This is a popular question for us at Curly Hair Products so we thought it was about time we tackled it with a detailed answer.
Let’s get straight into it!
Yes, you can (and should) use Mielle rosemary oil on wet hair
First thing’s first, although we’re specifically talking about Mielle’s ever-popular Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil, our answer covers the vast majority of hair-specific oils on the market.
But yes, you absolutely can and should apply Mielle’s rosemary oil to wet hair.
However, the grey area to navigate is just how wet your hair should be – and how wet is too wet?
Let’s answer that question in more detail. As with all hair products, it’s all about balance.
Don’t apply Mielle hair oil to soaking wet hair
By doing so, you’re dramatically reducing the benefits of the oil and unnecessarily increasing the amount of oil you need to use.
If your hair is too wet and sodden with water (think freshly washed and dripping wet), you’re going to overly dilute the product and Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil ain’t cheap! As a result, you’ll end up using more product than you actually need to.
You’ll reduce how much oil your hair can absorb
Additionally, you’ll reduce how much oil your hair can actually absorb. This is particularly the case for hair with low porosity where the amount of product your hair can absorb is pretty limited compared to those of us with higher porosities.
Ultimately, less absorption risks also diluting the health benefits of the oil itself – whether it’s Mielle’s oil or another hair oil together, the issue is the same here.
Soaking wet hair equals poor product distribution
Another problem of applying Mielle’s oil when your hair is too wet is uneven distribution. Hair that’s too wet can make it difficult to evenly distribute the oil. Some parts of your hair and scalp may get too much product, for other areas not enough or potentially none at all.
If you’re also a fan of applying the oil to your scalp, you risk the product rinsing away from your follicles if your hair’s too wet.
For those of us with looser curls (think type-2 hair) applying oil when your hair is dripping wet also risks weighing down your hair causing a loss of volume and definition.
So, what we’re saying here is – don’t apply Mielle’s oil (or any hair oil for that matter) when your hair is sodden or soaking wet.
Apply Mielle oil to damp hair for the best results
For the best results, we strongly advise applying Mielle oil to damp hair. You know, freshly towel dried.
Basically you want to ensure there’s no excess water left in your hair so be sure to squeeze it out first. Excess water will cause the issues discussed above.
By having your hair damp it ensures:
- Distribution is on point – hair oil just distributes through your hair (and scalp if you’re applying it there) way better when it’s damp. If you want be as efficient as possible with how much oil you’re using, damp hair application is the one!
- You can use the slip to aid detangling – Mielle oil (and others) can offer slip when the water from your damp hair mixes with the hair oil. Use this to aid with detangling and styling
- Your hair will absorb the nutrients much better – Interestingly, damp hair is elite when it comes to maximising how well your hair absorbs nutrients. Damp hair absorbs much better than both wet (and dry hair) which we’ll come onto shortly.
Is there anything wrong with applying Mielle oil on to dry hair?
Will anything disastrous happen? No, not likely. Should you? Absolutely not. (Hell naww)
To use an analogy, have you ever poured water onto a completely dry sponge? It just pools on the top or just slides off, right?
You have to dampen the sponge for it to absorb any moisture.
Applying your favourite oil to dry hair works in pretty much the same way.
See, the problem with applying hair oil to bone-dry hair is that the oil actually just coats the hair rather than penetrate into the cuticle where it’s needed.
Creating a coat of oil isn’t particularly ideal as it can make your hair looks greasy. This is particularly the case for lighter coloured hair and those of us with a looser curl pattern.
Additionally, distribution of the oil through the hair is much more difficult when your hair is dry too.
Logically, it seems counter-intuitive to apply Mielle oil to damp hair as you risk not using it in its most concentrated form.
The reality is, damp hair absorbs the nutrients from the oil (or any moisturising hair product for that matter) much better than when your hair is dry or soaking wet.
Now you know! Hope that helps.
