Hair Oil

[avendesora]

I saw in the Indian Market a bunch of bottles of 'hair oil'. (I couldn't read the rest of the label, so I can't tell you what was in it.) Have any of you ever oiled your hair? As a healing mask of some kind, maybe?

I found directions online for applying oil to the scalp, rubbing in, and then letting it soak for an hour or two, before rinsing with shampoo. (Also noteworthy - the website recommended shampooing hair once a week.) Interesting, but we don't use shampoo here, and I'm not sure using a sufficient amount of baking soda to rinse away the oil would be good - wouldn't too much baking soda break the hairs? (I've had that happen on occasion.) I do have a small amount of shampoo in a bottle in the back of my closet that I haven't used in a long time , so maybe if I wanted to try this, I should dig that out?

Any experiences?

Aven

[sunnysandiegan]

I had a hair treatment in a spa a few years ago where the technician used a lovely Ayurveda oil all over my scalp and hair. I was instructed to leave it in as long as possible and then "wash as usual." I left it in all afternoon and evening and then showered before bed. The oil came out with minimal effort and my hair was simply LOVELY for days. I do use shampoo and conditioner, though.

I was on vacation the above time, but have since found a lady who does abhyangas (specific type of Ayurveda massage, includes a LOT of oil from scalp to toes) somewhat locally and I have been to her several times. She also instructs people to leave the oil in the hair and on the body as long as possible before "washing as usual." I usually have a morning appointment with her and leave the oil on until bedtime, but I do wipe off the dripping excess and use a towel behind my head while driving home. My hair and skin feel and look fabulous for a week or more after each treatment. Over time (since last November), my facial skin has gone from oily to normal with all these oil treatments and general re-balancing efforts.

Based on my experiences, I would suggest having the bottle of shampoo handy but not necessarily using it. Try your usual washing techniques first and let everything dry before assessing.

Also, you don't really need a specific "hair oil" to do this. Any oil will do, but you probably want to read up on which oils are best for your skin and hair type. Some to check out online: sweet almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.

[texasnurse3]

I wash my hair every 3-4 days and simply coat it with coconut oil (from the chin down) the night before. I don't even directly wash anything but my scalp and it is never greasy where the coconut oil was. It moisturizes my long hair wonderfully, is easy to do, and is cheap!