A ritual that’s become a staple in countless haircare routines, hair oiling might feel like stepping into uncharted territory, especially if you’re a beginner. But fear not, that’s where our guide on how to oil hair comes into good use.
From beginner to pro, it’s time for you to upgrade your haircare routine, so you can unlock the full potential of your luscious locks.
What is Hair Oiling?
A tradition that dates back thousands of years, hair oiling is a holistic practice originating from India. The ritual consists of applying an oil-based cosmetic to your scalp, evenly spreading it throughout your hair to provide some additional TLC to your haircare routine.
How to Use Hair Oil
Hair oiling may provide many benefits, such as improved shine, hydration, improved manageability and improve the look and feel of your strands.
It’s a flexible step that you may add to your regular wet or dry haircare routine.
On wet hair, you can smooth it into your locks to maintain your hair’s hydration and eliminate any tangles. However, on dry hair you can use it to tame away flyways and add some shine to your mane. You can also use it as a styling product to achieve a slick back look or work it into your scalp as a deep conditioning treatment before washing, our reset pink charcoal scalp cleansing oil is the perfect companion to achieve this.
If you’ve seen any of the trending videos on hair oiling, you’re probably looking for tips on how to apply hair oil as a deep treatment, and that’s the area we’re focusing on today.
How to Apply Hair Oil
Before stepping into the shower, follow these top tips to discover the best ways to apply hair oil:
1. Section your hair – you want to be able to target all areas of the scalp, so you’re truly providing your head and hair with the best coverage. The best way to do this is to part your hair into small, more manageable segments.
2. Apply the oil – once hair is sectioned, apply the oil from the roots. Make sure you’re only adding three to four pea size drops at a time to avoid over-saturating your hair, and then run any excess oil left on your hands through your hair’s ends, which can be more prone to damage.
3. Massage – gently massage the oil into your scalp to help improve blood circulation, promote that spa-like experience and nourish your scalp.
4. Work through each section – move onto the next section and repeat the process.
5. Comb through – when you’ve managed to get through all sections, pick up a wide tooth comb and carefully brush your hair. This will help to distribute the oil along your hair, ensuring even coverage.
6. Wait and wash – leave the oil in your hair for one to two hours to nourish your scalp and hair. Then, lather up your shampoo and wash it out. Follow with conditioner as usual to lock in that hydration.
How Often to Oil Hair
How often you should oil your hair really depends on your hair type and needs.
As a rule of thumb, adding it to your hair routine once a week should be a good starting point. This way you can understand whether your strands could benefit from more TLC or if you’ve mastered the hair oiling schedule.
Common Hair Oiling Mistakes
Using too Much Oil
We know it can be easy to get carried away, especially if your goal is to achieve luscious, shiny hair. However, there can be too much of a good thing!
We’d recommend adding only three to four pea-size drops to each section of your hair. If you think you’ve missed a section or your hair is craving more hydration after oiling, add a couple of more drops to that area.
Remember, you don’t want your hair to feel wet or too oily, you want to find the perfect balance.
Avoid Leaving Oil in Overnight
The common misconception with any haircare product is that the longer you leave it, the more time it has to nourish and treat your locks.
Although you can get specific overnight treatments; hair oil is not one.
Using the Wrong Hair Oil
There are multiple oils out there for all different hair types, so it’s important to pick up an oil that is right for your mane.
We’d recommend opting for one that is lightweight, designed for your needs and will specifically target your scalp to ensure you’re using the right ingredients to get the best results.
Not Being Consistent
Like most things, consistency is key if you want to see results. Whether that’s rehydration, increased texture, or a hair and scalp refresh, the only way to see the difference is through regular use.
Now you know the dos and don’ts of hair oiling, it’s time to make this nourishing technique a staple in your haircare routine. If you’re looking for tips and tricks to help keep your hair nourished and healthy-looking, check out our guide on more hydrating essentials below: