The trend of hair oiling has swept across social media and has now become a daily routine for many who are trying to strengthen and thicken their hair.
With nearly a billion people across TikTok watching natural hair care tips, why are certain herbs so transformative? and where did this trend originate?
This article focuses on research on how rosemary benefits your scalp and hair. Additionally, the advantages of Bhringraj powder and Indian Gooseberry are highlighted too.
The roots of hair oiling
Going back over 5000 years ago, hair oiling is an extremely well-known practice across Indian communities. ‘Champi’ is a traditional hair root massage with the use of coconut oil. This stems from the Indian Ayurvedic practice.
This ritual has been passed down for generations. It is a loving, tentative practice, where mothers and grandmothers, oil and massage the scalps of their youngsters.
Here stories and wise words are shared. This is a widespread practice that celebrates womanhood. As well as the togetherness of the women within the family.
Journalist Varsha Patel echoes the importance scalp oiling has as a South Asian tradition. She states the personal impact it had as she witnessed hair oiling reach global attention in 2023.
This made Ms Patel proud of her ethnicity. She documents that “Internally, I can’t help but feel proud of my South Asian ancestors for cracking the code so long ago”. This ‘code’ is knowing the benefits of hair oiling and the huge positives it has for your hair care journey.
Ms Patel lovingly remembers the times her relatives would rub coconut oil between their hands, and “attack” her scalp (due to the force being quite powerful). She highlights how “in some ways, it was the most loving experience we shared”. This demonstrates the Indian Ayurvedic practice plays a crucial role in the formation of tradition and connection within families.
Ms. Smita Naram is the co-founder of Ayushmati. Her company has been highlighting worldwide herbal and ancient remedies for the past 33 years. She commented on the huge benefits that have come from the Ayurvedic practice, “the art of anointing one’s hair with nourishing oils has been revered for its ability to promote healthy hair growth, soothe the scalp, and enhance overall well-being”.
So, what makes oiling and natural ingredients so beneficial?
Rosemary is one of the most important natural herbs to incorporate into your hair and scalp oiling routines. It improves the circulation and blood flow to the hair follicles and leaves your hair smooth and shiny.
Additional benefits include the reduction of dandruff due to the herb being full of antioxidants.
Research from Dr. Khetarpal shows the effects rosemary oil has against the hair-regrowth medicine Rogaine. In 2015, this study concluded that rosemary oil was found to be as effective as Rogaine. With additional benefits including fewer issues around scalp dryness and itchiness.
Dr. Khetarpal concludes this was due to the “increase of blood flow to the scalp” giving “your hair the nutrients it needs to shed less, grow more, and just be a bit healthier”. This as well as the ability to reduce skin inflammation and scalp issues, is why rosemary oils are so highly valued in the hair care world.
Dermatologist Dr Malika Ladha stated the intake of people interested in hair oiling has dramatically increased over the last year. Her suggestions for successful results stem from the application of oil.
Spreading oil from root to tip, and contrary to the tradition of leaving it in a braid or nonabrasive style overnight; Ladha suggests only leaving the ointment in for 15 – 30 minutes. This is to avoid breakage.
Furthermore, other natural resources to focus on for a successful hair transformation include Bhringraj powder. This common herb extract can aid in baldness and help with the healthy regrowth of your hair.
This is suggested for people with alopecia or male pattern baldness. Hair improvements are achieved through this powder nourishing the hair follicles and stimulating their growth.
This product can also aid in the prematureness of hair greying, through antioxidants serving as a protector against free radicals and stress. Additionally, with its vitamin-rich resources, such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin E, Bhringraj powder helps to strengthen hair from the root, thus avoiding any breakage.
Indian Gooseberry otherwise known as Phyllanthus emblica, also has some amazing health benefits to your hair and scalp. From India, this herb not only stimulates blood flow such as rosemary and bhringraj powder, but it also helps in the production of collagen.
Collagen helps in the appearance of your hair. Taking dry and dead ends, to a voluminous and luscious look.
This herb has the nutrients to stimulate the production of new hair cells, which in turn increases the fullness of your hair.
Hair oiling trends have stormed across social media, but their background is far more impressive than that. With years of heart and community being behind these natural remedies and traditions, as a society, it is important to learn where these practices originated from. This is to give them the credit they deserve as you incorporate these natural remedies into your beauty regimes.
