More oil means using more shampoo, and this in turn can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving you with dull, damaged and dry locks. Tight hairstyles are a strict no-no especially after you've oiled your hair. When your hair is oiled, it is in a vulnerable state.
And, overdoing the oil can result in an excessively oily scalp. It can also obstruct the pores of your scalp, causing folliculitis or boils. Furthermore, if you have dandruff on your scalp, oil will worsen the issue. Finally, too much oil can weight down the strands, making them limp appearing.
When your glands are producing too much oil, this can cause your hair and scalp to be overly greasy. Although this seems harmless, excess oil can clog pores on your scalp which can prevent your hair follicles from growing normally! And as a result, you may experience rapid hair loss.
Oiling your hair 1-2 times a week is enough. Doing it everyday can attract dirt and also strip away essential oils from your hair. Combing, rubbing and vigorously massaging your hair with oil can also cause breakage.
Your hair feels too greasy
If you rub your bare fingers in your scalp you see that your hand is really oily, that is the sign that you're using too much oil. Or if the hair that is close to your scalp looks wet when it isn't you are using too much oil.
What Does Sebum Buildup Look Like? Sebum buildup appears as white or yellowish oily residue on the scalp. It sometimes produces flakes on the scalp and may be mistaken for dandruff, scalp eczema, or psoriasis.
Those with normal hair probably want to keep oil use to around twice a week. Smooth a little through your hair when styling. If you've got oily hair then it makes no sense to use oil as a styling product. However, you can still benefit from an overnight treatment once a week as discussed below.
Oils can cause an increase in naturally occurring yeasts that will exacerbate conditions like Seborrheic Dermatitis. Also oils like castor cause an excessive build-up of dirt and which can clog the hair follicles.
She says: “Dust gets collected in your hair if you keep oil overnight which can block the hair follicles and lead to scalp infections. Keeping the oil on for 30 minutes is more than enough.”
The amount of oil you need depends on the oil you are using, the purpose (a few drops as a serum or more as a mask) and the length of your hair. Apply a few pumps or one to three palmfuls of oil onto your scalp gently and use one-two pumps on your strands depending on density and hair texture, says Dr Gupta.
Why Greasy Hair Looks Thin. According to hair expert Jean Will of NiaWigs, an oily scalp makes your hair look thinner because a buildup of excess oil at the base of your hair follicles causes strands to clump together. “Greasy hair looks thin because of its oily look,” she said.
Things like aggressive brushing and combing, sleeping on wet hair or rough fabrics that create friction, constantly pulling your strands into styles that are too tight, and heat styling are all some of the main reasons why hair breaks.
Avoid leaving oil in overnight
The longer, the better — that may be true for some hair treatments but not for hair oiling as the oil can block your hair follicles. Unless an ayurvedic doctor or expert has asked you to leave a medicated oil overnight, wash out the oil within 3-4 hours.
Washing your hair is important to get rid of excess oils, as well as dirt and product build-up. Warm water helps to soften the grease, but it doesn't wash it away on its own. You need to use a shampoo to properly clean your hair and scalp.
Generally, you can consider oiling your scalp once a week. You can modify this regimen depending on your lifestyle. Folks with dry scalps & hair can choose to oil their scalp every other day. You should be consistent with your hair care by using natural hair oils at least once a week or every 15 days.
Combing oiled or wet hair causes breakage due to the hair being in a sensitive state. Try combing before oiling. You are encouraged to comb your hair while having your hair conditioner on. Using too much oil when oiling can make hair washes even more hectic.
“Hair loss is directly linked to the pH level of your scalp,” says Anker, “So if your hair is dry or overly oily, you'll experience more hair loss.” Adding extra oil to the scalp also messes with the natural oil/water balance on the scalp. “If you put extra oil on it your body will stop producing natural oil.”
The dermatologist stated that hair oil promotes hair growth is a pure myth. Oils may nourish your hair but they cannot initiate hair growth.
Oils like castor, peppermint, onion, coconut, jojoba, argan, amla, olive, grapeseed, rosemary, and tea tree are often recommended for hair growth. They help boost blood circulation and strengthen hair. Remember that essential oils must be mixed in with carrier oils before application.
Applying the oil while the hair is wet will nourish and protect it from frizz and pollution as it dries into a subtly shiny version of its natural texture. Once the hair is dry, you may pump a touch more oil into your palm, rub it between your hands and smooth it over your lengths and ends.
Apply oil to the ends of your hair. Use your fingers to spread the oil evenly from the middle of your hair to the ends. Keep oil in hair as long as desired (20 minutes to an hour) and then wash out.