Key TakeawaysOils such as such as castor oil, argan oil, and rosemary oil can be used to nourish the hair, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.If you’re going to use hair oil, as a rule of thumb, experts say people with dry hair should apply it two to three times per week. People with oily hair should stick to once per week.While it’s generally safe to leave oils in your hair overnight, overuse may lead to irritation, redness, or flakiness.
Key Takeaways
Oils such as such as castor oil, argan oil, and rosemary oil can be used to nourish the hair, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.If you’re going to use hair oil, as a rule of thumb, experts say people with dry hair should apply it two to three times per week. People with oily hair should stick to once per week.While it’s generally safe to leave oils in your hair overnight, overuse may lead to irritation, redness, or flakiness.
Different types of hair oil have different uses, but generally, they are formulated to nourish, hydrate, and improve the overall health of hair,Yoram Harth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair, told Verywell.
To use hair oil, you typically massage a small amount into your scalp, then massage more oil through sections of hair from root to tip. While your hair can reap benefits from this process in just a few hours, some people choose to leave it in overnight for maximum effectiveness.
But is that a good idea? Here’s what you need to know and why it depends on the oil.
What Kinds of Oils Can You Use on Your Hair?
The kind of oil you choose should depend on your specific hair needs and the outcome you hope to achieve, Harth said. Oils are generally used for cosmetic reasons like adding luster or reducing frizz, though some can help with scalp conditions. For the most part, serums are used to treat the skin of the scalp, addressing issues like dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
“Hair oils can be used for cosmetic benefits, improving hair’s overall texture and appearance, while scalp serums may contain therapeutic properties to assist in hair growth and scalp health maintenance,” said Harth.
According to Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, the main types of hair oil include:
11 Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth
While anyone can use hair oil, people with fine or oily hair—or those prone to acne orfolliculitisof the scalp—should be cautious and specifically seek out an oil specific to their hair or scalp type.
“People with sensitive skin should always be cautious when using a hair oil, as with any new product that is added to a routine,” said Garshick.
When to Dilute Your OilMost hair oils on the market are already diluted or mixed with ingredients to reduce their potency. But if you purchase a 100% pure essential oil (likerosemary oil), consider diluting it with a lighter oil, such as coconut or jojoba, in order to avoid irritation. You can also mix it into your shampoo or conditioner.
When to Dilute Your Oil
Most hair oils on the market are already diluted or mixed with ingredients to reduce their potency. But if you purchase a 100% pure essential oil (likerosemary oil), consider diluting it with a lighter oil, such as coconut or jojoba, in order to avoid irritation. You can also mix it into your shampoo or conditioner.
Can You Leave Hair Oil in Overnight?
Using oils in your hair overnight is generally safe and can offer various benefits, such as deeper penetration of the oil in the scalp, hydration, and nourishment. But this may not be suitable for all hair types or for those with a sensitive scalp,Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Miami Derm, told Verywell in an email.
“Prolonged oil use can lead to buildup and greasiness. Those with fine or oily hair should use them sparingly as they can weigh down the hair or make it overly greasy,” said Chacon. “People with dry or damaged hair can benefit more from regular use.”
The frequency of applying nighttime hair oils will vary from person to person and will depend on your hair type and the specific oil’s properties. As a rule of thumb, Chacon recommends people with dry hair use oil two to three times per week. For people with oily hair, once a week may be sufficient.
If you decide to use oil overnight, Chacon suggests washing it out the next morning to prevent excess build-up of the product and prevent issues like clogged pores.
Do a ‘Patch Test’ First
Although using oil on your hair is generally safe, it’s important to be aware that hair oils can cause potential side effects, celebrity hairstylistChaz Dean, founder of WEN Hair & Body Care, told Verywell.
Oils may cause scalp irritation, allergic reactions, redness, itchiness, or flakiness, especially for people with sensitive skin.
To avoid potential reactions or side effects, Dean recommends doing a patch test on a small part of your skin before applying any oil for the first time. If you notice a reaction, you may have a sensitivity or allergy to an ingredient in the oil.
What This Means For YouAnyone can use a hair oil, but choosing one and determining how often to use it depends on your hair type, personal sensitives, and hair care needs. Depending on the oil and treatment goal, leaving hair oil on overnight is an option, but experts generally recommend rinsing it off in the morning.
What This Means For You
Anyone can use a hair oil, but choosing one and determining how often to use it depends on your hair type, personal sensitives, and hair care needs. Depending on the oil and treatment goal, leaving hair oil on overnight is an option, but experts generally recommend rinsing it off in the morning.
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