Signs That Your Hair Needs Some Extra Oil
Is your hair frizzy, lifeless, or dull looking? If so, it may need some extra oil for nourishment. Hairstylist Jasmine Merinsky told HuffPost that our sebaceous glands produce natural oils, and without it our hair is dry and brittle. She explained, "Similar to skin, we need oil to have healthy, strong hair. Oil lubricates the outer cuticle and strengthens the inner core by providing moisture to help keep the bonds strong."
If you aren't naturally producing those oils, oil treatments can hydrate your mane for a healthier, shinier look. Not sure if your hair is in need of oil? Here are some signs that it's the right treatment for you.
Why your hair needs an oil treatment
If your hair just doesn't feel great, has split ends, appears dull, or is frizzy, you may be dealing with moisture loss, and an oil treatment can be extremely beneficial (via Healthline). Dry hair can be caused by a variety of reasons, from environmental to self-induced. Healthline explains that heat damage, bleaching, living in a dry climate, chlorine, harsh hair products, or over-washing your hair can all cause dry locks. Different types of hair have different needs, as well. Curly hair, for instance, tends to be dryer and may need more added oil, while straight hair is known for being oily (via Vitalize).
How to do oil treatments for your hair
Celebrity hairstylist Bobby Eliot told HuffPost that you can easily use hair oil at home, as more of a moisturizing treatment. He recommends that you "apply before you take a shower, pin your hair up, and let the steam from the shower open the cuticle and penetrate into the hair." After that, just shampoo and condition as usual.
You can also visit a salon for a rehydrating hot oil treatment, which consists of a mixture of hot oil and conditioner. After the mixture is applied and massaged into your scalp, you'll sit under a dryer for about 20 minutes while it works it magic before washing it out.
Protecting your hair and keeping up a regular routine that incorporates oil treatments every so often will prevent dry hair from becoming a nuisance in the future, while leaving your dry hair untreated can result in very brittle hair that breaks easily. Take the first step towards a healthier mane by not making these mistakes when drying your hair.