Shop E Store Applying oil to your hair in winter may be the best home remedy to prevent dry hair. Choosing the right hair oil and applying it in the right way will give you its benefits.
Your weekend hair care routine will likely include massaging your mane with oil. You may not want to use hair oil during the summer, but be sure to reach for this product when it gets cold outside. Applying oil to your hair in winter provides your hair with the moisture it needs. If you don’t keep your hair hydrated, it will become dry and brittle. This hair care product not only increases moisture, but also adds shine to your mane and improves the overall health of your hair. But should you choose coconut oil or other types of hair oil in winter? Let’s see which one is best for you.
What are the benefits of applying hair oil in winter?
Winter can make your hair dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to damage. “Regularly oiling your hair is an easy and effective way to combat the effects of the season,” says dermatologist Dr. Shifa Yadav.
1. Prevents dryness and moisturizes the scalp.
The natural oils in your scalp are stripped away by the cold, causing dryness and flakiness. “Massaging your scalp with coconut, argan, or almond oil will keep it moisturized,” says the expert. It forms a lipid barrier and prevents transepidermal water loss, the amount of water that evaporates through the skin into the external environment.
2. Improve blood circulation
Scalp massage while applying oil to your hair promotes microcirculation and increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. “It supports the anagen or anagen phase of the hair cycle, stimulating keratin synthesis and increasing the strength of the hair follicle, resulting in higher quality, more durable hair,” the experts say. says the house.
3. Nourishes hair follicles
Hair oils are rich in fatty acids, vitamins like E and D, and antioxidants. “These ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen the hair follicle, reducing hair breakage and preventing split ends,” says Dr. Yadav. For example, jojoba oil, which contains fatty acids, acts like sebum. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2009, it is similar to sebum that your body naturally produces. “It is very effective in restoring hair health,” says the expert.
4. Protect your hair from environmental damage
Cold winds and reduced humidity levels destroy the keratin structure of your hair. The oil acts as a protective film, protecting the hair cuticle from extreme environmental conditions and reducing protein loss at the same time. According to a study published in Life Journal in 2021, linoleic acid and antioxidants are found in oils such as argan oil. “Linoleic acid increases the ability to protect against environmental conditions,” says the expert.
5. Preventing scalp infections
Winter dryness combined with poor scalp care increases susceptibility to microbial infections. Hair oils may have antibacterial activity, according to research published in July 2024 in the British Journal of Dermatology. “Oils such as tea tree and neem contain compounds such as terpinen-4-ol and nimbidin that inhibit fungal and bacterial growth,” he says. expert. These can help reduce the risk of folliculitis, a condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed.
6. Increase hair shine
Applying oil to your hair regularly will smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and create shine. “Oils like olive oil and castor oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the elasticity of your hair and give it a soft, silky texture,” say experts. For best results, warm the oil slightly before application and wash it off using a sulfate-free shampoo.
Oil your hair in winter: the best oils for different types
To choose the right hair oil for winter, you need to understand your hair type and its specific requirements. “Using the wrong oil can cause scalp problems, breakage, and hair weight,” says Dr. Yadav.
1. Oily hair
People with oily hair tend to have overactive sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum. “Light, non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed or jojoba work well,” says the expert. Jojoba oil mimics natural sebum to balance secretions, while grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid. This will help unclog your pores and keep your hair moisturized.
2. Dry and brittle hair
Dry hair lacks sebum, so the cuticle becomes brittle and breaks easily. Strong oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil are best for such hair. According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2022, coconut oil is an excellent emollient because it forms a coating on the hair shaft, sealing the cuticle and trapping moisture inside.
3. Curly hair
Curly hair has an uneven distribution of natural oils along the hair due to its unique structure. Heavier, deeply moisturizing oils, such as castor oil or avocado oil, can be effective. “Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which supports hair follicle health and minimizes follicle damage, while avocado oil’s monounsaturated fats increase the water retention capacity of the cortex. ” say experts.
4. Thin hair
Fine hair can quickly become heavy, but applying oil to your hair can help. Use a light oil such as almond oil or argan oil. “Almond oil contains biotin and magnesium, which helps strengthen your hair without making it greasy,” says Dr. Yadav. Argan oil’s antioxidant properties prevent environmental damage and maintain volume.
5. Damaged or colored hair
Chemically treated or damaged hair needs repairing oils. “With marula oil, you can repair the lipid barrier that has been destroyed by damage to the cuticle due to chemical processes,” says the expert. It also has moisturizing properties, according to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2015.
After choosing the right hair oil, leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes to ensure good absorption of nutrients. “The oil penetrates the cuticle and reaches the cortex, where essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants are delivered to the hair shaft,” say experts. This promotes keratin repair, hydrates the scalp, and improves hair follicle health.
The correct way to oil your hair in winter
- The correct way to apply oil to your hair begins by warming the oil slightly to increase absorption. “Heating the oil increases its viscosity, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and cortex and deliver nutrients to your hair,” says the expert.
- Part your hair and use your fingertips to apply the oil directly to your scalp. Massage gently to promote blood circulation. This improves microcirculation, promotes hair follicle health, and promotes hair growth.
- Apply the oil along the length of your hair to nourish it, prevent split ends, and distribute it evenly. Leave on for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then wash with a mild sulfate-free shampoo to remove buildup.
How should I wash my hair after oiling it in winter?
Washing your hair after applying oil requires proper procedures that will not damage your scalp or hair.
- Prewash rinse: After applying oil to your hair, gently rinse with lukewarm water to loosen the oil and make it ready for shampooing. Use lukewarm water, as too much heat can strip away natural oils and make your hair dry.
- use a mild shampoo: Cleans with a small amount of shampoo without removing moisture. “Tea tree oil or ketoconazole-based shampoos are great for removing excess oil and preventing dandruff, while salicylic acid-based shampoos reduce sebum production,” says the expert.
- gentle foaming: Gently lather the shampoo around the scalp to remove oil without irritation. Avoid rubbing too hard to avoid breaking your hair.
- Please wash thoroughly: Rinse thoroughly to remove oil and repeat shampooing if necessary.
- situation: Especially for dry and brittle hair, use a light conditioner to balance the moisture of your hair. For extra hydration, choose a conditioner with argan oil or aloe vera.
Are there any side effects of applying oil to your hair in winter?
Do not leave oil on your hair for several days or apply it daily as it may have side effects.
- If it takes too long, hair follicle blockage can occur, which can lead to scalp problems such as bacterial infections.
- The scalp’s natural oils and applied oils can build up and interfere with sebaceous gland activity, causing inflammation.
- People with oily or sensitive scalps should avoid applying oil overnight as it can clog pores.
- Too much oil in your hair can allow dust and pollutants to get in and irritate your scalp.
Oiling your hair in winter is especially beneficial for those with dry hair. But that doesn’t mean those with fine or curly hair should skip this winter hair care ritual. To reap the benefits, just choose the right hair oil.
Related FAQ
How often should I apply oil for hair growth?
Applying oil regularly, once or twice a week, is essential to promote hair growth and overall health. Regular application of oil provides essential fatty acids. For example, lauric acid found in coconut oil and oleic acid found in olive oil penetrate the cuticle and strengthen the cortex. This will minimize protein loss from your hair. Applying oil to the scalp activates blood microcirculation. This enhances the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles and stimulates the anagen phase, the growth phase of the hair cycle.
When is the best time to oil your hair?
The best time to apply oil to your hair is 2-3 hours before washing or overnight. The oil applied before cleaning allows nutrients such as fatty acids to penetrate. Applying the oil overnight to dry or brittle hair provides long-lasting hydration and strengthens the cortex. However, if you have an oily or sensitive scalp, avoid applying oil overnight to avoid hair follicle blockage and seborrheic dermatitis.
Is it okay to leave oil on my hair for 3 days?
It is not recommended to leave oil on your hair for 3 days. Oil provides your hair with important nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, if you wait too long, hair follicle blockage can occur, which can lead to scalp problems such as bacterial infections.
