When Should You Use Hair Oils?

When was your last bad hair day? The average American has about 96 a year. That’s three months of suffering through frizzy, dry, or just plain old uncooperative hair!

The natural oils secreted by our scalps are meant to help with these issues by lubricating the outer cuticle and strengthening the core.

But if you have too little or too much, it’s time to look at the benefits of hair oils for keeping your hair healthy and looking good all the time.

Using them the right way and at the right time are key to getting the most out of them, though. Let’s look at a few guidelines to help you get started.

Symptoms Oils Treat

If you battle frizzy hair, you aren’t alone. More than 70 percent of women list it as their biggest hair gripe.

Of all the hair products you can try, oils rank right up there as your best bet for dealing with frizz. They also help battle hair loss, breakage, and heat or UV damage.

They’re particularly good if you have a dry scalp or dry hair. It can help finish off your hair to fight the frizz and flyaways.

When To Use Hair Oils

Hair oils can help reduce your blow-dry time or give you a high-gloss finish, depending on when you apply them. There are three times in your hair-care regime to consider adding oils to moisturize or manage your hair.

Pre-Wash

Oils make a great deep moisturizing treatment when used right before you shampoo. Apply them to your dry hair, then tie it up.

Get in the shower and allow the steam to open up the cuticle of your hair so it can absorb the oils. After about five minutes, shampoo and condition as usual.

You can also combine the oil with conditioner and heat it for a hot treatment and scalp massage before you jump in the shower.

Pre-Styling

You can apply oil to wet, damp, or dry hair after it’s been washed. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the oil through your hair before you blow-dry.

Added before blow-drying, the oils can keep your hair smooth and help you avoid flyaways. The oil can help detangle and protect your hair during any heat styling process while giving you a smooth finish.

Post-Styling

After you’ve finished styling, adding a small amount of oil can give your look extra shine and tame any flyaways. If your hair feels dry after you blow it out, add a little to the dry strands.

Rub a few drops into your palms, then run them over the ends of your hair.

How Often to Apply

The more oil you use, the more often you’ll need to shampoo your hair. This creates a vicious cycle where excessive shampooing can dry out your scalp and hair.

Two to three times a week for a deep treatment is plenty, with tiny amounts added when you style your hair. If you plan to do an overnight oiling, do it the night before you shampoo to avoid greasy hair.

Bring on the Hair Oils!

Your hair faces a lot of trauma daily from the sun, styling, and stress. Hair oils used regularly can protect and prevent damage to your hair while also adding moisture and shine. You don’t need to do it every day, but it should be part of your regular regime, especially if you have naturally frizzy or dry hair.

Need more help taking care of your hair? Book an appointment for a deep conditioning treatment, haircut, or blowout.