Is there such a thing as too much oiling?

[intothemist1999]

I always add a light oiling to my damp hair (eta: the length), have done for ages, and it's not been a problem.

However, I just started adding quite a bit of oil to my ends before I wash (CO, or CWC).

Are there any concerns over that much oil every day, or every few days?

For the record, I part my hair down the back and pull over my shoulders. On each half I add: for "light", 2-3 drops; for "quite a bit", I'm guessing 6-10 drops...I don't count the drops but pour into my palm, a little puddle about the size of a nickel.

[Coriander]

I wouldn't think so... as long as your hair seems happy with the process, then why stop? :)

[Vermelha]

No, I don't believe so. I profusely oil my hair and ends to seal in the moisture. I have very curly and medium coarse hair, so it helps define my curls and smooth my texture down. I've never had any adverse effects from oiling my hair a lot. I just make sure it doesn't get on the scalp.

I think oiling the hair is good for those who have dry hair and scalp and can't get their natural oils down their hair shaft. I'm not sure if oily heads would use a lot of oil though...

[Vermelha]

I wouldn't think so... as long as your hair seems happy with the process, then why stop? :)

ITA. Oiling hair is great and if it's working, keep at it.

[IttyBittyKitty]

I dont think so,i use loads of oil now in the winter and have no problem with it.
If your hair dont get greasy and yucky from it,keep doing it!:)

[hmmm]

I have to oil my hair a lot in the winter because my scalp gets dry and flaky. My hair never complains.

[Monsterkitti]

Ive managed to out too much oil on my hair but I just put it up and leave it to soak in for a few days, my hair loves it :)

So no, certainly for my hair there isnt such a things as too much oiling :)

[pepperminttea]

I've started oiling more than usual to counteract winter dryness, my hair seems quite happy (and I'm an 'oily head'). I did have a bit of problem with build-up at first, but I've started working in an ACV rinse at the end of my washes, which works like a dream. :)

As long as yours is happy, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Carolyn]

You can end up with greasy looking hair but that doesn't effect your hair's health. As long hairs, we know all about putting it up and forgetting it. The hair goes up in a bun and the oil soaks in. I really can't think of any harm increasing oilings would do.

[Isilme]

as long as you hair likes it and doesn't go crunchy like some oil disliking hairs can do. Your hair will tell you if it doesn't like it:)

[Anje]

I suppose for some folks with hair that likes water, lots of oil without washing it out might eventually make it dry. But if you get the oil out occasionally, or if water penetrates through it, I doubt it's possible to over-oil it. If your oil builds up, again, you'll need to make sure it gets washed out again.

[Sweetness]

I'm not a specialist, but I would think that if there is moisture in the hair and you oil it... you keep the moisture in - which is good.

But if the hair is really dry and you just oil it without moisturizing it first, you are actually sealing it "without" sufficient moisture... and when you'll wash the oil out, you'll strip it some more.

Not sure this makes sense, but that's my hypothesis for now, which explains a little why oil on my dry ends makes it a little "crunchy" feeling, while a little oil on my ends (when wet and post-co/moisturizing) makes it become soft and felling much better.


In two words, I'd say it's hard to oil too much if there's good moisture in there, but if the hair is dry, then "only-oil" may not help at all but simply "camouflage" the problem.


What do experts think ? Does this make any sense ?

[redneckprincess]

i wondered the same thing???

[intothemist1999]

But if the hair is really dry and you just oil it without moisturizing it first, you are actually sealing it "without" sufficient moisture... and when you'll wash the oil out, you'll strip it some more.

<snip>

What do experts think ? Does this make any sense ?


Hmmm, I'm not an expert (hence my question :D) but that makes sense to me, from things I've read here over the years.



Ok, here's a spin-off question...I usually put oil on my length of towel-dried hair.

Does anyone put it on *wet* hair, before it gets toweled up?

[Messyhair]

My hair gets really greasy from even a small amount of oil (I think I use a super moisturizing conditioner, so the oil is just too much) but that's all that we can expect for "ill effects", I think.