Botanical oils in hair care
Botanical oils have played an important role in hair care for centuries. Their versatility and effectiveness have made them an integral part of cosmetics, both in traditional and modern hair care practices. They are used to take care of hair of different conditions: low-pored, high-pored, dry, falling out or damaged by hair treatments.
Hair oiling is an ancient hair care practice that has gained popularity in recent years due to its documented health and aesthetic benefits. While it may seem like a complex procedure, hair oiling is actually a simple and effective way to improve the condition of your hair and scalp. In this article, we take a look at the benefits of hair oiling, as well as the use of botanical oils in Ayurveda and modern hair care cosmetics.
Botanical oils in hair cosmetics
Botanical oils are now a staple ingredient in many cosmetic products. Their popularity is due to their natural nourishing properties and minimal risk of allergic reactions compared to synthetic ingredients. Modern cosmetics often use botanical oils in shampoos, conditioners, masks and hair serums to improve hair condition, hydration and shine. The most commonly used oils traditionally include argan oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. They are rich in vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants. They are excellent at moisturizing hair, strengthening it, improving its density and giving it a healthy shine. Today, however, we already know that many more oils have fantastic properties that are successfully used in hair and scalp care.
What makes botanical oils unique is their extremely rich composition. They contain saturated (e.g., in coconut oil) and unsaturated (e.g., in argan oil) fatty acids, which contribute to hair hydration and elasticity. They also contain vitamins, including vitamin E and A, which protect hair from oxidative damage. The antioxidants contained in botanical oils help fight free radicals and delay hair aging. In turn, phytosterols, present in pumpkin seed oil, for example, promote hair regeneration and health.
Not surprisingly, hair care with oils is a very popular practice in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine. Significantly, hair care is considered in Ayurveda to be an integral part of a holistic approach to health and beauty. It is a ritual of not only medicinal, but also spiritual significance. Oils are used in the form of scalp massage (Abhyanga) and as ingredients in hair preparations. The most popular oils are brahmi oil, used to improve the condition of the hair and scalp, aid concentration and relieve stress; amla oil, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which strengthens hair, prevents hair loss and promotes growth; and neem oil, an antibacterial and antifungal Indian honeybush oil.
Benefits of oiling your hair
Thanks to their unique composition, botanical oils can bring many benefits to our hair:
♥ Deep hydration. Botanical oils are excellent sources of unsaturated fatty acids that penetrate deep into the hair structure, providing intense hydration and preventing dryness.
♥ Hair strengthening. Regular oiling strengthens hair, preventing breakage and hair loss. Oils such as castor oil and linseed oil contain valuable nutrients that help rebuild and strengthen the hair structure.
♥ Improved elasticity. By moisturizing, hair becomes more flexible and less susceptible to mechanical damage, resulting in a healthy appearance and greater resistance to daily stresses such as brushing and heat styling.
♥ Reducing dandruff and irritation. Oiling the scalp, especially using oils with anti-inflammatory properties, such as tea tree oil and neem oil, can help reduce dandruff and scalp irritation, restoring balance to the scalp.
♥ Supporting hair growth. Certain oils, such as grapeseed oil and amla oil, can promote hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp and supplying essential nutrients to the hair follicles.
Hair oiling techniques
Hair oiling should be tailored to individual needs and hair type. Among the most popular techniques are:
♥ Dry oiling. Apply the desired amount of oil to dry hair, concentrating on the ends and scalp. Leave the oil on for several hours or overnight, then shampoo your hair. This method is ideal for those with very dry hair.
♥ Wet oiling. You can also apply the oil to damp hair, before washing it. Massage the oil into your scalp and distribute it throughout your hair, leaving it on for 20-30 minutes, then wash your hair as usual. This method is effective when you want quick hydration and nourishment.
♥ Oiling with a mask. After applying oil to your hair, you can use a warm towel or foil to increase nutrient absorption. Leave on for 30-60 minutes, then shampoo your hair. This intensive treatment is great for those with severely damaged or dry hair.
In addition to choosing the hair oiling technique itself, choosing the right oil is important. Different oils have different properties, which you can read more about in our “Herbarium”. For example, linseed oil will work great for hair that is dry, brittle and in need of nourishment, as it has a strong moisturizing and lubricating effect. Chia seed oil is used for rough hair and in need of regeneration down to the roots. Blackberry seed oil, on the other hand, thickens hair, has a beneficial effect on hair growth, shines and closes rough hair scales.
For best results, oiling your hair should be a regular part of your hair care routine. Depending on your needs, you can oil your hair once a week or every few days. It is important not to overdo the amount of oil used. Even a small amount of oil is fully effective, and an excess can make hair difficult to wash. It is a good idea to use the process of oiling your hair to give your scalp a massage. Such a massage, while applying the oil, improves blood circulation and promotes the health of the hair follicles. It’s a good idea to use gentle circular motions with your fingers for this purpose. During the oiling process, hair should also avoid hot water, which can further dry out the hair. When washing hair after oiling, it is best to use lukewarm water to gently remove oil and impurities.
Is it worth it?
Botanical oils are invaluable ingredients in hair care, both in terms of their historical use and modern cosmetic practices. Thanks to their unique properties, they are an effective alternative to synthetic products, offering natural, nourishing and regenerative effects. Whether you prefer oils as the main ingredient in your cosmetics or as a natural addition to your skin care routine, their skin care properties are indisputable and worth noting. So, it’s worth trying the practice of oiling your hair, while treating yourself to a pleasant scalp massage.
