INDIAN OILING METHOD FOR LENGTH RETENTION IN NATURAL HAIR

Hi peeps, what's been on? My post today will be about a method I incorporated into my regimen to help me retain length. This post took a long time coming but I had to be sure! My hair has been growing longer and I noticed that the older parts got dryer and were prone to breaking off easily. Usually at this point, I'll trim my hair but since I decided to challenge myself to grow my hair waist length...just because....I decided it was time to adapt a length retention routine into my regimen.

I have dubbed it 'The Indian Oiling Method'.

Generally using herbs for healthy hair maintenance (in India) involves some kind of oiling and an herbal wash. You may also add an herbal rinse. The wash and rinse can be one mixture, or used separately, but together they should contain at least one cleansing agent and one conditioning agent such as amla)

Some Indians also use rice starch as a type of natural emulsifier to bind the herb powders together and make them easier to apply and rinse out. Indian women tend to oil their hair daily or every other day, and to wear their hair in a single braid or a bun. Very rarely do they wear their hair down.

Why oiling? Oils are used as a protective conditioner and for treating problems of hair growth and both hair and scalp condition. They can be used daily to protect hair from the elements. Herbal oils are applied to the scalp daily or pre-wash to treat scalp conditions. More thorough scalp and length oiling is done pre-wash as a conditioner to protect the hair from the drying effects of the cleansing herbs and water.

Herbal oils are chosen depending on condition of the scalp and used either together or separately.They are applied on non wash days in the evening or at least 30 minutes before washing to let the herb act on the scalp.

Pre-wash oiling is done on dry hair at least 30 minutes before washing. Non- wash day oiling can be done on dry or damp (misted) hair depending on how hair reacts to oiling. Amount used depends on hair length and how much oil the hair absorbs. Start with small amounts and increase as needed.

Post wash oiling is done on dry or damp hair depending on the hair reaction to oils. Only a small amount is used. It helps in detangling and shine, similar to a leave-in conditioner. Which oils might be right for you?

Coconut oil

Prevents protein loss from hair during washing. Applied both pre-wash and on the days between washing. For dry or damaged ends: Wet/ mist the ends of the hair and liberally apply coconut oil, then braid. Let the oil soak in for at least a day.

Sesame oil

Can be applied between washing but, referred as a pre-wash oil as it has a stronger scent than coconut.

Amla Oil Conditioning astringent. Used for hair loss, premature graying, strengthens the roots, reduces dandruff. Prevents split ends. A small amount is applied to hair and scalp after washing or massaged in pre-wash.

So, the general steps are:- Daily oiling of the scalp and length with little oil preferably coconut oil or you can also use Jamaican castor oil.

The night before washing, saturate the hair and scalp with coconut oil (use an old pillow case for oil spills). Wash and condition as usual.

.Hope this helps....you can also share your hair care regime.

Thank You!