What is the natural method of hair treatment starting with an O? Hair oiling, of course. The characteristics of this beauty technique derive from its definition. What is interesting, dictionary does not include an entry considering this topic. Moreover, many young girls claim that oiling is a new phenomenon in the field of cosmetology. The truth is that it is a treatment known for ages and used mainly by women of India. Many specialists define it as ‘applying natural oils in the scalp regularly’. However, this definition is rather narrow and does not explain much about the process. Let us present our own interpretation, that does not exist in any lexicon, but captures the true meaning of the procedure.
Definition:
Oiling – is a treatment that depends on systematic and long-term oil rubbing on the scalp and hair (or only some parts). It also includes different ways of applying natural, organic, cold pressed, unrefined oils. What is more, such oils must be carefully selected in terms of their components, healing and conditioning properties, and preventing problems connected with scalp and hair.
The first words that come to our minds when thinking about oiling hare are: naturalness and purposefullness.
Naturalness – is the element which distinguishes oiling from other ways of hair care, such as using conditioners, rinses and chemical treatments. (relies exclusively on natural ingredients) Oiling is considered to be the only method of hair care based on natural ingredients. In case of other products, such ingredients are only a small part of the composition. However, purposefulness assumes specific action aimed at certain effects. To put it in simple words, we do not oil hair for fun. We rather want to improve its condition, prevent hair loss, boost growth, smooth add shine. The are as many reasons as types of oils used in this method.
Oil + technique + hair = solution
This equation concludes the entire topic of oiling hair, however, it does not provide any useful tips on how to conduct the entire procedure. The journey with oiling hair begins with difficult hits and misses. Every girl (and women) that systematicly follows the rules if this hair care can admit that finding the golden means is extremely hard. Golden – because it is usually this colour. Means – because it is a tool used for daily care. Choosing the proper oil – previously mentioned – golden means, that will be suitable for our hair is a true challenge. Not every oil is appropriate for all types of hair. Categorising oils in terms of matching them to the types of hair should facilitate the process of selection.
We can distinguish three basic hair types (without getting into specific details about individual problems that accompany each of them). More on this in article about hair porosity test. Therefore, we can have low porosity hair (congrats!), medium and high porosity hair. High porosity is the most serious problem. only a properly matched oil can be a remedy. Low porosity hair is the most desirable type, however, it does not mean that oiling should be omitted. On the contrary, it is advisable to maintain its good condition. We would like to present a condensed compendium of information considering which oil should be match to a particular hair type.
LOW POROSITY
Low porosity hair usually looks as if it was styled as a professionalisation. Strong, glossy and sleek. It rarely happens that such hair is curly, sometimes only wavy. Low porosity means that the hair cuticles are closed tightly. This is a very important feature due to the fact that only strong and healthy hair can have this kind of porosity. It is very important no to forget about a proper treatment of such hair to prevent it from damaging. As we all know, there are many harmful factors that can cause breakage. What is more, this type of hair has a tendency to static and styling can be really problematic. Another problem connected with low porosity hair is the lack of volume.
Low porosity hair oiling – what oil to choose?
The features of low porosity hair determine the type of natural oil that should be used not only to maintain the good look but also nourish and tame. For oiling low porosity hair only oils rich in fatty acids will be appropriate. Why? Simply because such oils have small particles that do not penetrate deeply into the hair structure but only coat it with a light film.
The most recommended oils for low porosity hair are: coconut, palm, babassu, linseed, castor, sunflower / shea, cocoa, mango, cupuaçu.
MEDIUM POROSITY
This is the most common type of hair among both women and men. In order to describe its characteristics it should be stated that its the state between good and bad condition. Hair cuticles are not so tightly closed. Nevertheless, hair is not extremely damaged, however, it is only one step away from worsening the condition. Medium porosity hair can be dry, dull, weak with a tendency to hair loss. It all occurs to different extents and not necessarily all the problems appear at the same time. Therefore, oiling medium porosity hair is aimed to regenerate and restore its normal porosity and also to prevent it from any further damage.
Medium porosity hair oiling – what oil to choose?
Monounsaturated fatty acids are perfect for this type of hair. Their particles are a bit larger and in consequence they complement any defects in hair and create a protective layer. It is advisable to purchase oils with high content of omega – 3 and omega – 6 , because after using saturated fats, medium porosity hair will react in increased frizz.
Most recommended oils: castor, sunflower, wheat germ, flax, jojoba, pumpkin seed.
HIGH POROSITY
High porosity hair can be really problematic. Usually, the owners of such hair overused harsh treatments such as dyeing, bleaching, thermal styling, perm, etc. However, all these procedures, done properly by taking reasonable precautions are not harmful. Too frequent and too rough straightening, curling, or hair colouring, results in significant dryness, brittleness. High porosity hair feel like hay. It is frizzy, stiff and scratchy, absorbs water like a sponge, and lacks of lustre. Furthermore, high porosity hair are not only the extremely damaged ones but also curly or with a tendency to dry.
High porosity hair oiling – what oil to choose?
Very wide hair cuticles require oils with large particles. Their task is to rebuild the defects in the hair, nourish from the inside and glue cuticles to reduce porosity.
The following oils are perfect for such type of hair: hazelnut, hemp, grapeseed, apricot kernel, seed plum, peach kernel, sweet almond, peanut, seed cherries, avocado, flaxseed, walnut, sunflower, safflower, perilla, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed, acai, amaranth, baobab, with black cumin, with blackberries, wheat germ, corn, camelina seed, quinoa, poppy seed, seed of black raspberry, black currant seed, red raspberries seed , apple seed, strawberry seed, borage seed, watermelon seed, green coffee, soybean oil, castor oil.
„Beauty is a bill of exchange accepted all over the world on presentation.”
(Giovanni Giacomo Casanova)
No one dares to undermine the issue of women beauty. Beauty really is what makes life easier and more enjoyable. It is a common fact that hair is women’s biggest pride and determines their beauty. Over 75% of men admit in surveys that they prefer women with long, well-mainatined hair falling over the shoulders. They admit that the hairstyle is the best determinant of feminine beauty. Height, weight and make-up are not taken into consideration in terms of beauty. Therefore, oiling is a method to improve or maintain the natural beauty of hair.
There are a few ways of oiling hair that are being willingly recommended on the Internet forums and in many published guides. Especially recently, since oiling came to us from the East, there are more and more entries about using natural, organic oils in hair care. Even though there are many oils, the methods are limited. Without going into details, we would like to present them all. It is worth remembering that choosing the best way is a matter of personal choice. The same is with oils. The product must fulfil all our needs. Keep in mind that all methods will not be suitable for all hair types. In order to choose the best technique you must go through the hit and miss stage first. you might as well modify it accordingly to your preference.
TRADITIONAL METHODS OF OILING HAIR
Oiling in a bowl – it consists of immersing the hair in a bowl filled with warm water for a few minutes with the addition of one or more natural oils; opinions suggest that it is the most effective method, but requires more time and preparation.
Dry hair oiling – is the application of a suitable amount of oil for a few minutes on dry hair before (for comprehensive nutrition) or after washing (to protect and maintain the effects); oiling dry hair is considered to be the least effective because moisture helps absorbing oil inside the structure of hair.
Damp hair oiling – is the application of an appropriate amount of oil on damp hair (not soaking wet!) a few minutes before or after washing. This method is considered to be the most popular one. Women often modify it to suit their needs even more.