By Khanak Mehta
Massaging your hair with oil, or doing a champi, is a weekly Sunday tradition passed down in all Indian families. While it may seem like almost second nature to you at this point, it is important to remember that we could all use a mini refresher course for our beauty practices once in a while.
It may seem simple enough – you need to take the oil, put it onto your hair, and massage it in. Easy peasy, right? Well, here are three tips that won’t just help upgrade your routine, but also might just come as a total surprise to you.
Your scalp needs love
While oiling your hair definitely helps hydrate and nourish it, it’s important that you don’t skip your scalp. Massaging your scalp with oil isn’t just a soothing mini-massage – it also helps boost blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles, helping with denser and healthier hair growth. So, start from the top and work your way to the bottom. PS: We know it feels so good but be careful to not tangle your hair in the process!
Turn up the heat
No matter the season, it’s best to apply hot oil to your hair. It doesn’t just make the experience feel extra soothing, but it also helps the oil penetrate better into your scalp and hair cuticles. If you prefer applying your oil directly from the bottle, you can even use a warm towel after application to envelope your hair and help it absorb the oil better.
Watch the clock
Yes, you can do too much of a good thing. While it’s perfectly fine to leave oil in your hair anywhere from three to twelve hours overnight, it’s best to not overdo it. If you apply too much hair oil, or keep it on for too long, it will result in you having to spend extra time in the shower getting it off. Read: You’ll dry out your hair with excessive shampoo. One to three pumps of oil should suffice for your hair, depending on its length.