Oil stays one of the most important traditional staples for hair health. However, a lot of people are scared that it might be the reason for their hair loss. In fact, oil itself is not the cause of permanent hair loss. Both natural scalp oils (sebum) and hair oils that are externally applied are normally good for the hair shaft as they condition it.
The thing with oil is that if you put too much of it on your hair or you don't apply it in the right way it can lead to the area around the hair becoming very crowded with by-products of your body due to which your hair health can hugely deteriorate and consequently, your shedding can greatly increase but only for a short period. If hair loss persists for longer duration then treatments like PRP can prove to be beneficial.
When oil builds up excessively, especially if mixed with sweat, dead skin cells, and product residue, it creates a hostile environment for the hair follicle.
More than enough oil may harden around the opening of the hair follicle making a microscopic plug.
Clogged Pores: This hindrance can not only make it difficult for the new hair strand to come out but also bacteria and other microbes can get trapped there.
Folliculitis: In fact, the most extreme cases of blockage are followed by inflammation of the follicle (folliculitis), which, in turn, leads to the weakening of the hair root and temporary pushing of the hair into the shedding phase.
What is more, many hair oils that are used without the knowledge of the user's purpose can become food for a certain type of yeast that lives on everyone's scalp and is called Malassezia.
Dandruff: Malassezia utilizes fatty acids that are contained in oil to live on. A suffocated oily scalp gives a perfect place for its propagation, in this way producing the overgrowth of the yeast and thus, the irritation of the scalp resulting in a terrible case of dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis).
Inflammation: The irritation that comes with the very severe dandruff that causes the hair follicles to be stressed and thus, accelerated, temporary hair shedding referred to as Telogen Effluvium is the result.
The Right Way to Use Hair Oil
Oil, when used rightly, is a good food to your hair and will not cause any problem. Here is the list of differences between healthy oiling and harmful overuse:
|
Method |
Outcome |
Best Practice |
|
Healthy Oiling |
Hydrates the hair shaft and ends; provides shine. |
Apply a small amount (a few drops) to hair ends and lengths, avoiding the scalp, OR pre-shampoo treatments only. |
|
Harmful Overuse |
Leads to buildup, blockage, and scalp irritation. |
Leaving large amounts of oil on the scalp for days; applying heavy oils to already oily hair. |
Conclusion
An overdose of oil, especially if it stays on your scalp for a long period of time, can, in a roundabout way, be the cause of hair loss as it results in clogging and the increase of inflammation. If you are a fan of hair oil, then do not let it build up on your scalp. Apply it if you must, lightly, then focus on cleaning the scalp thoroughly and regularly to keep the follicles unblocked.