How To Pick The Right Oil For Your Hair Type

No matter which part of India you’re from, there is a very good chance you’ve heard of a traditional—champi or a gentle scalp massage combined with a hair oiling session. For some people, growing their hair feels like a challenge. Just when you feel like you’ve made some progress in the growth front, pesky split ends show up and you need to trim your mane.

Hair oiling has multiple benefits. If your hair is damaged and dry, oil can fill in the gaps in the hair shaft, smoothening it instantly and healing it over time. It also acts as a lubricant, protects hair from heat damage, and reduces frizz and flyaways.

Just like skincare, finding the right hair oil that does wonders for your tresses is all about trial and error. Ahead, we’ve narrowed down on different oils and the hair types that they work beautifully for.

Try the Kama Ayurveda Organic Cold Pressed Sesame Oil, Rs 915

Sesame oil

Hair type: All hair types, especially itchy scalps

Benefits: Sesame oil is occlusive which means it will keep your scalp moisturised, reducing dryness and flaking. If you have dandruff, consider using sesame oil as it contains zinc and magnesium, both of which strengthen hair from the roots.

How to use: Warm some sesame oil using the double boiler method and apply it to your scalp. Massage it well for a minute or two to help it get absorbed in and leave it on for at least an hour.

Try the Nature's Tattva 100% Pure Natural & Cold Pressed Olive Oil, Rs 285

Olive oil

Hair type: All hair types. Avoid using it if you have coloured hair as it can turn yellow over time.

Benefits: Olive oil smoothens the outer cuticle of the hair, making it appear more shiny and supple. It strengthens the hair by penetrating the hair shaft and preserving moisture.

How to use: Apply it directly on your scalp and lengths and wash it off after 15 minutes.

Try the Just Herbs Unprocessed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Rs 545

Coconut oil

Hair type: All hair types, even coloured hair.

Benefits: If you have dry or brittle hair, coconut oil will be your hair BFF. The lauric acid in it prevents the loss of protein in hair and repairs weaker strands from the inside, leaving you with luscious locks.

How to use: Warm it up between your palms and then massage it in your scalp. If your hair is finer, avoid applying it too close to your roots as it can weigh them down. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes after application and then wash it off. If your hair is very dry, you can leave it on overnight.

Try the Forest Essentials Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Almond Oil, Rs 1775

Almond oil

Hair type: Dandruff-prone, weak, bleached and dry manes

Benefits: Produced from the kernels of edible almonds, this oil is packed with vitamin E (prevents breakage), fatty acids (nourish the scalp), and antioxidants (prevent free radical damage).

How to use: Rub a small amount between your palms and apply it directly on your scalp to reduce flaking. For maximum benefits, leave it overnight. You can also use a few drops of almond oil as a leave-in treatment too, after shampooing your mane. But, if you have finer hair, use it very sparingly.

Try the Aroma Magic Castor Oil, Rs 140

Castor oil

Hair type: Excessively oily scalps and thin, weak hair

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 and 9 fatty acids, castor oil can prevent hair from breaking. Plus, it has anti-fungal properties that can keep scalp infections and dandruff at bay.

How to use: If you hate the heavy feeling of oil in your hair, make sure you dilute castor with some coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio before application. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off. Since this is a heavier oil, it may take you a few rounds of shampooing to get rid of all the oil.