Oil Massage For Hair: Does it really help tackle hair fall?
Massaging the scalp with oil at least once a week is one tradition that holds equal significance in every Indian’s life, irrespective of their religious or cultural calling. After all, getting a champi from our mothers and grandmothers after a long, tiring day is all we need to rejuvenate ourselves! And like most other Indian traditions, there is a science behind this age-old tradition too. Regularly massaging our hair has several direct and indirect benefits for both our hair and scalp. Some of these benefits are better blood circulation, relaxation of the mind and body and significant increase in hair growth, hair strength. Let’s find out more about it!
The science behind this humble ritual
Massage or ‘abhyanga’ has been an integral part of traditional Ayurvedic rituals and therapies. Our head is known to have vital energy points that are responsible for connecting the mind and the body. It also houses the most significant chakras for enlightenment and wisdom. Head massage re-energises the three higher ‘chakras’ mind, body and spirit and balances out core biological forces; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Our scalp comprises 31 marmas, energy-relieving points where the arteries, cranial nerves and veins form an intersection. When massaged, these intersection points help in draining and relieving pressure thereby having a cooling effect. Massaging these points also improves blood circulation and boosts healthy hair growth.
BENEFITS OF OIL MASSAGE FOR HAIR
When oiling your hair it is important to gently massage the scalp with oil rather than just soaking the hair with it. Massaging it makes the muscles present in the scalp lose tightness and tension in them. It also increases the supply of oxygen and glucose in the brain and improves the circulation of the spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. There are many psychological, physical benefits that get triggered by this ‘activation’ process done by our bare fingers.
What also adds value to an oil massage is the choice of oil. An Ayurvedic oil infused with herbs and natural oils is known to prove much more effective and potent. Sesa Ayurvedic Strong Roots Oil is one such oil. An Ayush-certified Proprietary Ayurvedic medicine, it is a mixture of 26 medicinal herbs and 6 oils boiled in milk for 22 hours using the ancient Kshir Pak Vidhi. Unlike other oils in the market, this oil contains zero percent mineral oil. It helps strengthen hair follicles, reduce hair fall and boost growth.
Here’s what regular hair massages can do :
Oiling your hair regularly provides your hair and scalp replenishes the nourishment it needs to grow well. The oil massages of the scalp helps open pores that results in a better oil absorption. The unclogged pores further promote root health and thicker hair growth. Oil treatment reduces frizz and makes your hair shiny but it also stimulates the dormant hair follicles.
Luscious and shiny hair not only look good, but also help you to feel good and confident. Regular oiling of hair helps boost that shine. Oils that are naturally produced by the scalp keep the hair moisturized and are also responsible for making hair water-repellent in nature. But factors like weather, chemical treatments, heat etc., can damage the cuticle (outermost layer of hair), making hair look dull, dehydrated and prone to breakage. A damaged cuticle makes it easy for water molecules to penetrate the hair shaft, thus giving hair an uneven and rough texture.
Regular oiling helps hair regain its hydrophobic or water-repellent nature and prevents water penetration into the shaft. This helps hair restore moisture, preventing it from becoming dry and dull. Oil massages keep the hair healthy while adding to its luster and shine.
Clogged skin pores on the scalp can cause minor to major issues. In most cases it leads to irritation but in extreme cases it can also result in fungal and bacterial infections. These infections can not only cause dandruff but can also provide an environment that is conducive to the growth of hair lice. Oiling hair with antibacterial ingredients like honey can have double benefits of ridding your hair of the bad bacteria while also providing it with nourishment.
Massaging the scalp with lukewarm oil soothes the capillaries and the nerves. It also relaxes the mind and the body by alleviating stress. And since stress is probably the biggest factor that causes hair loss, it becomes absolutely necessary to make sure you oil your hair at least once a week.
Changing weather coupled with pollution brings with it the problem of dandruff. Dandruff emerges from the dry, scaly scalp and causes itching, hair breakage and root damage. It usually affects people with an extremely dry scalp. This happens when the sebaceous glands present on the skin produce little to no natural oil. So regular oil massages help keep the dryness at bay and keep your hair well-nourished. Remember that excessive oiling can also hinder hair growth by clogging the pores. So, find a balance that is perfect for your hair and never have a bad hair day again!