Louise McSharry: Lots of influencers are telling people to oil their hair – but will it actually give you glossier locks?

I’ve become a little obsessed with long hair. Ever since mine accidentally became long via laziness (I just couldn’t get it together to schedule a haircut), I can’t stop thinking about what I can do to make it even longer.

I don’t just want it to be long, though. I want it to be long, healthy and glossy, something which is virtually impossible for anyone who lightens their hair.

I know I’m not alone in this obsession. People frequently bemoan their inability to grow their hair long to me now that I’m in the long-hair gang, and I see many women online beseeching creators to share with them what they’re doing to maintain such long, healthy hair, and one product comes up over and over again: hair oil.

Hair oil is not new. In fact, people have been oiling their hair for thousands of years. It originated as an Ayurvedic practice in India and other areas of South Asia, and involved massaging oil into the scalp and hair before leaving it for several hours. This is exactly what lots of content creators are advising their followers to do, but will it actually make a difference?

First, let’s look at whether oiling can actually increase hair growth. Based on my research, hair oil, on its own, will not make your hair grow. It’s disappointing, because we all like the idea of an easy answer to any question, but if you think about it, it makes sense. If stimulating hair growth was as easy as using an oil, then the hair transplant industry would go bust.

Having said that, though, the actual practice of massaging the scalp can be helpful. Whether you use your fingers or a scalp massager, this practice stimulates blood circulation, which brings nutrients to the scalp. This can promote hair growth (although it won’t cure hair loss), and also improve the quality of the new hair.

Now, can oiling the hair improve its health? From what I’ve learned, the answer is sort of. One of the key elements of hair health is protein, and oiling the hair won’t add protein but it can prevent loss by acting as a sort of buffer against water and other pollutants.

Applying an oil to the hair before washing and leaving it on for several hours (or overnight) can assist the hair with flexibility and softness, leaving it less brittle and prone to breakage. This is especially true for coarse hair, which is why oiling is so popular within the black community.

The type of oil you use is important here too. Coconut oil has long been a favourite for hair oiling, which makes sense as scientific evidence shows that, unlike some other oils, it can actually penetrate the hair. Vita Coco’s Raw Organic Coconut Oil is a great option(£9.99) for application before washing, while OGX’s Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil (£9.99) smells incredible and is light enough to apply to damp hair before styling.

Whatever about actually making a difference to the quality of the hair, there is no doubt that oil can help the hair to appear healthier, and isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day? Applying an oil to dry hair can reduce the appearance of split ends and increase shine., adding gloss to damaged hair. Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil (from £28) is ideal for this as it doesn’t weigh the hair down and leaves the hair looking glossy and gorgeous.

Buying local

Hildun Beauty was founded by beauty writer Suzy Griffin Dunne, who somehow managed to start a brand while on maternity leave (meanwhile, I could barely manage to shower). The brand made a name for itself via its creamy kohl eyeliners, and has maintained a high standard with every launch. The latest included two eyeshadow quads (£22), each of which includes four shades which work beautifully on their own and together. The formulas are excellent, from the sparkly shimmers to creamy mattes, and the colour choices make putting an eye look together as easy as pie. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.

Something old…

The cold weather we’ve been experiencing recently can be brutal on our skin, so it’s not surprising if you find yourself thinking you need to change up your moisturising routine. One important aspect of our skin’s health and ability to retain moisture is collagen, a structural protein present in our skin. Ole Henriksen’s Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser (£42) includes collagen along with peptides and ceramides in order to strengthen the skin barrier as well as hydrating and improving the skin’s elasticity while locking in moisture. I like the balm-to-gel texture of this product, which easily melts into the skin and leaves it feeling supple and enriched.

… Something new

Paula’s Choice is a brand I never hesitate to recommend, so I’m always delighted to see it launch a new product. Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser(£49) is a gel-cream product which includes pro-collagen peptides, which promise to deliver ‘intense 24-hour hydration and instantly plump, bouncy skin’. Essentially, the peptides support the skin’s collagen which helps it to provide structure to the skin, leaving it firmer and, yes, bouncier. This product is ideal for anyone who doesn’t like a cream to be too heavy, as it absorbs quickly but feels rich and hydrating. This product is suitable for all skin types, and I found it works beautifully under make-up thanks to its non-pulling texture. As always, be sure to use an SPF as part of any skincare routine.