Ancient Hair Oiling: Not Just a Tik Tok Trend

In this article:

Hair Oiling is a 5000-year-old Indian Ayurvedic tradition that is just now gaining momentum in the Western world. It is a self-care treatment typically practiced before taking a shower where oil is applied to the scalp and hair and massaged to increase blood circulation to the scalp. This provides nourishment to the hair preventing it from getting dry and brittle and also increases the shine, softness, strength, and thickness of the hair.

The tradition of hair oiling has been passed down from each generation in South Asian culture, where the mother or grandmother is often seen oiling their children's hair at least once a week. Hair oiling holds a cultural significance and is a form of familial bonding in South Asian culture. I remember when I was little, my mother would always make sure to oil my hair before every bath. This practice was so ingrained in me, that to this today, I do not take a shower without oiling my hair since it has become an essential part of my self-care and made me a firm believer in the power of hair oiling.

South Asian Ayurveda-inspired cultural influences have been getting adopted by the Western world over the years as we can see from Yoga, Turmeric Lattes, and Chai Tea; all of which originated from India. Hair oiling has recently begun being hyped up and the very infamous scene from the Netflix series, Bridgerton, shows Miss Kate Sharma massaging her younger sister Edwina's hair with oil.

There is a plethora of hair oils available that you can utilize for your hair concerns. The type of hair oils you choose depends on your hair porosity greatly as well as your individual concerns, such as dry and lackluster hair, hair fall, or split ends. Below are some oils that are beneficial for hair:

Coconut is an excellent oil for low-porosity hair and moisturizes the hair from within by hydrating all the hair shafts. It also greatly reduces hair fall and improves scalp health. A healthy scalp means, healthy hair. It also helps soften and condition the hair and makes it shiny and frizz-free. Moreover, it stimulates new hair growth.

Mustard oil is rich in fatty acids like Omega 3's and 6's and other minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as, antioxidants like Vitamin B and E. Mustard oil is a very important oil in the Ayurvedic culture as it reduced scalp inflammation and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties along with promoting hair growth. It also improves the overall appearance of the hair making it look shinier and helping smooth out split ends.

Oh, the Tik Tok viral Rosemary Oil making rounds all over social media! This deserved a mention since it does not come without benefits. Women's Health states that rosemary has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and can promote new hair growth. It works by locking the effects of DHT; a type of testosterone responsible for shrinking hair follicles leading to hair loss. Rosemary oil increases blood flow to the hair follicles and increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients promoting hair growth.

What's even more amazing about this oil is that researchers have found that rosemary oil can be as effective at improving hair growth as Minoxidil/Rogaine, known to help androgenic alopecia in both males and females.

Here is a recommendation for a viral rosemary oil that is flying off the shelves and has been proven to be effective according to a myriad of positive reviews:

The list of oil is endless in Ayurveda. There is Castor Oil, Sesame Oil, Olive Oil, Amla Oil, Tara Meera Oil, Lavender Oil, Fenugreek Oil and so many more. Choosing the right type of oil all comes down to your individual hair type and hair concerns that you want to address.

Hair Oiling has been trending on apps like Tik Tok and Instagram reels lately and the benefits of deep oil massage have been observed by many people with their positive experiences and reviews. It's a great Ayurvedic practice that is here to stay just like Yoga.