The Magic of Nightly Hair Oiling: A Ritual for stronger, healthier hair.

For years my hair told the story of my life- Stressed, fragile, and neglected. Back then, I was juggling my mental health struggles, trying to start a business and solve all of the world's problems by myself, and honestly, I just really didn't know how to properly take care of my own hair. Like so many of us I was young, overwhelmed and unaware that a little intentional care could make such a difference. What I have learned since then is that small rituals, like hair oiling can completely transform not only the health of your hair, but also the way you feel about yourself.

Understanding Your Own Hair Health

There are many different hair types however here's a basic list

• Straight

• wavy

• curly

different hair types actually react in their own individual way to damage

when straight hair is healthy it should

• reflect light easily-appear shiny

  
  

• feel silky and soft to the touch

• move in the wind

  
  

when wavy hair is healthy it should

• feel soft but with some texture

  
  

• hold a wave pattern that looks defined but not frizzy

  
  

• can be weighed down by heavy hair products

when curly hair is healthy it should

• feel springy and bouncy

  
  

• look soft and curls are defined

  
  

• frizz is minimal

  
  

• naturally drier by nature

hair that has texture (wavy & curly) are naturally drier than straight hair which means that they require many more moisturizing products daily than straight hair will.

meaning that nightly hair oiling is more beneficial for textured hair types however straight hair types can benefit as well but have to be more sparing with the amount of oil applied to the hair.

the best time to start hair oiling is after any type of hair coloring or semi-permanent hair texture service such as a smoothing treatment or perm.

ways that you can apply the hair oil

(always on dry hair, just the bottom two inches)

• apply hair oil just to the ends, then use a boar bristle brush to distribute the oil thoroughly - my preferred method

  
  

• warm up your hair oil in a small bowl and then apply warm for added absorption

  (best for curly hair types)

• after hair oil is applied put hair up in a protective bonnet to seal in the moisture even more

Expected Results from Consistent Oiling

the changes I have witnessed in my own hair have been extraordinary; I have finally seen my hair-not only maintain length but also grow like crazy. I wear my hair smooth most of the time but now that I am giving my hair the hydration it needs, I can feel confident wearing my natural curls.

after a few months of consistent hair oiling you can expect

• Increased Shine-Reflective, healthier-looking hair

• Reduced Breakage- Stronger strands that are less prone to damage

• less frizz

  
  

• hair growth

  
  

• easier styling

Common Myths About Hair Oiling

for years people have been leery of hydration products for fears of greasiness or their hair getting weighed down when in reality skipping conditioning our scalps and avoiding hair oils has brought us dry and flakey scalps that are totally thrown out of Wack and dry brittle ends that break before they can even grow.

successful hair oiling should not bring you negative results.

Tips for Success

• your success will depend on the quality of your hair oil (see preferred list below)

• only oil the last two inches of hair

• use hair oil very sparingly (a little goes a long way)

• if you have blonde or light-colored hair, be aware of any dyes in the product as these can stain the hair over time

• always use a clear hair oil-no dyes

• professional brand does matter as drug store brands contain heavy fillers that will make your hair very greasy

Preferred hair product list

• amika-water sign

  
  

• biosilk-silk therapy

  
  

• Kevin murphy-young again oil

  
  

• verb-ghost oil

  (better for straight or fine hair)

  
  

hair bonnet brands:

• yanibest-satin hair bonnet

  
  

• lilysilk-silk sleeping cap

  
  

• evolve-satin sunset bonnet

peace, love & great hair - Alicia