Oil rinsing is a process whereby you apply a great deal of oil to your hair, leave it in for some time then rinse out with hot water followed by cool water. This has been a popular hair practice for some time. It is recommended for alleviating the more common hair woes such as dry, frizzy, dull, and prone to tangling tresses. It’s slightly different from a hot oil treatment. A hot oil treatment is a stand-alone process while oil rinsing is an extra step to include in your normal regimen. There are six distinct advantages to oil rinsing: –
- It revitalizes dull tresses leading to bounce and sheen.
- It smoothes out cuticles, eliminating frizzy hair.
- It keeps locks soft and pliable.
- It eliminates tangles and single strand knots.
- It assists in moisture retention.
- It reduces shedding over time.
If you’re ready to try it, section your hair into workable sections, then rinse with warm water or shampoo lightly (if your hair has a lot of product in it from before, it’s recommended to shampoo once with a mild shampoo before oil rinsing). Coat strands with natural oil, smoothing through in a downward motion, then cover your head with a shower cap or wrap in cling film. Apply gentle heat with a blow dryer or hard hat dryer for five – ten minutes then rinse out with warm to hot water. Apply conditioner, smoothing it through the hair thoroughly, wait a few minutes and rinse out with cold water. Apply a leave in conditioner and style as usual.
You should notice a distinct difference after the first try. The best natural oils to use for oil rinsing are olive oil, castor oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and coconut oil (coconut oil is better for summer use as it tends to solidify in winter). You don’t have to restrict yourself to the recommended oils. You can still experiment with any kind of oil and judge the results for yourself after a few tries.
It’s important to remember that oil rinsing isn’t for everybody. If you are prone to scalp conditions such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, oil rinsing may aggravate your problem. Nevertheless, give it a try and see if your hair takes to it. If you also have an oily scalp and strands prone to product build up, oil rinsing might not be for you as well.
Remember, consistency with practice is key to improved texture and better retention over time.
The Author:
Abi Faniran is passionate about healthy hair, health, fitness and beauty. She developed an interest in natural oils after regrowing her bald spots with a combination of oils over 6 months. She is the author of Grow Your Hair Healthy & Long with Natural Oils and The Ultimate Hair Growth Guide: Recover from Hair Loss, Bald Spots & Fill in Thin Areas.
I apply coconut oil on hair twice a week to remove dryness and keep hair manageable. It works really good for me. but it is really tough task to wash off coconut oil next morning.
I completely agree with you! Coconut oil is a great natural remedy for dryness and frizz, and it can definitely improve the manageability of your hair. However, I understand that washing off the oil can be quite a challenge.
One tip I have found helpful is to use a clarifying shampoo or a gentle sulfate-free shampoo when washing your hair after applying coconut oil. These types of shampoos are specifically designed to remove buildup and oils without stripping the hair too harshly.
Additionally, you can try emulsifying the coconut oil before applying it to your hair. This means mixing it with water or a water-based product, such as a conditioner, to create a milky consistency. Emulsifying the oil can make it easier to rinse out the next morning.
Another trick is to use a warm towel or a shower cap to create some heat and help the oil penetrate your hair better. After leaving the oil in overnight, wrap your hair in a warm towel or cover it with a shower cap. The heat will open up the hair cuticles and allow the oil to penetrate deeper. In the morning, you may find it easier to wash off the coconut oil using warm water.
Remember to be patient and thorough when rinsing out the oil. Take your time and be sure to massage your scalp well to ensure all the oil is removed.
I hope these tips help make the process of washing off coconut oil a little easier for you!