Hair oiling involves applying oil to the hair and massaging it into the scalp to boost hydration, shine, and manageability. This ritual can soften hair and restore vitamins and minerals that frequent washing may strip away.
The custom has been practiced in India for generations and is a staple in Ayurvedic recommendations.
Beyond Ayurveda, hair oiling has been adopted more broadly by people seeking to preserve hair health and vibrancy. Some specialists even say it may help reduce hair shedding.
There are particular methods to oiling hair and a variety of oils you can choose from to achieve different effects.
Growing up in India, most of my Sunday evenings as a schoolgirl were devoted to oiling my hair. My mother would fetch the blue bottle of Parachute coconut oil, a familiar item in many Indian households, and give each of my sisters and me a head massage in turn.
It was a tender, attentive way she showed care.
When I left home for college, that ritual continued with my roommates. We gladly took turns oiling one another’s hair.
Although many South Asian women practiced oiling for cultural reasons, there is substantive science underpinning the habit.
How to Oil Your Hair
Massaging oil into the scalp improves blood flow, which may encourage hair growth. Applying oil to the scalp can also help condition and protect the hair.
Try these steps for hair oiling:
- Put oil on your scalp and massage with your fingertips in circular motions.
- Spread the remaining oil on your palms through your hair lengths.
- Cover with a towel or shower cap and leave it on overnight.
- The following day, shampoo dry hair and rinse thoroughly.
- Condition as usual. Coconut oil can also be used as a conditioner.
Benefits of Oiling Hair
Oils serve to shield hair from everyday wear. Regular oiling reduces swelling and dryness of the hair shaft by filling gaps between cuticle cells, protecting follicles from surfactants.
“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.
Garodia, a certified trichologist, explains oils contain fatty acids that replenish lipids lost through chemical treatments, styling, or environmental 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 adds.
According to Garodia, oil can fortify the hair shaft, particularly for dry and frizzy hair. The benefits are greatest when oil is left in the hair overnight.
Which Oil Should You Use?
Your choice of oil depends on your hair’s needs.
“Different kinds of oils have different vitamins… and with direct application of these oils, the shaft of the hair gets strengthened,” says Garodia.
When applying oil to the scalp, consider testing for allergies with a patch test before a full treatment.
Commonly used oils include:
- coconut
- sesame
- almond
- jaborandi
- argan
- moringa
- bhringraj
- amla
In Ayurveda, hair texture and health are linked to the doshas—vata (wind), pitta (fire), and kapha (water and earth)—which are thought to form an individual’s constitution.
“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 guidance suggests people with a dominant pitta may experience a combination of oily and dry hair and might be prone to premature graying and hair thinning. High kapha types tend to have oily, thick, long, and curly hair.
Choosing the suitable oil often depends on these characteristics. Below are expert-recommended oils for various needs.
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is the most widely used hair oil, particularly in South Asia.
Its main fatty acid is lauric acid, which has a strong affinity for hair proteins, allowing it to bind to protein and penetrate the hair shaft. This makes coconut oil effective at reducing protein loss in both damaged and healthy hair.
With low molecular weight, coconut oil is light and can penetrate deeply. It provides deep conditioning, natural protection, and is generally suitable for most hair types.
Sesame Oil
Well-suited for vata-type hair, sesame oil can reduce frizz and help prevent split ends.
“It’s high in vitamin B1, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc,” says Garodia. “Sesame oil also provides deep conditioning to the scalp and smooths the hair shaft. Its antibacterial and antifungal qualities may help in preventing dandruff.”
Almond Oil
Almond oil is lighter than sesame but a touch heavier than coconut, and is often recommended for pitta hair types. Garodia notes it contains vitamins B, K, and E.
Vitamin E can reduce oxidative stress. One study showed a 34.5 percent increase in hair growth among participants who took vitamin E orally for eight months, although topical effects can differ.
Vitamin B7, or biotin, is also associated with supporting hair growth, but evidence—especially for topical use—is limited.
Jaborandi Oil
Jaborandi is an herb from South American tropical forests, often included in shampoos and gels.
Garodia notes jaborandi is more therapeutic than many oils and may promote hair growth, nourish a dry scalp, and help delay premature graying. It also moisturizes hair and may ward off split ends and dandruff.
Argan Oil
Argan oil, also called Moroccan oil, is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, Garodia says.
“It acts as a natural conditioner and helps strengthen the hair,” she explains.
Moringa Oil
Moringa oil is effective for dry hair, according to Garodia. It contains oleic acid, making it a strong moisturizer for hair.
Garodia recommends combining moringa oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil.
Bhringraj or Amla Oil
In addition to the oils above, Varalakshmi recommends bhringraj or amla oil for pitta hair types. Both have a cooling effect and help balance pitta dosha.
Banyan Botanicals offers a formulation designed for hair oiling that includes bhringraj and herbs like gotu kola.
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?
Ayurveda advises oiling hair nearly every day as part of dinacharya, or daily routine, though that may not be practical for everyone.
Varalakshmi recommends oiling at least twice weekly, ideally the night before you plan to wash your hair.
If overnight application isn’t feasible, oil your hair an hour before bathing and wrap it in a warm towel. This helps the hair absorb nutrients from the oil in a shorter time, Garodia says.
Takeaway
Hair oiling is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that supports healthy hair.
Regular oiling can protect hair from damage caused by pollutants and chemicals in shampoos, while increasing moisture, shine, and potentially reducing hair loss.
Garodia stresses the importance of identifying your hair’s needs and selecting an oil accordingly. Leaving oil overnight yields the most benefit.
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