Oil rinsing is a technique used to lock moisture in ones hair while in the process of washing and conditioning. It is very similar to the LOC method, except it is only done in the shower. It is usually done with one of three oils—olive, coconut or avocado—because they penetrate the hair shaft. Here is a Guide to Oil Rinsing for Hair.
Benefits
- You increase moisture retention because you are rinsing your hair with ample oil that penetrates the hair shaft to lock in water, leaving your hair more moisturized.
- Oil rinsing is a great way to add more shine to your hair. Some do it, just to get rid of lackluster hair and increase shine.
- You will have less single strand knots because oil rinsing combats dry ends, which prohibits single strand knots from forming.
There are many different ways that you can oil rinse your hair, but don’t be intimidated by this technique. The method that works for me is an easy introduction into the world of oil rinsing. And it’s easier than you might think.
Do you have dry hair?
Being that natural hair can be extremely dry, I like to do an oil rinse more often than not. For me, the best technique for doing this is after shampooing and during my conditioning process, instead of before my conditioning process like many do. In other words, I like to mix my oil of choice (i.e. olive oil”> in with my conditioner. I have tried the latter technique, shampoo, oil, and then conditioner. I have also tried shampoo, conditioner, and then rinse, but my hair often feels too heavy. By mixing my conditioner and the oil, I get extra moisture without the heaviness.
Conditioner oil mix
After shampooing, I condition as I regularly would, rinse, and then condition with the oil and conditioner mixture. To do an oil rinse, I take a bowl in the shower, add a half-cup of oil and three tablespoons of conditioner, and mix. I like to let this sit in my hair for a little while if I can, so that it penetrates the hair shaft.
In other words, I like to mix my oil of choice (i.e. olive oil”> in with my conditioner.
Why it works
My hair is low porosity, meaning the hair shaft is tightly bound, which makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate. That being said, a regular oil rinse adds moisture, but not as much as I would like on its own. It does not feel as moisturized as it would if I added the oil to some conditioner. Also, with a regular oil rinse the remnants sit on top of my hair, which leaves it feeling coated. Mixing oil and conditioner for my oil rinse allows me to get deeply moisturized result.
Oil rinsing not only adds moisture, it also adds shine and makes detangling much easier for you. I have seen some rave about it and others who were not so impressed, but remember there is always a way to modify almost any hair maintenance technique to make it work for you.
Have you tried oil rinsing? Do you have something similar to oil rinsing that you like to do?
