Hair Oil: What is the method of use?

Often formulated with plant oils such as avocado oil or olive oil, hair oils possess moisturising and nourishing properties and are recommended for preventing and alleviating hair dryness. Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, they provide softness, radiance and shine to dry lengths. Studies have indeed shown that the prior application of plant oils such as coconut oil can limit breakage during washing on various hair types. Here are the different steps to benefit from this interesting property of hair oils:

1. Pour the hair oil of your choice into your hands and rub them together to warm the substance.

2. Spread the hair oil along the lengths and tips of your hair. Be careful not to use too much, so as not to weigh down your hair.

3. Massage each strand individually so that the oil penetrates deeply into the hair fibre.

4. Allow the oil to sit for at least a quarter of an hour.

5. Finish with a gentle shampoo and a rinse with clear water.

Moisturising and softening, hair oils are allies for taming hair. They are particularly appreciated by individuals with textured hair, that is, wavy, curly or frizzy. Indeed, by coating the fibres, hair oils help to define curls and control frizz. The hair oils formulated for this purpose can be used daily.

1. Pour a few drops of hair oil into the palm of your hands. The exact amount depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but start with a small amount and add more if necessary, to avoid over-greasing them.

2. Gently rub your hands together, then run your fingers through the full length of your hair, as if using a comb. In this way, you will distribute the product evenly throughout your hair.

3. Tilt your head forward so that your hair falls in front of you. Take a section of hair in your hands and gently squeeze it upwards towards the roots, as if you were pressing a sponge. Release and then repeat this movement throughout your hair. This action, which is part of the "scrunching" technique, helps to form curls.

If your scalp is dry, irritated or itchy, it may be beneficial to incorporate a few drops of hair oil into your shampoo, in order to achieve a nourishing and repairing concentrated treatment. Indeed, when mixed with shampoo, hair oil can mitigate the drying effect of surfactants found in shampoos. Although they are effective at cleaning, these can weaken the hydrolipidic film of the scalp, leading to dryness and fragility. Hair oil compensates for this loss and nourishes the scalp during washing.

1. Take your usual amount of shampoo, then add a few drops of hair oil to it. Don't hesitate to use a dropper bottle in order to adjust the amount of oil used. Indeed, a high oil-to-shampoo ratio could potentially reduce the foaming capacity of the shampoo.

2. Wet your hair, then apply the mixture by gently massaging your scalp.

3. Then rinse with clear water.

Did you know : Shampoos should only be applied to the scalp, not the lengths of the hair. Indeed, the foam that slides down the hair during rinsing is sufficient to clean it.

Even though they are sufficient on their own, hair oils can also enhance the effect of hair masks. This use is particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair. To boost their nutrition, it is possible to add a little hair oil to your usual hair mask using the following method:

1. Place a dollop of mask in the palm of your hand.

2. Add a few drops of hair oil to it, then rub your palms together in order to mix the substance.

3. On clean hair, apply the mixture throughout your hair, from mid-lengths to ends.

4. Allow it to work for at least fifteen minutes so that the hair fibre can benefit from the combined advantages of the mask and the oil.

5. According to the mask's recommendations, thoroughly rinse your hair or not.

• MOHILE R. B. & al. Impact of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on the prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2003).

• MESINKOVSKA N. & al. Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Colour Patients: A Systematic Review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2022).