From castor to mustard: 5 hair oils you should avoid using this summer

Summer humidity and heat invite sweat and dirt, which change your scalp's behaviour. The sebaceous glands on the scalp tend to produce more oil in hot weather. When we top it up with thick hair oils, it traps sweat, attracts more dust, and creates a heavy buildup. Well, oiling is an essential part of hair care in India; choosing the wrong hair oil, though, can lead to clogged follicles, dandruff, hair fall issues, and a greasy overall appearance. Here are five hair oils that you should avoid applying during the summer season, and know why.

Castor oil is known for promoting hair growth, but its thick consistency can make it less ideal for summer use. It is one of the heaviest natural oils, which makes your scalp sticky and usually weighs it down. It also traps in sweat and heat on the scalp, making it a struggle for people living in humid climates. The thick texture makes the scalp harder to wash, which also leads to product buildup.

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Mustard oil has always been used in traditional Indian beauty regimens, especially during the colder months. Its natural heating property, though, can make it uncomfortable in the summer season. Its warming nature increases scalp irritation during hot weather and triggers excess sweating on the scalp. Its warmth also makes the scalp feel greasy, and the strong aroma and heavy texture can make things look overwhelming during seasonal change.

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Known for its deep nourishing properties and for taming damaged locks, olive oil is an ideal choice for colder seasons. It is thick and slow to absorb, which makes the locks look oily and greasy even after washing. Its dense consistency can clog the pores on the scalp and accumulate sweat. It also causes your scalp to look flat and heavy, especially for people who are dealing with oily scalps.

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Sesame oil is rich in nutrients and is deeply moisturising. But it is also quite rich and dense, which can make your hair weigh down, especially if you have fine strands. Also, when it is mixed with pollution and sweat, it might lead to scalp buildup, making the locks appear limp and greasy. So, if you’re also applying this oil, use it as a monthly treatment, rather than a weekly one.

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Coconut oil is a staple in every Indian household, but if you’re using it too much during the summer season, then get ready for a greasy look. It can make the scalp look too oily in humid weather, attracting dust and pollution very easily. Also, overnight oiling might lead to a product build-up issue, so leave it for 30-60 minutes before washing and try to blend it with other essential oils before applying to lighten up the consistency.