# Can Traditional Hair Oiling Rituals Improve Textured Hair Health? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-13
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

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![Hands extract aloe vera pulp for a traditional hair treatment, connecting generations through natural haircare rituals. This image represents a tangible link to ancestral heritage and the enduring beauty of holistic textured hair care practices promoting optimal scalp health and resilient hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/extracting-aloe-vera-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-preparation-method.jpg)

## Roots

Consider, if you will, the whispered stories carried on the wind, the silent wisdom held within each coiled strand, each kink, each wave. Textured hair, in its myriad forms, is a living archive, a scroll unfurling through generations, bearing the indelible script of ancestry and survival. Our exploration begins not with a product on a shelf, but with the very genesis of care, with the ancient understanding that our hair is a sacred extension of self, a conduit to the past.

The question before us, then: can [traditional hair oiling](/area/traditional-hair-oiling/) practices truly nurture the vitality of textured hair? To answer this, we must first descend into the foundational understanding of our hair’s elemental blueprint, a journey where ancestral observation meets contemporary discernment.

![This black and white image celebrates cultural hair artistry. Cornrow braids, expertly woven, showcase beauty and heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-black-woman-with-cornrow-braids-and-sleek-style.jpg)

## Unveiling the Textured Hair Form

The unique architecture of textured hair, from its elliptical follicle to its distinct protein arrangement, renders it a marvel of biological design. Unlike straight hair, which emerges from a round follicle, coily and kinky strands grow from an oval-shaped follicle, causing the [hair shaft](/area/hair-shaft/) to twist and turn as it grows. This helical formation, while breathtaking in its diversity, also presents certain inherent challenges. Each bend in the strand represents a point of reduced structural integrity, where the cuticle, the hair’s protective outer layer, lifts slightly.

This natural predisposition makes [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) more susceptible to moisture loss and mechanical damage, demanding a specific, attentive hand. [Traditional oiling](/area/traditional-oiling/) rituals, we shall discover, arose as a timeless solution to these inherent vulnerabilities, a way of offering profound defense against the world’s harshness.

> Textured hair, with its unique helical structure, inherently requires attentive moisture and protective care, a need understood by ancestral practices.

![The application of an avocado mask embodies a holistic approach to textured hair health, celebrating ancestral practices and emphasizing the importance of moisture retention and scalp health for optimal coil definition and resilience, reflecting a commitment to natural wellness.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-applies-natural-avocado-hair-mask-for-textured-hair-wellness.jpg)

## Ancient Wisdom and Hair’s Architecture

Centuries before the electron microscope, ancestral practitioners understood, through keen observation and iterative practice, the fundamental needs of textured hair. They observed the delicate nature of their strands, the thirst for moisture, and the tendency for tangles. Their solutions were not accidental; they arose from an intimate communion with their environment and a deep comprehension of the hair’s living essence.

The application of botanical oils, rendered animal fats, or plant butters was an intuitive response to the hair’s need for lubrication, seal, and fortification. These practices were not born of superficiality, but of survival, hygiene, and a profound respect for the body temple.

![The textured surface of the shea butter block, captured in monochrome, speaks to the rich heritage of natural hair care. Its emollient properties, a staple in ancestral African and Black hair traditions, offer deep hydration and coil strengthening, essential for healthy, resilient hair textures](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-close-up-of-shea-butter-block-for-textured-hair-care.jpg)

## How Traditional Oiling Practices Meet Hair’s Biological Calls?

The very composition of our hair, primarily keratin protein, forms a complex matrix. [Traditional hair](/area/traditional-hair/) oils, derived from plants native to ancestral lands, offer a rich array of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. When applied to the hair, these oils can penetrate the outer cuticle layer, reaching the cortex, or they can form a protective barrier on the surface.

For textured hair, this barrier is particularly significant, as it helps to smooth the raised cuticle scales, reduce friction between strands, and crucially, minimize transepidermal water loss. The emollient properties of oils reduce breakage, making the hair more supple and resilient against the rigors of daily life and styling.

Consider the oils favored by our ancestors. 

- **Castor oil** ❉ A dense, viscous liquid, often used in Caribbean and West African traditions, valued for its ability to coat strands and promote a feeling of density.

- **Coconut oil** ❉ A tropical staple, its unique molecular structure allows for deeper penetration into the hair shaft, providing internal lipid reinforcement.

- **Olive oil** ❉ A Mediterranean gift, recognized for its emollient properties, softening the hair and scalp.

- **Jojoba oil** ❉ Resembling the scalp’s natural sebum, making it highly compatible and less likely to cause build-up.
These selections were not random; they were chosen for their discernible effects on hair vitality, scalp health, and manageability, informed by generations of accumulated knowledge. 

![This portrait celebrates the intersection of contemporary elegance and natural Black hair traditions, showcasing a striking individual whose aesthetic choices enhance both her heritage and personal style, symbolizing a harmonious blend of ancestral legacy and modern self-expression through considered adornment.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-adorned-with-a-diamond-headpiece.jpg)

![Bathed in radiant sunlight, these Black and Brown women engage in the practice of styling their diverse textured hair patterns, highlighting ancestral heritage, affirming beauty standards, and demonstrating holistic haircare routines that honor coils, waves, springs, and undulations in a shared setting, reflecting community and self-love.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-brown-women-in-sunlight-styling-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

## Ritual

Beyond the biological interplay, the act of [hair oiling](/area/hair-oiling/) itself stands as a ritual , a sacred conversation between past and present. It is in this realm of deliberate application, community gathering, and the transfer of generational wisdom that the deeper efficacy of oiling for textured hair truly comes to light. These practices were not solitary acts of vanity; they were communal endeavors, often carried out during moments of storytelling, teaching, and shared experience, thereby weaving themselves into the very fabric of heritage. 

![This compelling macro view mirrors the varying porosities in textured hair formations, an artistic illustration serving as a visual analogy for understanding how essential moisture penetration and retention are for healthy hair care rooted in knowledge of ancestral practices.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/porous-rock-texture-macro-black-and-white-natural-volcanic-formation.jpg)

## The Gentle Hand of Ancestral Techniques

Traditional hair oiling transcended mere application; it was a deeply ingrained practice, often involving specific techniques passed down through families and communities. The method, the touch, the intention ❉ all contributed to the efficacy. Warm oils might be massaged into the scalp, stimulating circulation and encouraging a healthy environment for growth.

Strands would be carefully detangled with a wide-toothed comb or fingers, ensuring the oil reached every bend and curve, preparing the hair for styling. These were not quick processes, but patient engagements, allowing the oil to work its magic and fostering a bond between the practitioner and the hair.

> Hair oiling in ancestral traditions was a deliberate ritual, a nurturing communion with the strands, far beyond simple product application.

![Woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-adorned-hair-yarn-headpiece-cultural-significance.jpg)

## From Protection to Adornment

Oiling played a central role in the creation of protective styles ❉ braids, twists, and coils ❉ that safeguarded textured hair from environmental elements and mechanical stress. The lubrication provided by oils reduced friction during styling, minimizing breakage as hair was manipulated. The sealed strands were better able to retain moisture, remaining supple and strong for extended periods.

This allowed for styles that were not only protective but also rich in cultural significance, often denoting status, tribe, or life stage. The oils prepared the canvas, allowing the artistic expression of the hands to unfold.

Consider the traditional tools and their synergy with oils: 

![The aloe vera, a cornerstone in ancestral botanical practices, illuminates textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/aloe-vera-composition-exploring-ancestral-herbal-traditions-and-textured-hair.jpg)

## How Does Oiling Support Scalp Health?

The scalp, the very ground from which our strands arise, benefited profoundly from traditional oiling rituals. A healthy scalp is the precursor to healthy hair. Oils were often chosen not just for their hair benefits but for their medicinal and soothing properties for the skin. Massaging oils into the scalp helped to alleviate dryness, reduce flaking, and maintain a balanced microbiome.

Certain oils possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, addressing common scalp ailments before modern medicine offered solutions. This holistic approach to scalp care, treating the hair and scalp as an interconnected ecosystem, is a central tenet of ancestral wellness.

For example, in many West African cultures, shea butter, rich in [fatty acids](/area/fatty-acids/) and vitamins A and E, was not just applied to hair but also vigorously massaged into the scalp to soothe dryness and irritation, particularly for children with developing hair. This ancestral wisdom of using emollients to maintain scalp integrity directly correlates with modern dermatological understanding of barrier function and hydration (Akin-Lewandowska, 2017). The tactile act of massage during oiling also increased blood flow to the scalp, providing essential nutrients to the hair follicles and promoting an optimal environment for growth. 

![The monochrome image encapsulates the nuanced art of textured hair care, with one woman tending to another](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-woman-brushing-other-womans-textured-hair.jpg)

![The elegant cornrow braids demonstrate a legacy of ancestral braiding, showcasing scalp health through strategic hair part placement, emphasizing the cultural significance of protective styles, hair density considerations, and low manipulation practices to support healthy textured hair growth rooted in natural hair traditions.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cornrow-braids-on-young-black-girl-showcasing-scalp-health-and-shine.jpg)

## Relay

The echoes of ancient practices reverberate in our present, a profound relay of knowledge across generations. Traditional hair oiling is not merely a historical footnote; it is a living continuum, its methodologies and underlying philosophies informing contemporary textured hair care. This section delves into the deeper, often overlooked, dimensions of how [oiling rituals](/area/oiling-rituals/) contribute to health, identity, and the very act of preserving our hair’s unique heritage. 

![The scattering of silver seed beads across the stark background presents a compelling visual metaphor for ancestral connections. Each bead mirrors a story within the expansive narrative of heritage and textured hair, reflecting traditions that honor wellness and expressive styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/silver-seed-beads-on-black-background-textured-hair-ancestral-aesthetics.jpg)

## Oiling as a Component of Hair Resilience

The concept of hair resilience, its ability to withstand stress and bounce back, finds a strong ally in consistent oiling. Textured hair, by its very nature, is vulnerable to environmental stressors ❉ humidity, dry air, UV radiation ❉ and the constant tension from styling. The traditional practice of applying oils acts as a protective shield, a sealant that fortifies the hair’s external layer and helps maintain its internal moisture balance.

This continuous defense mitigates damage, reduces breakage, and ultimately, extends the life of each strand. The cumulative effect of these practices across a lifetime of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) is a testament to the enduring power of ancestral wisdom.

![The image celebrates the intimate act of nurturing textured hair, using rich ingredients on densely coiled strands, reflecting a commitment to holistic wellness and Black hair traditions. This ritual links generations through ancestral knowledge and the practice of self-love embodied in natural hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hair-cream-to-coiled-hair-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## How Does Oil Application Impact Hair Elasticity and Strength?

Hair elasticity ❉ its ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking ❉ is a critical indicator of hair health. When hair is adequately moisturized and lubricated, its protein bonds are more pliable. Traditional oils, especially those rich in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, can either penetrate the hair shaft, lubricating the internal protein structures, or form a hydrophobic layer on the outside, preventing moisture loss. Both mechanisms contribute to improved elasticity.

Dry, brittle hair lacks this pliancy, snapping under minimal tension. Oiling, through its moisturizing and sealing effects, directly enhances hair’s flexibility and strength, allowing it to withstand manipulation and environmental forces with greater ease.

> Consistent oiling contributes significantly to textured hair’s elasticity and strength, allowing it to bend rather than break under duress.

![This arresting monochrome portrait celebrates cultural identity expressed through elaborate textured hair artistry. Traditional adornments enhance the composition, inviting contemplation of heritage and the significance of textured hair within cultural narratives, while the interplay of light and shadow heightens the emotional resonance](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-adorned-with-elaborate-textured-hair-sculpture.jpg)

## The Identity Thread Oil Helped Weave

The significance of traditional hair oiling extends far beyond mere physical benefit; it is deeply interwoven with identity and cultural expression. For Black and mixed-race communities, hair has historically been a potent symbol ❉ of beauty, resistance, spiritual connection, and collective memory. The ritual of oiling, often performed by elders or within familial settings, became a conduit for intergenerational bonding and the transmission of cultural values.

It was a space for sharing stories, teaching about self-care, and reinforcing a connection to one’s lineage. In times of oppression, when external forces sought to diminish or control Black bodies and aesthetics, the steadfast care of hair, including oiling, became an act of profound self-affirmation and a quiet, powerful assertion of heritage.

Consider the testimony of formerly enslaved women in the American South, documented through various historical accounts. Despite the brutal conditions and severe lack of resources, efforts were made to care for hair, often utilizing readily available substances like palm oil or rendered animal fats. These makeshift oils, applied with ingenuity, softened hair, enabled intricate braiding patterns, and helped maintain scalp hygiene, preventing discomfort and disease. These practices were not solely pragmatic; they were acts of maintaining dignity, identity, and cultural continuity in the face of dehumanization.

The styling of hair, lubricated by these oils, became a non-verbal language, a visual testament to resilience and an enduring connection to African aesthetics and communal identity (Walker, 2007). This historical lens powerfully illustrates how [traditional oiling rituals](/area/traditional-oiling-rituals/) transcended mere hair health, anchoring deeply within the spiritual and cultural landscape of a people.

![Striking portrait showcases her modern, sleek hairstyle reflecting ancestral beauty and wellness philosophies. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the beauty in textured hair form and sculpted waves, while dark dress, skin tones enhance visual depth and timeless elegance, celebrating identity and cultural heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-elegant-woman-wet-styled-short-textured-hair-beauty-shot.jpg)

## Can Traditional Oiling Rituals Support Hair Growth and Density?

While oils themselves do not contain growth hormones, their role in creating an optimal environment for hair growth is undeniable. A well-hydrated, balanced scalp, free from excessive dryness or inflammation, provides the ideal foundation for healthy follicles. The gentle massage accompanying oil application can stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive adequate nutrients and oxygen. Furthermore, by strengthening the hair shaft and reducing breakage, oiling contributes to the perceived density and length retention of textured hair.

When strands break less, they appear thicker and longer over time, creating an illusion of enhanced growth. This preventative approach to hair vitality, deeply rooted in ancestral foresight, aligns with modern understanding of [scalp health](/area/scalp-health/) as a prerequisite for robust hair.

![The intimate portrait celebrates ancestral heritage through intentional hair care, a woman lovingly coats her intensely coiled textured hair with a nourishing hair mask. A self-care ritual honoring the legacy of Black hair traditions, showcasing the commitment to healthy, expressive styling with holistic products](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-rich-hair-mask-to-intensely-coiled-textured-hair-at-home.jpg)

![Echoing generations of ancestral heritage, the craftsman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artisanal-wooden-comb-held-by-hand-displaying-rich-textural-heritage.jpg)

## Reflection

As we step back from the microscopic world of the hair shaft and the vast landscapes of history, a singular truth emerges: traditional hair oiling rituals are far more than a trend. They are a profound echo from the source, a tender thread connecting us to ancient wisdom, and an unbound helix charting our future. For textured hair, these practices embody a holistic approach, a harmony of ancestral knowledge validated by contemporary understanding.

The benefits ❉ enhanced moisture retention, improved elasticity, stronger strands, and a healthier scalp ❉ are undeniable. Yet, the true power resides in the unseen, in the whispered stories, the communal bond, and the quiet act of honoring a heritage that flows through every strand.

In tending to our hair with oils, we are not simply performing a beauty regimen; we are engaging in a timeless dialogue with our ancestors, acknowledging their ingenuity, and carrying forward a legacy of resilience and beauty. This connection to heritage strengthens us, reminding us that care for our textured hair is a purposeful act of self-love and cultural affirmation. It is a living, breathing archive, always growing, always remembering. 

![Gathered in community, women meticulously braid, preserving ancestral heritage through the creation of protective hairstyles that honor textured hair traditions, enhanced by nourishing Jojoba and Shea butter hair products, a symbol of collective care and wellness.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/community-braiding-session-group-of-black-women-creating-protective-hairstyles.jpg)

![This evocative portrait celebrates textured hair through a complex crown braid. It symbolizes cultural artistry, embracing heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-crown-braid-hairstyle-textured-hair-cultural-heritage.jpg)

## References

- Akin-Lewandowska, K. (2017). <i>The Science of African Hair and Scalp Care._ Black Hair and Health Publications.

- Walker, A. (2007). _On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker._ Scribner.

- Ngoumou, A. (2015). _African Hair: Culture, Identity, and Tradition._ University of the Witwatersrand Press.

- Okoro, N. (2019). _Botanicals in Black Hair Care: A Historical and Scientific Perspective._ Heritage Hair Press.

- Smith, J. (2020). _Hair Care Practices in the African Diaspora: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Applications._ Diasporic Studies Institute.

## Glossary

### [West African Hair Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/west-african-hair-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ West African Hair Traditions describe the gentle, enduring practices and deep understanding concerning coily and curly hair, passed down through generations within diverse communities.

### [Textured Hair](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage.

### [Cultural Heritage](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-heritage/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Heritage, within the context of textured hair, represents the accumulated wisdom, practices, and perspectives passed through generations within Black and mixed-race communities concerning hair health, appearance, and social significance.

### [Botanical Oils](https://roothea.co/area/botanical-oils/)

Meaning ❉ Botanical oils, for those understanding the distinct characteristics of textured hair, are pure lipid extractions from plants ❉ think seeds, nuts, or fruits ❉ containing vital fatty acids, vitamins, and phytosterols.

### [Hair Elasticity](https://roothea.co/area/hair-elasticity/)

Meaning ❉ Hair elasticity defines the inherent capacity of individual hair strands to extend and recoil without compromise, a fundamental metric for understanding the structural integrity of textured hair.

### [Scalp Health](https://roothea.co/area/scalp-health/)

Meaning ❉ Scalp Health, for those tending to coils, curls, and waves, refers to the deliberate stewardship of the skin beneath the hair, establishing an optimal ground for vibrant hair development.

### [Traditional Oiling](https://roothea.co/area/traditional-oiling/)

Meaning ❉ Traditional Oiling for textured hair involves the considered application of specific plant-derived lipids to the scalp and hair fibers.

### [Heritage Care](https://roothea.co/area/heritage-care/)

Meaning ❉ Heritage Care gently guides us to a deeper understanding of textured hair, recognizing its unique genetic blueprint and historical resilience.

### [Fatty Acids](https://roothea.co/area/fatty-acids/)

Meaning ❉ Fatty acids are the quiet architects of healthy hair, the organic compounds that form the gentle structure of the beneficial oils and lipids our textured strands crave.

### [Hair Density](https://roothea.co/area/hair-density/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Density refers to the count of individual hair strands originating from each square inch of the scalp.

## Explore Your Heritage

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### [Can Traditional African Ingredients Improve Current Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/can-traditional-african-ingredients-improve-current-textured-hair-practices/)
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### [Can Ancestral Diets Improve Textured Hair Condition?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancestral-diets-improve-textured-hair-condition/)
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### [Can Ancient African Hair Traditions with Clay Improve Modern Textured Hair Wellness?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancient-african-hair-traditions-with-clay-improve-modern-textured-hair-wellness/)
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![This black and white photograph captures the essence of natural afro textured hair, celebrating its springy coil formation and intricate beauty. Emphasizing its coil texture, the portrait embodies strength and confidence, promoting positive self-image and highlighting the importance of ancestral heritage and expressive styling within diverse hair narratives.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Can Ancient Botanical Practices Improve Modern Scalp Comfort for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancient-botanical-practices-improve-modern-scalp-comfort-for-textured-hair/)
![This captivating portrait showcases a modern aesthetic, while subtly acknowledging the timeless influence of textured hair within Black beauty traditions, revealing strength and confidence through minimalist styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-hair.jpg)

### [Can Reclaiming Ancestral Foodways Improve Contemporary Textured Hair Vitality?](https://roothea.co/question/can-reclaiming-ancestral-foodways-improve-contemporary-textured-hair-vitality/)
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### [Can Rhassoul Clay’s Minerals Truly Improve Textured Hair Resilience?](https://roothea.co/question/can-rhassoul-clays-minerals-truly-improve-textured-hair-resilience/)
![A striking black and white composition celebrates heritage, showcasing elongated spiral pattern achieved via threading, a testament to ancestral hair traditions, emphasizing holistic hair care, self-expression, and intricate styling within narratives of Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-woman-with-low-porosity-spirals-in-madras-head-wrap.jpg)

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                "text": " Hair elasticity—its ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking—is a critical indicator of hair health. When hair is adequately moisturized and lubricated, its protein bonds are more pliable. Traditional oils, especially those rich in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, can either penetrate the hair shaft, lubricating the internal protein structures, or form a hydrophobic layer on the outside, preventing moisture loss. Both mechanisms contribute to improved elasticity. Dry, brittle hair lacks this pliancy, snapping under minimal tension. Oiling, through its moisturizing and sealing effects, directly enhances hair's flexibility and strength, allowing it to withstand manipulation and environmental forces with greater ease. "
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Can Traditional Oiling Rituals Support Hair Growth and Density?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " While oils themselves do not contain growth hormones, their role in creating an optimal environment for hair growth is undeniable. A well-hydrated, balanced scalp, free from excessive dryness or inflammation, provides the ideal foundation for healthy follicles. The gentle massage accompanying oil application can stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive adequate nutrients and oxygen. Furthermore, by strengthening the hair shaft and reducing breakage, oiling contributes to the perceived density and length retention of textured hair. When strands break less, they appear thicker and longer over time, creating an illusion of enhanced growth. This preventative approach to hair vitality, deeply rooted in ancestral foresight, aligns with modern understanding of scalp health as a prerequisite for robust hair. "
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/can-traditional-hair-oiling-rituals-improve-textured-hair-health/
