Hair Oil: How To Use It For Hair Growth

There’s something about long, luscious hair that captivates both men and women alike. Originally rising to popularity during the youth rebellions of the 1960s, this aesthetic goal continues to be aspirational for many of us. Alongside frequent trims, avoiding bleach and forgoing heat, one of the most successful routes towards waist-length locks is hair oil. But how does it work? And what is the best method to use to see significant growth?

The science behind hair oil

One of the first things we need to consider about our hair is that each strand is dead from the moment it breaks through the surface. Without proper lubrication, it would look dry, feel brittle and break easily. To prevent this, our bodies make use of the sebaceous glands on the scalp. Each one is attached to a hair follicle and produces sebum through holocrine secretion. The sebum produced is a natural, waxy oil that passes freely into the hair follicle which wicks it onto the skin as a lubricant. On the scalp, sebum helps to prevent infection, moisture loss and keep our hair looking healthy.

When these natural oils are lacking or inhibited, hair becomes dry and brittle once again. And, this is where hair oil comes into play. It helps to replicate the act of sebum, lubricating the outer cuticle and strengthening the inner core of each strand. This added moisture also helps to keep bonds strong within, preventing hair from breaking during the growing process. There are several reasons why using these oils can help to improve the quality of hair growth and overall length.

Benefits for hair growth

Added strength

According to many hair care specialists, hair oils will help to increase the tensile strength of hair. This prevents it from breaking which can result in that unsightly frizzy look. If each hair strand is kept strong, you reduce the risk of breakage and therefore, stand a better chance in growing your hair longer.

Protective

Many hair oils offer protection against harmful elements, such as heat and UV rays. It actively reduces moisture loss which is exacerbated during hair drying or straightening.

Increases blood circulation

The act of massaging hair oils into the scalp and around the head will increase the blood flow and circulation to the scalp. This ensures that all of the nutrients found in your blood can make their way to the scalp and provide their nourishing benefits.

Hydrating

Certain oils, specifically those that are rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E create a barrier around each strange. This prevents the telltale dullness which is caused by excessive moisture loss.

How to use hair oil for growth

The way you choose to use hair oil in your growth journey will depend on the type of hair you currently have. Dry and brittle hair can withstand significantly more intense oiling processes than fine, flyaway hair. Depending on the results you’re looking to achieve, there are a number of ways that hair oil can be used.

Moisturising treatment

If you’re someone who favours a hair mask at the end of a busy week, you may want to consider using hair oil as a deep-moisturising treatment. To do this, it should be applied before a shower or bath. Apply liberally, rubbing into the scalp and right through to the tips. Pin your hair up and allow the steam from the hot water to open up the cuticles. It will add back much-needed moisture and help to protect your hair.

Hot oil treatment

Another option is to go for a hot oil treatment. Similar to the moisturising treatment we mentioned above, it requires heat to help open up your hair for better absorption. Warm up your chosen hair oil and mix it with your favourite conditioner. Use this to create a mask and massage into your scalp. Make sure to cover your ends as these are the most prone to breakages. Once covered, sit underneath either a heating cap, dryer or steamer for anywhere between 20-30 minutes. Wash it out thoroughly and expect your hair to feel nourished.

Treat ends

When hair becomes brittle and weak, the first place this tends to show up is in the form of split ends. And, as a result, your hair is likely to look frizzy and messy – even when styled into a sleek hairdo. Hair oils can also be used to slick these down, smoothing away unsightly fuzz while also helping to strengthen the strands from the ends up.

Wet-to-dry hair

Hair oils can also be applied to wet hair that you intend to let dry naturally. It will work with the evaporation of moisture to prevent this from being excessive and keep it nourished. You will also be avoiding heat here – one of the key contributing factors towards hair damage.

Important note

One of the things we know from our knowledge of skin care is that added excessive oils can cause the pH levels of our skin to become unbalanced. On the scalp, this can manifest into a disruption in skin cell regeneration and lead to dandruff or a greasy scalp. Neither of these things is beneficial to hair growth. Therefore, it is important to take note of your hair type before using hair oils excessively. If you notice excessive oil on your scalp, avoid using additional products on your scalp and instead focus on the mid and end-lengths. Also, if you have a particularly dry scalp, coating it in oil will signal to the skin that it doesn’t need to produce its own natural levels. This throws off your skin’s natural function and can aggravate dryness even further.

The best type of hair oil?

The right hair oil for you will, as we mentioned above, depend on your own individual type. Here at Malée, we believe that products using natural ingredients allow you to make the most out of the powerful and potent benefits of our world. Our Verdure Moisturising Oil contains a rich blend of sweet almond oil, coconut oil fatty acids, avocado oil, and rosehip oil to help infuse your skin and hair with delectable nourishment. It can be used before shampooing to help replenish dry and damaged hair while also being an exceptional choice for dry skin too.

Conclusion

Hair oil offers a host of benefits to your hair growth journey, especially when used properly and consciously. It nourishes, protects and ensures each strand will be in perfect health and able to help you achieve the length you’ve always dreamt of.

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