Hair oiling is the practice of pouring oil onto hair and massaging it into the scalp to increase moisture, luster, and shine. Hair oiling may soften the hair and provide vitamins and minerals that get stripped from frequent washing. This practice has been used in India for centuries and is recommended in Ayurvedic medicine. Hair oiling has spread beyond Ayurvedic practices, and many use it to maintain the health and vibrancy of their hair. It may even reduce hair loss, according to some experts. There are also specific techniques to hair oiling, as well as different oil types you can use to get particular benefits.
Growing up in India, most of my Sunday evenings as a schoolgirl were spent putting oil in my hair. My mother would bring out the blue bottle of Parachute coconut hair oil, a fixture in most Indian homes. She would then proceed to give head massages to each of my sisters and me, one by one. It was a sweet, attentive way to show her care for us. When I moved out of my parents’ home to go to college, this became a weekly ritual with my roommates. We’d happily volunteer to take turns oiling each other’s hair.
While I and many South Asian women oiled their hair as a cultural tradition, there’s a fair amount of science behind the practice. Massaging the oil into the scalp increases blood circulation, which may improve hair growth. Applying oil to the scalp may also prevent dandruff. Follow these steps to give hair oiling a try: Apply oil on your scalp and massage with fingertips using a circular motion. Apply the oil left on your palms to your hair. Cover with a towel or shower cap and leave on overnight. The next day, shampoo hair while dry. Rinse thoroughly. Condition as normal. You can also use coconut oil as a conditioner.
Oils play an important role in protecting hair from regular wear and tear. Oiling hair regularly reduces hygral fatigue, or the swelling and drying of hair. Oils protect the follicle from surfactants by filling the gap between cuticle cells. “Oil helps in scalp health. When you gently massage the scalp it helps in exfoliation and sometimes that helps in reducing hair fall,” says Dr. Khushboo Garodia, a certified trichologist. She explains that oils have fatty acids that help replace lipids in the hair. These are lost due to chemical treatments, styling, or even pollution. “Lipids play a very important role in making the hair look and feel healthy. They help maintain the shine and gloss of hair,” she says. According to Garodia, oil helps strengthen the hair shaft, especially in case of frizzy and dry hair. It’s most beneficial when the oil is left in the hair overnight.
What oil you use will depend on your hair needs. “Different kinds of oils have different vitamins… and with direct application of these oils, the shaft of the hair gets strengthened,” says Garodia. Keep in mind, when using oil on your scalp, it may be worth testing to be sure you don’t have an allergy. Do a patch test before using oil in your hair for a full treatment. Oils used may include: coconut oil, sesame oil, almond oil, jaborandi, argan oil, moringa oil, bhringraj or amla oil.
According to Ayurveda, the texture and health of hair is determined by the doshas. These are believed to be bioenergy or life forces that make up the constitution of the body. They are known as vata (wind), pitta (fire), and kapha (water and earth). “If vata is high, the hair will be thin, frizzy, and dry and will need regular oiling,” says Ayurveda health coach Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra. Ayurvedic practices also suggest that people with high pitta have a mix of oily and dry hair. They may also be more prone to premature graying and alopecia. Those with high kapha have oily, thick, long, and curly hair. Picking the right kind of oil depends largely on these factors. Here’s a list of oils suggested by our experts: Coconut oil, Virgin coconut oil, Sesame oil, Almond oil, Jaborandi oil, Argan oil, Moringa oil, Bhringraj or amla oil.
Argan oil, known as Moroccan oil, is high in vitamin A, C, E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. “It acts as a natural conditioner and helps strengthen the hair,” Garodia says. Moringa oil works well for dry hair and contains oleic acid, which makes it a good moisturizer for hair. Garodia recommends using Moringa oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil. For pitta hair type, bhringraj or amla oils can be balanced with cooling effects. Ayurveda recommends oiling hair almost daily as part of dinacharya, or a daily routine, though this may not be realistic for everyone. Varalakshmi suggests oiling at least twice a week, ideally a night before you plan to wash your hair. If leaving oil on overnight isn’t possible, you can oil your hair an hour before you bathe and wrap your head with a hot towel. This will extract some nutrition from the oil in a short time frame, says Garodia.
Hair oiling is a treatment for healthy hair that hails from Ayurvedic medicinal traditions. Regular oiling may prevent hair from the damage caused by pollution and chemicals present in shampoo. It may also increase moisture, luster, and shine, and possibly preventing hair loss. Garodia emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of your hair and choosing your oil accordingly. Oiling nightly provides maximum benefits.
What is hair oiling? Hair oiling is a practice where natural oils are spread or massaged throughout your hair to increase shine, moisture and overall health. This beauty routine has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian tradition, but has gained traction recently in the world of natural hair care. If you’re choosing a method, applying oil to the scalp or to the ends both have their proponents. Oils can hydrate and fill gaps in the hair shaft, supporting better moisture retention and less breakage.
Benefits of hair oiling include: adds moisture and shine to hair; reduces protein loss from the hair shaft; improves the look of split ends; protects against sun damage by forming a barrier; and supports scalp health by nourishing follicles. The practice may also aid in reducing breakage and detangling, especially for dry or textured hair types. Some studies suggest coconut oil strengthens hair fibers and oils can revive hair moisture, while others highlight the protective barrier oils provide against environmental stressors.
How to oil your scalp and hair: warm your oil slightly, part your hair, apply oil into the parting lines, massage with circular motions, and extend to the entire scalp. Then apply a small amount to the lengths and ends if needed. For best absorption, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave for about an hour, or overnight if desired, followed by regular washing and conditioning. If you’re short on time, a 20-minute session can still offer benefits. For those with oily scalps or sensitive conditions, use lighter oils and avoid overnight applications.
In modern practice, scalp oiling has a renaissance as a holistic ritual that aligns with self-care and wellness. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; the right routine depends on hair type, scalp condition, lifestyle, and preferences. When done correctly, scalp oiling can support hydration, reduce breakage, and improve the overall look and feel of hair while contributing to a sense of calm and care.
THE 411 ON SCALP OILING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Choosing Oils and Techniques
Oils to consider include coconut, sesame, almond, jaborandi, argan, moringa, and bhringraj or amla oils. Coconut oil bonds with hair protein and penetrates the shaft, reducing protein loss. Sesame oil is good for vata hair, reducing frizz and potentially preventing split ends, and provides deep conditioning with antibacterial properties. Almond oil is lighter than sesame and suitable for pitta types, offering vitamins B, K, and E. Jaborandi and amla oils offer cooling effects and balance for pitta hair. Argan oil strengthens and conditions, while moringa oil moisturizes dry hair. Bhringraj and amla oils have a cooling effect and are recommended for dosha balance.
When applying oil, start with a small amount, focus on scalp sections, massage in circular motions, and use tools like a scalp gua sha or a stimulating brush to enhance circulation. For longer-lasting results, use a shower cap to promote deeper absorption. If time is limited, a 20-minute session can still be beneficial, followed by washing and conditioning.
Practical tips for integrating hair oiling into daily life include testing oils with patch tests to avoid allergies, selecting oils that suit your scalp type, and adjusting frequency based on hair dryness or oiliness. For dry or textured hair, oiling twice a week provides a solid foundation, while those with oily hair may benefit from lighter oils and focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is scalp oiling right for you? It depends on hair type, scalp condition, and personal preference. Dry or coarse hair often benefits from oiling, while fine hair may feel weighed down by heavier oils.
- How long should oil stay in the hair? Aim for at least 30 minutes; longer durations or overnight may be suitable for very dry hair.
- Should you oil before or after washing? Oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment or after washing to seal in moisture. Both approaches have benefits depending on needs.
- How often to oil ends? Oil ends as needed when they feel dry or brittle, typically once a week.