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Hello there, lovelies! We all love an at-home hair spa, don’t we? It’s a great way to show your tresses some love and care while giving yourself some much-needed pampering. Today, we’ll talk about an important step in a hair care routine: when to oil hair. Should you oil your hair just before you shampoo, giving the oil just enough time to soak in? Or should you try oiling hair overnight to let it work its magic while you sleep? Read on to find out!
Oiling hair overnight
How to do it:
1. Massage oil into hair and scalp and leave it on overnight (don’t forget to cover your pillow with an old towel!)
2. Wash off oil when you shampoo the next day
Note: De-tangle your hair with a comb/hair brush before, not after you finish oiling it, to avoid breakage.
When to Apply Oil on Hair Overnight:
• You feel your hair requires intensive treatment to address concerns like coarseness, fineness, dandruff, dry scalp, excessive frizz, etc.
• You feel your otherwise normal hair has become too rough or coarse due to, say, a fun beach outing
• You spend a total of 15 minutes getting ready in the morning 😊
How many hours to keep oil in hair?
In general, it is not recommended to leave oil on for more than 6-8 hours, as that might make things tricky. The oil can attract a lot of dirt, dust, and grime, causing buildup. So, while oiling hair overnight can be beneficial, excessive oiling may require extra effort to wash out.
Oiling just before you shampoo
How to do it:
1. Massage oil into hair and scalp and leave it on for 30-60 minutes (or for 3-4 hours, if you feel like it)
2. Wash off oil thoroughly from your hair when you shampoo
Note: As mentioned earlier, combing and de-tangling go before, not after massaging oil into your hair!
When you can go for it:
• Any regular shampoo session – it helps protect your hair during the washing process
• You don’t have specific concerns like excessive dryness/coarseness, frizz, dandruff, hair thinning etc.
Is overnight oiling bad for hair?
Good hair oils generally have a concentrated dose of nutrients (not too concentrated, that would make them harsh on hair) to do what they are meant to do. Based on the type of hair oil, they can moisturize and nourish hair, reduce frizz, reduce irritation in the scalp, promote hair growth, protect hair from damage, or repair hair from within. Of course, some oils can perform more than one of these functions.
While oiling hair overnight can be beneficial for deeply nourishing the scalp, some believe that leaving oil on for too long may cause buildup, making it harder to wash off. If you're wondering how much time to keep oil in hair, a few hours before shampooing is often enough for effective absorption.
Choose the Right Hair Oil
Choose natural oils such as olive oil, macadamia oil, coconut oil, or almond oil, which can help strengthen, repair the hair barrier, nourish, and protect hair from within.
Plum recommends: Try our much-loved Olive & Macadamia Nutri-Shield Pre-Shampoo Hair Oil for deep nourishment and barrier repair.
Here’s to happy hair days!
Related products:
Olive & Macadamia Mega Moisturizing Hair Mask
Hair Growth Serum
We'd love to hear from you!
FAQs
When is the best time to oil hair overnight or before shampoo?
Oiling hair overnight allows deeper nourishment, while applying oil before shampoo helps protect hair during washing. The choice depends on your hair type and concerns.
Is oiling hair overnight good or bad?
Oiling hair overnight can be beneficial for dry or damaged hair but may attract dirt and buildup if left for too long. Ideally, limit overnight oiling to 6-8 hours.
How many hours should oil stay in hair before washing?
You can keep oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for nourishment, or overnight for deeper hydration. Avoid leaving it on for more than 8 hours.
What are the benefits of oiling hair overnight?
Overnight oiling helps deeply condition, reduce frizz, and strengthen hair. It can also soothe the scalp and improve hair texture over time.
Does applying oil just before shampooing provide enough nourishment?
Yes, keeping oil on for 30-60 minutes before washing still allows hair to absorb nutrients and provides a protective barrier against shampoo stripping away moisture.
Share your "oiling philosophy" with us by taking our poll below!
