Indian Oil Rinsing - What Is It & What Are the Benefits for Natural Hair?
“Oil Rinsing”
or the Indian Oiling Method has been used for centuries in Ayurveda
(a holistic living approach) practiced in India for centuries. Women
in India take great pride in their hair and beauty practices.
Traditionally, they have always been known for long, thick, healthy
looking hair. In traditional Ayurveda, organic herbs, oils, and
powders are used to aid in healthy living. They believe that the
state of a person's well-being is showcased through healthy looking
hair, skin, and nails.
For natural
hair, retaining moisture and keeping those luscious curly lock from
becoming dry and brittle, which causes breakage is a top priority.
Oil rinsing also reduces the amount of “fairy knots” and tangles.
If you haven't tried the Indian oiling method, I highly suggest you
try it and if your enjoy the results add it to your healthy hair
regimen. The end results will leave your hair softer and shinier.
In Ayurveda,
the hair and scalp is oiled before hair washing and sometimes instead
of shampoo. This process is usually done with coconut or sesame oil.
Coconut oil has a cooling effect on the scalp and Sesame oil has a
warming effect. Depending on what issues they are trying to address
with the hair treatment, hair strengthening herbs can be added to the
oil. In Ayurveda, most women use coconut oil due to its cooling
effect. Their belief is that releasing heat from the hair root is
essential to keeping their hair beautiful and healthy.
Some
traditional Indian herbs that are used to promote healthy hair growth
are:
Amla (Indian
Gooseberry)
Bhringaraj
Brahmi
Shiitake
Neem
Hibiscus
(You can find
these herbal ingredients at your local Indian grocery store.)
The “oiling method” is really simple. Wash your hair as your normally would to remove dirt & debris. Start with the scalp using coconut oil or preferred organic oil and apply it to the scalp. Rinse out shampoo with warm water Massage the oil into the scalp and work the oil through the hair thoroughly down the hair strands to the ends. Use a plastic cap, towel, or turban. You can chose to use heat or steam to help open up the hair shaft for deep penetration. You can leave the oil on your hair and scalp for at least 30 minutes. Follow with conditioning your hair as you normally would after the oil treatment. Rinse with cool water to seal in the moisture from your oil rinse and conditioner.
We highly suggest you do a patch skin test if you are trying any herbal hair treatments at home. Overuse of some natural ingredients can actually cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Remember when trying herbal treatments for the first time...less is more. If you are uncertain please consult your physician and a certified natural hair specialist.
If you are looking for a remedy for maintaining moisture, reducing breakage, and aids in healthy hair growth. Try oil rinsing and add it to your natural hair regimen.
Resources:
Bailey, Diane
C. , Da Casta Diane Milady Standard Natural Hair Care & Braiding
Lad, Vasant The
Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Frawley. David
D. Dr. Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide
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