BC07 Hair Oiling: A Paradigm Shift in the Deep-Rooted Ritual from East to West

The cultural practice of hair oiling, traditionally prevalent among African and South Asian women, has gained significant popularity in the West due to globalization, social media, and increased self-care awareness. Despite limited clinical evidence, hair oils like coconut, castor, amla, and argan are accessible, inexpensive, and have minimal risks. The Western market has seen a surge in interest, evidenced by increased Google searches and social media trends. Modern formulations of these oils are now more user-friendly. While coconut oil shows benefits in preventing hair porosity and improving tensile strength, it does not promote hair growth. However, randomized controlled trials indicate that rosemary oil can aid hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. Further research is needed to distinguish between pseudoscientific claims and evidence-based benefits.