My Go-To Hair Oil

I have never been incredibly invested in the maintenance of what I was blessed with in terms of hair and skin. I only ever bothered with basic upkeep- like washing my face with a face wash that suited me well, and shampooing and conditioning my hair with a pair that worked for me. While my mother did put in a lot of effort into my hair while I was growing up- shikakayi, regular oiling et al, I always say my hair started getting ruined from the moment the care of it fell upon my shouldersm. Once I realised that, I decided to take better care of it.

Before you think I have an entire regimen for my hair that includes hair masks and all of that, let me tell you that I am a very lazy person and so the only thing I actually do for my hair is oil it regularly. I have, for quite a few years now, been oiling my hair at least once every week, sometimes more. I don’t use heat on my hair very often, and don’t use any other chemicals or such either. Also, my hair isn’t exactly exposed to pollution and stuff because I wear hijab, but it can still get ruined if I don’t take basic care of it, which is why I oil it regularly. I have noticed that it helps maintain it, keeps the shine in and the dryness out. I have also been oiling my daughters’ hair regularly now and, as minimal it seems, I feel like it helps their hair and mine stay healthy and shiny.

It really is no secret that oiling is an age old mantra for healthy hair. It has been known to remedy common hair issues like split ends, hair loss, frizziness, and dryness; and massaging it in helps provide your hair shaft with essential nutrients that most of the time our diets lack. Let’s face it, the number of people who eat only for their taste buds is much higher than people who eat for nutritional benefits, myself included (not proud about it, though).

While there are a lot of natural oils available that can be used as they are, and a lot of ‘hair oils’ available in the market too, I prefer to mix a few natural oils and make my own hair oil- a mix that seems to work very well for me and my kids, so I thought I’d share it with you all too.

Before I get to the recipe, though, please keep in mind that this is just a mix of hair oils that seems to work well for me and my kids. It may not be a ‘works for all’ kind of mix so please don’t hold me responsible if it doesn’t. Also, this isn’t magic so if you suffer from chronic hair fall, please be smart and see a dermatologist.

Here’s what you need:

• Virgin Coconut Oil- Half a cup
• Virgin Olive Oil- Half a cup
• Sweet Almond Oil- Half a cup
• Grapeseed Oil- Half a cup
• Castor Oil- Quarter of a cup

Each of these oils has a benefit if its own that can be easily found all over the world wide web, so I won’t bore you with the details, but if you do have questions, please ask away.

Mix all the oils together, store in an airtight mason jar. I also put some oil into an applicator bottle, and apply directly using that. That way it’s easier to get oil onto the scalp. If you can, it’s a good idea to pour some hot water into a bowl and leave your applicator bottle in it for a bit to let the oil warm a little as oil is better absorbed when warm.

I apply this oil at least once a week, massage it in, comb my hair through and tie it in a plait/braid. I keep it on for 2-3 hours, sometimes more, and then shampoo it off. I know some people prefer to keep it on overnight, but I feel like it flares up the acne near my hairline, so I try to avoid it. Also, I suggest you don’t step out with oil in your hair as I have noticed it attracts dust and dirt.

This is likely to last you a while, so store it at room temperature in your bathroom cabinet or vanity. If you decide to use this mix for yourself, I hope it helps you, and if you do, please do let me know!

Wishing you a lifetime of healthy hair!