was a Sunday ritual. Every Sunday morning, I used to wash my hair, and every Sunday night, my mom used to empty the oil bottle by pouring it into my hair. And I had to stay with that oil in my hair for the whole week, right till Sunday morning when I’d wash and shampoo it off. So naturally, after school ended, I took charge and stopped making my hair greasy. I only oiled my hair once a month or so, and that too just a night before my hair-wash day. And let me tell you, that was the WORST decision of my life!

If you are wondering why, then continue reading this blog to find out!

Why Is Personalised Hair Care Essential?

So first things first, this, as in hair oiling, is the one thing where my (and your) mom is not 100% but actually 200% right (the exaggeration will soon make sense; stay with me).

The thing is, when my mom used to oil my hair, properly massage it, and let it stay for a week, I used to think it was sheer stupidity, but it wasn’t! I remember my school days were the last time I had long, thick, and shiny hair! The moment I stopped listening to my mom and went against her will, my hair became dry and brittle, and it was a whole task to make it grow.

After years of struggling with this, I learnt my lesson and started oiling my hair more often. I truly understood the hair oiling benefits.

But just because this worked for me doesn’t mean it might work for you as well. Through the anecdote I just shared, I only wanted to make you more aware of hair oiling benefits. Just like skincare, even haircare differs from person to person, and it is on you to make a personalised routine for yourself.

For example, using an oil that doesn’t suit your hair type might weigh it down, make it greasy or worse! It might trigger scalp issues. Whereas, if you understand your hair and scalp properly and accordingly choose the products and follow a consistent routine, you might just end up unlocking your hair’s full potential and have hair better than celebrities!

This is because personalised haircare unlocks hair oiling benefits like enhanced absorption and targets specific concerns such as dryness, hair fall, or dandruff.

Why Do Hair And Scalp Types Matter?

When the discussion comes to selecting hair care products, specifically hair oils, the two factors influencing your choice should be hair texture and condition of the scalp.

Hair Texture:

• If you have thin or fine hair, it tends to get greasy quickly and may feel heavy with rich oils.

• Dry or curly hair often lacks moisture. Thicker and more nourishing oils should be opted for such a hair type.

• Straight hair requires light hair oils, as it is generally more prone to oil buildup on the scalp.

Scalp Condition:

• A dry scalp tends to feel tight or itchy and may be flaky.

• An oily scalp becomes greasy too soon after washing.

• A sensitive scalp is one that easily reacts to products in ways of showing redness or discomfort.

• A dandruff-prone scalp requires products with antifungal and soothing properties.

Best Oils Based on Hair Type

Now that you know the difference between various hair types and scalp conditions, you can easily choose the ideal hair oil for yourself, which will help to give your hair the nourishment it needs.

1. Dry Hair

• Coconut Oil: It is rich in fatty acids. It helps to nourish the hair while preventing the loss of protein.

• Almond Oil: It is lightweight and hydrating. It helps to improve shine and reduce dryness.

Dry hair needs nourishment, and these oils penetrate deeply and help to lock in moisture.

2. Oily Hair

• Jojoba Oil: It helps to balance the sebum (oil) production in the scalp.

• Grapeseed Oil: It is light, non-greasy, and hydrating.

Oily hair requires non-comedogenic and balancing oils that don’t clog the scalp.

3. Curly or Frizzy Hair

• Argan Oil: It is rich in vitamin E and enhances shine while reducing frizz.

• Bhringraj Oil: It helps to strengthen the hair follicle and add shine.

These oils help to smoothen cuticles and tame flyaways.

Best Oils Based on Scalp Type

Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Hence, treating its specific concerns is essential.

1. Dry or Itchy Scalp

• Neem Oil: It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps to soothe irritation and flakiness.

• Coconut Oil: It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to moisturise without harshness.

A dry scalp needs hydration, and an itchy scalp needs soothing.

2. Oily Scalp

• Tea Tree Oil: It is antiseptic and cooling in nature. It combats excess oil and buildup.

• Lemon Oil: It is clarifying in nature. It removes residue and fortifies the scalp.

An oily scalp requires oils that refresh and balance sebum.

3. Dandruff-Prone Scalp

• Bhringraj Oil: It reduces itchiness and prevents flakiness.

• Rosemary Oil: It improves circulation and controls microbial growth.

Oils with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties are best suited for a dandruff-prone scalp.

How to Test Oil Compatibility?

Before fully incorporating any new oil into your routine, it’s wise to check for compatibility.

• Patch Test: Apply a small amount of oil behind your ear or on your inner arm. Monitor the same for at least 24 hours for any redness, itching, or irritation.
  

• First-Week Observations: After applying to your scalp and hair, note any changes, whether positive or negative. Excess shedding, itchiness, or greasiness are signs that this oil may not be for you.

Consistency is the key, but so is observation. Give it a week or two and tweak your oiling schedule or choice based on how your scalp and strands respond.

Conclusion

So turns out, my (and your) mom was right all along… Don’t tell her I said that!

Anyway, the moral of the story is that understanding your hair and scalp type and choosing products accordingly is the key to levelling up your hair game. The day I mastered it, I said goodbye to dry ends and an itchy scalp.

Sundays are still my hair-oiling days, but unlike before, I actually look forward to it now.

I may have learnt it the hard way, but you shouldn’t. It's not just about hair oiling benefits but also about how and what you oil it with. Hair oiling has always been the tradition, but once you choose the right oil according to your hair texture and scalp condition, you end up giving your hair the glow-up that was long overdue.

So go ahead, personalise your hair oiling. Your hair will thank you (and maybe your mom will too)!

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Briganantadi Hair Growth Tonic with Almond Rosemary oil. Hair Fall Control Serum Hair Spray for smooth styling

Hair Fall Control Shampoo & Hair Repair Oil for Hair Growth Combo Suitable for Women & Men