Hair Routine 🫧🤍

Hey everyone! I wanted to dive a little deeper into the first, and arguably most crucial, step of my wash day routine: pre-shampoo hair oiling. When I first heard about putting oil on my hair before shampoo, it sounded a bit counterintuitive. Wouldn't it just make my hair greasier? But after seeing so many positive experiences, especially following the Abbey Yung method, I decided to give it a try – and I'm so glad I did! Why Pre-Shampoo Oiling is a Game-Changer: Think of pre-shampoo oiling as a protective shield for your hair. Shampoos, especially clarifying ones, are designed to cleanse, which can sometimes strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Applying a hair oil before shampooing helps to create a barrier, preventing excessive stripping and reducing friction during the wash process. This means less breakage, more shine, and happier, healthier hair overall. It’s particularly beneficial for those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. Choosing Your Hair Oil: This is where it gets fun! The market is flooded with options, but for scalp and hair preparation, you want oils that can penetrate the hair shaft or at least provide good slip and protection. I personally use a dedicated hair oil in a dropper bottle for my scalp. For the lengths, you can use something like coconut oil (if your hair tolerates it), argan oil, jojoba oil, or even a specialized hair treatment oil. I look for ingredients that nourish and strengthen. My Step-by-Step Pre-Shampoo Oiling Method: Section Your Hair: This makes application much easier. I usually divide my hair into 2-4 sections, depending on how much time I have. Scalp Application: Using a hair oil in a dropper bottle, I apply a few drops directly to my scalp, focusing on areas where I want to encourage growth or where my scalp feels dry. Then, I gently massage it in with my fingertips for about 3-5 minutes. This stimulates blood flow, which is fantastic for hair health. Length Application: Next, I take a small amount of oil (start with less, you can always add more!) and warm it between my palms. I then gently work it through the mid-lengths and ends of my hair. If you have fine hair, be very light-handed to avoid weighing it down. For thicker or coarser hair, you might need a bit more. Bonding Treatment (Optional but Recommended!): After applying the oil, I follow up with a pre-shampoo bonding treatment, as mentioned in my routine. This step is crucial for repairing and strengthening the hair's internal structure, especially if you have chemically treated or heat-damaged hair. It works synergistically with the oil to provide comprehensive protection. Leave-In Time: I usually leave the oil and treatment in for at least 30 minutes, but often for several hours or even overnight if I have the time. Putting my hair up in a loose bun or covering it with a shower cap helps the products penetrate better and keeps them from getting everywhere. Rinse Thoroughly: When it's time to wash, I first get my hair wet and then apply a small amount of shampoo directly to my scalp, massaging it to emulsify the oil. I then rinse and follow with my regular shampooing routine. Sometimes, a double cleanse is necessary to ensure all the oil is removed, especially if you’ve used a heavier oil. This extra step has made a noticeable difference in the softness, shine, and overall health of my hair. Give it a try and let me know what you think!