We all love to have a good and healthy head of hair. It is one of the few physical aspects that people look at first and our mane defines our appearance.
Nowadays, there is much awareness about maintaining one’s looks. We research and love to try different methods, be it natural home remedies or artificial. In recent times, although there are several big beauty brands, we are turning towards natural ways and DIYs to achieve good skin and hair. DIYs are the best sometimes; wait, we feel they are the best, most of the time!
Keeping this in mind, today, we are here to clear your doubts about the use of mineral oil for hair. Some claims are pointing that mineral oil may not be the best choice for the hair. But why? Let’s start with the basics like what is mineral oil, and where do we find it?
What is Mineral Oil?
Mineral oil is a by-product that is obtained from crude oil(petroleum) by the process of distillation. It is a colorless and odorless product. This oil has been used in the beauty department for years now. This particular oil offers miscellaneous household and medical emergency benefits as well.
Mineral Oil for Hair: Worth it?
Now the big question here is, and many may also think the same to themselves, is mineral oil good for hair? But the commercial skincare or beauty brands already have been adding this product along with the other ingredients and it is known as a hair moisturizing and conditioning agent. These brands use mineral oil for hair products, as it is a cheap option. Not cool!
Mineral oil is simply a lubricant. So, even if it is a cheaper option to go for, it is not the wisest choice for your hair care routine. Our main goal of practicing a hair care routine is to have healthier hair. What mineral oil for hair does is it only moisturizes your hair externally. Our scalp does not absorb this oil and it barely provides any hair nourishment.
Moreover, on application, this oil acts as a barrier for your hair strands, protecting from the pollutants and keeps the moisture intact. Point to be noted, excess application of mineral oil for hair may lead to a build-up on your scalp, irritating the skin. Hence, mineral oil has limited hair benefits.
Mineral oil uses for your skin and hair: The multipurpose lubricant
Mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin is almost a versatile product. These are some crazy mineral oil uses that you can also try if required:
Bye-bye dry skin
It serves as a decent moisturizing alternative if you have dry skin or in winters when the weather is too dry. Most body lotions contain mineral oils for that extra moisturizing effect.
Mineral OilCracked heels, what are those?
Cracked heels are not pretty to look at, especially when you need to wear heels that expose your heels. One way to avoid cracked heels is the regular use of mineral oil on your heels at nighttime.
Good for skin rashes
It can be used to reduce skin rashes. Before using it for this purpose, be sure you are not allergic to the oil.
Say hello to your all-natural makeup cleaner
You can also use mineral oil as a make-up remover.
No more Itchy scalp with dandruff
It can also help in treating seasonal dandruff issues. Leave the oil for an hour and wash it off with a mild shampoo
A common ingredient in a baby product
This product is commonly found in baby oils as well.
Miscellaneous mineral oil uses
Apart from skin and hair, mineral oil provides a range of miscellaneous benefits such as:
Acts as a great lubricant for doors that creaks a lot
Monsoons lead to excess humidity, which doesn’t gel well with the wooden fittings, we all find a door in our houses that creaks too much. Hearing such door creaks sometimes makes us feel like we are in a horror movie. So, if you ever find yourself with a creaking door, apply a few drops of mineral oil on the hinges.
A great home remedy to clean ear wax
A great way to clean ear wax. Well, you have to insert a few drops of the oil into your ears for 4 to 5 days at night. This will soften the wax, and after the 5th day, rinse your inner ear with lukewarm water. Viola, the jammed wax will gradually wash out!
Serves as a laxative
Mineral oils also serve as a laxative in cases of constipation. You can either consume a few drops or try it as an enema to loosen the stool. A slight warning regarding the consumption of mineral oil- your body may have an allergic reaction. So, it is always better to consult a medical professional and confirm your choice.
What are the mineral oil side effects on your hair and skin?
Following are the possible mineral oil side effects –
- It may create a hindrance in your hair growth if used in excess amounts.
- It may make your hair dry instead of providing moisturizing effects.
- Too much oil may make your hair look thin.
- Although it is extracted from crude oil which is a natural product, the final product is produced by industrial methods, which is a red flag for your hair and skin health.
- It may lead to acne breakouts in people with sensitive skin.
- It is not advisable to leave mineral oil on your skin or hair scalp for an extended time(overnight), as it can cause irritation.
Apart from these, using mineral oil has no known health hazard.
So, should you try mineral oil for hair?
We cannot deny the fact that mineral oil does help in the moisturizing and conditioning effects of the hair. It keeps the moisture intact and doesn’t usually get absorbed in your hair follicles. You can go for this oil as an emergency help but try switching to better and more natural oil options such as argan oil, virgin coconut oil, olive oil, and so on.
At the end of the day, when you use a product be it for your skin or hair care, it is better if you receive proper nourishment from the product. So, we say, go for safer and better hair products that have minimal side effects.
Truth be told, every product comes with its own set of pros and cons. Always be extra careful when you choose products for your hair and skin. We would advise you to go for products without mineral oil to be on the safe side.
Take care♥
Also read: Common Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Hair
