Hair oiling is considered sacrosanct to healthy hair practices. Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old Indian science, has gained popularity in the contemporary health movement, and one of its most treasured customs is hair oiling. It was believed that oiling our hair with natural oils can make them stronger and better. However, we should know that different types of hair and scalp need different hair care. And so, it’s not always a good idea to oil your scalp. Let’s know some factors you should keep in mind before oiling your hair.
Dermatologist Dr Anupriya Goel posted an interesting Instagram Reel, pointing out certain conditions in which you must not oil your scalp as it could affect your hair adversely.
According to the expert, “Oiling definitely comes with a few benefits, consistent massage definitely increases scalp circulation and in turn improves the hair and hair growth. However, there are several scenarios where you should avoid oiling your scalp.”
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4 conditions in which you must avoid oiling your hair
1. Dandruff:
Do not oil if you have dandruff in scalp. It may be a big hair oiling mistake! Dandruff is a very common issue faced by people today, and it causes the scalp’s skin to flake. It is neither serious nor contagious. Dandruff in our scalp is caused due to a fungus known as malassezia which actually feeds on the oil on your scalp, so if you oil your hair, it leads to its further growth.
2. Acne on forehead
If you have acne on your face or on your forehead, oil can further clog the pores and aggravate the acne. If your hair is oily, the oil may seep onto your face and result in acne and skin problems. To help avoid this situation, be sure to wash your hair every day to keep extra oil off of your forehead, face and back.
3. Boils on scalp
A boil is also known as a furuncle. Bacterial infections of the hair follicles cause boils, which can affect the surrounding tissue. You can have an infected hair follicle on any part of your body.
If you have boils on your scalp and you oil it, it can attract more dirt and can lead to bacterial infection. So, the expert suggests that oiling should be clearly avoided when you have boils on your scalp. Also, if the boils on your scalp persist for a long time and don’t heal, it is best to see a doctor.
4. Oily scalp
If your hair is already oily, the probability that the scalp may collect dust, cause irritation, and develop other scalp problems increases. It may also result in serious hair loss. Instead of adding extra oil to your already oil-covered scalp, it is advisable to start off with too little and increase your usage gradually. Once in every few weeks, try adding oil into your hair care routine. If it works, try it every week. The main objective is to obtain good quality hair.
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, avoid oiling your hair because it may make things worse. Be aware that your skin and scalp may not always benefit from having too much oil.