OIL RINSING: Hair’s claim to health
Oil rinsing is using essential oils or hot oil treatments to
rinse hair. This is often referred to as pre-pooing the hair before your normal
wash routine.
When I first found out about oil rinsing, I was clueless as
to what it was. Naturally, I began researching the purpose and discovered that
oil rinsing has many effects including combating dryness, providing strength to
strands, and adding shine to dull hair. I began pre-pooing (oil-rinsing) to
strengthen the strands and to promote growth by giving the scalp a massage with
the oil while I waited to rinse the oil out. The results were incredible. It
seemed to have given my hair life. It seemed sleeker and much shinier. You
should give it a try even if you feel as if your hair is in a healthy state;
this is guaranteed to give it an extra boost.
Types
of Oils
BRAHMI OIL:
The first oil that I ever used to oil rinse was an Indian
brand, Brahmi Oil. Massaging this oil into the hair and scalp gives hair the
additional nutrition to prevent hair loss. By massaging, you increase the blood
circulation to the scalp, so with the aid of this oil, you are also
strengthening the roots to promote healthy hair growth. This product is a
coconut oil base and a part of a network of Ayurvedic oils to stimulate hair
growth.
Pros:
·
With continued use, hair seemed to grow in
healthier
·
Promotes hair growth rapidly
·
Also used as a relaxation therapy oil when
massaged into the scalp
·
This product uses all natural ingredients
Cons:
·
My only complaint with this oil is that it
smells horrible
·
This product is also very pricey
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL:
The second choice I recommend to
do oil rinsing with is Extra Virgin Olive Oil, also referred to as EVOO. This
oil preserves and restores the elasticity of your hair. It helps rid the hair
of pollutants accumulated from normal daily activities (sweat, sun, etc.).
Pros
·
Excellent Sealant: Use this oil for sealing
moisture into your hair.
·
Makes hair softer
·
Makes hair noticeable lighter instead of
weighted down
·
Can be used as a detangler
·
Can use this oil to do an HOT (hot oil
treatment)
·
All natural product, no harmful effects
Cons
·
Can be messy when applying
COCONUT OIL:
This oil has been used for centuries as hair oil. Coconut Oil helps build
strong strands, provide nourishment that is not available in daily diet and
also gives a healthy scalp.
Pros:
·
Holds moisture in
·
Great for styling with heat
·
Nourishes dry/brittle hair
·
Stimulates healthy hair growth
·
Promotes a healthy, clean scalp for maximum
growth potential
· All natural product
· All natural product
Cons:
§
None
When considering Oil Rinsing, always check the ingredients
just in case you may have an allergy. There are so many oils out there that can
be used as an alternative to the above mentioned. Essential oils are usually
mixed with the above oils to provide added strength, to rid itchiness,
stimulate scalp or to further condition the hair. Some like peppermint oil or
rosemary oil in their EVOO because you get a tingly-scalp-stimulating effect
when placed in the hair/scalp.
Usually oil rinsing is done as a pre-poo (before shampooing
hair). There is another way to oil rinse as well. You shampoo first, then oil
rinse (leave oil on the hair/scalp for 15 minutes), then rinse out the oil. You
can follow-up with a moisturizing conditioner.