Oiling your child’s hair: Everything you need to know

As mothers, we always strive to have the best for our children. But with so much variety available in the market, we are sometimes confused in our choices. The same goes for hair oil. Who doesn’t like to have a lovely mane of hair? Healthy looking hair and skin are a sign of good internal health as well. So a parent, especially a mother, tries to find the best hair care process for her little one. Look no further. We have it all in one place for you here. 

The first question that causes confusion is “Is oiling good for my child’s hair health?”

A child’s hair is very different from adult hair.Hair oils serve to strengthen and lengthen the hair. Consumers are searching for hair oils that are appropriate for their hair type, and manufacturers are capitalising on this trend, fueling the market for hair oil. According to Wimpole Clinic, 35 million men and 21 million women globally will suffer from alopecia or hair loss by 2022. Alopecia areata affects two out of every 1,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. Some typical issues include dandruff, dry and itchy scalp, hair loss, and dull hair. The hair is softer and more susceptible to damage. Hence a good hair care system is essential to ensure healthy hair in adulthood. 

According to experts, regular oil massage for the hair has the following benefits:

1. Improves blood circulation.

2. Calms the nervous system.

3. Enriches the scalp with a rich set of vitamins and nutrients, depending on the oil you use.

4. Apart from the above, a good massage session is a good time to bond with your little one.

A good hair care routine would involve warming the oil, gently massaging into the scalp for about 10 minutes, leaving it on for an hour or so, and finally washing it off with a good cleanser/shampoo. 

As with everything else, there are certain things that should be taken care of:

1. Don’t apply too much oil: As they say, “Never overdo a good thing!”  Too much oil can clog the pores. Added to this, a child’s activity levels are much higher than an adult. So they sweat a lot more than adults. Excess oil combined with sweat can lead to clogged pores, dandruff and itchy scalp. 

2. Don’t keep the oil on for a long time: Keeping the oil on for a long duration can again lead to clogged pores and dandruff. 

3. Warm the oil: Warm oil penetrates deeper into the scalp and nourishes it well. 

Now, the question arises as to which oil is best. With such a large variety available in the market, it is difficult to choose just one. The global hair oils market is estimated to be worth USD 4.31 billion in 2021, with a revenue CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. Rising demand for hair oils to treat damage and hair loss, as well as rising demand for hair growth-promoting oils, will fuel market revenue growth. Furthermore, increasing demand for ayurvedic and herbal hair oils is propelling market revenue growth. Ayurvedic oils are produced from natural ingredients such as Bhringaraj, Amla, Haritaki (Harada), Vibhitaka, and Neem, and are free of sulphates and parabens.As a child’s hair produces lower levels of natural oil, experts recommend using natural and nutritious oils free from artificial fragrances. 

Here is a guide stating the benefits of each type of oil. Choose one depending on what you need from your oil.

1. Olive Oil: tops the list of preferred oils because it is rich in vitamin E, strengthens and softens the hair and repairs split ends.

2. Coconut Oil: is rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin E, protein and lauric acid. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and hence, naturally keep dandruff and scalp infections at bay. It has cooling properties so good for use in summers. For the same reason, it is better avoided during a bout of cough and cold. 

3. Sesame Oil: promotes hair growth and removes fungal infections. 

4. Mustard Oil: increases blood circulation and is warm by nature. Hence, excellent to use in winter. 

5. Almond Oil: is rich in Vitamin E so important for a shiny mane. It also relaxes the muscles. 

Apart from the above basic oils, there is a variety of others available in the market. 

• Ayurvedic Oils: They come with one of the above oils used as a base, but fortified by a number of herbs and minerals like Brahmi, Amla, and Bhringaraj that promote healthy hair.
• Moroccan Argan Oil: It is rich in Vitamin E, promotes hair growth and removes itchy scalp. 
• Castor oil: It is excellent for treating skin problems. Because of its consistency, it is generally used in combination with coconut oil. 
• Jojoba oil: It conditions the hair and leaves it soft and shiny.

Choose an oil that suits your needs and budget. To witness visible results, it is very important is to stick to a consistent hair care routine.

Here’s wishing your little one a beautiful crowning glory!

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