If your scalp is overactive and producing too much oil, it is best not to add more. Conversely, if your hair is naturally dry or if it has dried out from using too harsh shampoos or treatments, an oil pack may be the solution you are looking for. The scalp will benefit greatly from the hydration guaranteed by the oil and in a short time your hair will become stronger, softer and shinier.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Choose the Oils
Step 1. Decide how many oils to use
You can use just one or combine 2 or 3 different ones. The choice depends on how much money you want to spend and the desired results.
- Oils fall into two main categories: carrier oils and essential oils.
- Carrier oils are used as the basis of the treatment to which essential oils, which are more powerful, are added to make it more concentrated.
- Many people choose to use carrier oil alone. The addition of essential oils is at your discretion and depends on the needs of your hair.
- Essential oils have a much higher concentration than carrier oils. They must be diluted in the carrier oil and applied exclusively to the scalp and roots.
Step 2. Choose a carrier oil
Base oil is for whether or not you decide to add essential oils. You can choose from a very wide range: each oil is characterized by specific benefits and in some cases even by some disadvantages.
- Almond oil: It is rich in vitamin E and healthy fats that do wonders for the hair. It is especially effective for treating chapped scalp and eliminating dandruff.
- Argan oil: it is an oil rich in antioxidants that is produced in Morocco. Those who try it confirm that it keeps its promises by making skin and hair incredibly beautiful. The only downside is that it tends to be expensive. Argan oils sold at low cost are most likely a scam and are not even worth the asking price.
- Avocado oil: it is the most loved by those who decide to wear afro hair naturally, as it is highly moisturizing and at the same time economical.
- Castor oil: It is said to be able to stimulate hair growth, make it shinier, reduce hair loss, heal dry scalp and prevent split ends. The downside is that it has a thick, sticky texture that many don't like. If you decide to use it, it is best to dilute it with a liquid consistency oil, such as grapeseed oil.
- Coconut oil: In addition to moisturizing the hair and scalp, it is rich in protein, an essential component of hair, so it is useful for treating damaged hair. A disadvantage is that at low temperatures it becomes solid. To melt it, you can warm it in your palms or put it in the microwave for 2-3 seconds.
- Extra virgin olive oil: it is useful for making hair more hydrated and shiny, preventing hair loss and treating dry scalp. It also boasts antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it prevents problems like dandruff. The downside is that it can weigh down thin hair.
- Grapeseed oil: it is a light oil suitable for those who do not have major dehydration problems. Used on healthy hair, it performs a delicate moisturizing and rebalancing action.
Step 3. Choose an essential oil
Many consider them to be simply scented oils, but their virtues go much further. Each has specific benefits and can help improve hair health. By choosing the right essential oil for you you can have a florid, seductive and fragrant hair.
- Rosemary essential oil: it can be used in many different ways, but its main prerogative is to stimulate blood flow. Applied to the scalp it improves the health of roots and follicles. To demonstrate this, rosemary essential oil is also contained in a drug that is prescribed to reduce and prevent hair loss called Minoxidil. You may feel tingling after applying it to your scalp, but don't worry - it's completely harmless. Rosemary essential oil is one of the few natural oils that truly hydrate hair.
- Grapefruit Essential Oil: This fragrant essential oil is used to stimulate hair growth and balance sebum production.
- Rose essential oil: it is indicated to strengthen the roots and prevent hair loss, it also has an excellent scent.
- Carrot essential oil: the high content of vitamins makes it suitable for stimulating cell turnover and promoting the growth of new hair.
- Lavender essential oil: it is useful for soothing scalp disorders, such as dryness, itching or dandruff. In addition, its perfume has a relaxing action.
- Blend of lavender and tea tree essential oils: these two essential oils combined free the hair from the residues of cosmetic products that weigh it down. Furthermore, this blend helps to lower the inflammatory response while keeping the hair hydrated.
- Chamomile essential oil: Chamomile has the ability to nourish the hair and soothe the scalp, and its scent has a relaxing effect.
- Eucalyptus essential oil: helps to stimulate the growth of new hair and at the same time has a cleansing action. You can occasionally use it as a hair rinse, especially if you have an oily scalp or dandruff. As an added benefit it makes the hair shinier.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil: This is an excellent option for stimulating hair growth and nourishing it if it is dry.
Method 2 of 4: Use Carrier Oil Only
Step 1. Prepare your hair
The first rule to respect is to comb the hair before using the oil, to eliminate knots and facilitate application. It is still unclear whether it is better for the hair to be clean or slightly soiled: some people swear that the compress is more effective if 2-3 days have passed since the last shampoo, others claim that the effects improve if the oil is applied on freshly washed hair, as there are no substances that act as a barrier. The suggestion is to try both methods and decide which one is best for you.
Step 2. Protect surrounding surfaces from oil
Especially if this is your first time using an oil pack, there is a good chance of soiling surfaces and fabrics.
- Protect the floor with an old towel or a few sheets of newspaper and wear clothes you don't mind ruining.
- Have a rag handy to remove any splashes immediately.
- If you are going to let the oil sit overnight, protect the pillow with a plastic cover.
Step 3. Apply the oil to the scalp and roots
Pour a teaspoon into the hollow of the palm and rub your hands trying to distribute it mainly on the fingertips.
- Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips.
- Make small circular motions to distribute the oil evenly while stimulating blood flow. In addition to being useful, the massage will be incredibly pleasant.
- Make sure you apply the oil all over your head, including the nape of your neck and the area behind your ears.
Step 4. Divide the hair into two sections
Part the middle part with the comb and bring the two sections of hair over their respective shoulders. This will make it easier for you to apply the oil on the lengths.
- Gather half of your hair in a bun to be able to work freely with the free section.
- If you have curly or very thick hair, it is best to divide it into 4 areas to be able to apply the oil evenly without too much effort. Make the parting in the middle and then divide them again at ear height.
Step 5. Apply the oil to the lengths
Even if you have long hair, resist the temptation to use a large amount of oil so as not to risk dirtying the surrounding surfaces. Regardless of the amount of hair, use one teaspoon at a time and add more as needed.
- Run your hands through your hair starting from the roots. If the tips are particularly dry, continue adding oil until they appear shiny.
- Don't forget to distribute the oil on the hair on the back of the head as well.
Method 3 of 4: Using Essential Oils in Combination with Carrier Oil
Step 1. Prepare your hair and work area
The preparation is the same as when applying only the carrier oil, so first comb your hair to remove any knots. Again, you can apply the oil immediately after shampooing or 2-3 days later, depending on your preferences. Line the floor and surrounding surfaces with newspaper or old towels to avoid greasing them.
Step 2. Blend essential oils and carrier oil
Essential oils are too potent to apply in large quantities directly to the scalp. Even diluting them with a carrier oil you may feel your skin tingle, but rest assured: this is perfectly normal. It simply means that the oil is doing its job.
- Pour a teaspoon of the selected carrier oil into the crook of your hand.
- Add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Rub one hand against the other to mix the oils and distribute them on the palms and fingers.
- If you want to reuse the mixture several times, dilute 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of essential oil in 60 ml of carrier oil.
Step 3. Massage the mixture into the scalp and roots
Essential oils do not benefit the lengths and ends, so concentrate the application on the scalp to improve the health of the skin, roots and follicles.
- Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips.
- Make sure you distribute the oil all over your scalp, including the nape area and the area behind the ears.
Step 4. Comb your hair and divide it into two sections
Use a wide-toothed comb to remove any knots that may have formed while massaging the hair at the root. In addition to untangling the knots, the comb will distribute the oil even more evenly. Part the center of the head and divide the hair into two sections to simplify application.
Step 5. Apply the carrier oil to the lengths
Pour a teaspoon into the crook of your hand and distribute it over your palms and fingers by rubbing your hands.
- If you have decided to use castor oil, which has a thick and sticky consistency, mix half a teaspoon with the same amount of a lighter oil, such as grapeseed oil.
- Run your fingers and palms through your hair to distribute the oil over the lengths.
- Start applying it where the essential oil treatment ends, near the scalp.
- Run your hands through the lengths until you reach the ends.
- Work on one section of hair at a time and carefully distribute the oil on the back of the head as well.
- When finished, repeat the steps with the rest of the hair.
Method 4 of 4: Using Oil in Different Ways
Step 1. Use a limited amount of oil for a daily treatment
If your hair is very dry, you may need to use the oil every day. For example, those with afro hair can benefit greatly from daily use of the oil, which will make them more hydrated and shiny.
- If you use the oil every day, avoid the scalp. Generally the sebaceous glands of the scalp produce a quantity of oils that is sufficient to keep the skin and hair at the roots healthy. Adding more oil on a daily basis could weigh down your hair with more harm than good.
- Apply a thin layer of oil to the lengths, focusing especially on the ends. Scalp oils distribute naturally from the roots to the ends, but if you have really long hair the ends can become dry and brittle as the distance to cover is a lot. Those with curly hair also often have the same problem, as oils have a hard time reaching the ends.
- Be careful not to use too much oil if you want to repeat the treatment every day. Don't saturate your hair with oil or it will look greasy and lacking in volume.
Step 2. Create a moisturizing spray to use every day
Use a bottle with a spray nozzle to distribute the oil over a large area of hair. Unlike when you apply it with your fingers, by spraying it with the spray the layer of oil on the hair will be much thinner. Dilute it with a little water to avoid occluding the hole from which the spray comes out.
- Spray the mixture on damp, clean hair after a shower. Apply the spray only on the tips, avoiding the roots.
- Comb your hair to eliminate knots and distribute the oil better.
- Let your hair dry naturally as you get ready for your day.
Step 3. Use the oil as a leave-in conditioner
Once every 7-14 days you should make a beauty mask with oil to deeply nourish the hair.
- Saturate your hair with oil. For daily use, a veil is enough, but when you make the mask your hair must be saturated with oil.
- Gather your hair in a bun to avoid greasing your clothes as well.
- If you want you can wear a shower cap. This is especially useful if you intend to leave the mask on overnight and don't have a plastic pillow cover.
- If you don't want to wear the cap, protect the pillow with a plastic pillowcase or a couple of old towels.
- Leave the mask on for at least 8 hours or until the following morning.
Step 4. Treat very dry hair by applying the oil when it is damp
According to many testimonials, dry and brittle hair benefits most if the oil is applied when it is damp. A couple of times a week use a carrier oil of your choice as a replacement for the conditioner immediately after rinsing the hair from the shampoo. The shampoo deprives your hair of their natural protective oils and dehydrates them, so it is important to rehydrate them immediately.
- Shampoo and apply the oil at the start of the shower. This way the oil will have time to soak into your hair while you care for the rest of your body.
- If possible, let the oil sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Wear a shower cap so you don't risk the water washing off the oil prematurely.
- Be very careful: the shower floor can become extremely slippery when you rinse your hair.
Advice
- Massaging the scalp with the oil can stimulate hair growth.
- Try to protect your forehead from the oil to avoid the appearance of pimples and blackheads.
