The Ayurvedic practice of hair oiling has been deeply embedded in beauty rituals for hundreds of years, admired for its ability to nourish, strengthen and protect the hair as well as enhance overall wellbeing.
Recipes of nutrient-rich oils have been handed down through the generations as part of the hair oiling ritual. Traditionally, oils would be massaged into the scalp and lengths as part of a bonding exercise between two people.
Today, hair oiling is widely known for promoting healthy hair growth and reducing hair loss, but scepticism of its effectiveness often discourages people from reaping its benefits, especially those with greasy or fine hair.
In this article we will dispel these misconceptions and share our top tips for utilising hair oil, even for those with oily hair types.
Myth 1: Hair oil will make my hair greasy
We’re often asked if hair oiling can make hair greasy. The answer is no, not if you do it right. The real cause of oily-looking or greasy hair is usually an overproduction of sebum on the scalp. A hair oil with the right properties (like Himalayan Cedarwood in our Grow Strong Hair Oil) could even help rebalance this overproduction and reduce greasy hair. Formulated with natural, non-comedogenic ingredients, our hair oil nourishes the hair and scalp without leaving a heavy residue.
Myth 2: More hair oil leads to better results
More doesn’t mean better when it comes to hair oiling. In fact, it can worsen issues for those with oily, damaged or fine hair. When you apply excessive amounts of oil to your hair and scalp, you’ll then need to use more shampoo to remove it. This can strip hair of its natural protective oils which can cause dryness. Instead, focus on applying a few droppers of oil onto the scalp and then gently smooth over the ends to prevent over-saturation.
Myth 3: Oiling your hair every day is essential for hair growth
Oiling your hair daily is not essential to see hair growth results. Over-oiling can clog hair follicles and weigh down fine strands so it's best to be intuitive with your routine rather than prescriptive. Those with a dry scalp or damaged hair may benefit from a gentle daily oiling practice whereas those with oily or fine hair may find adding more oils to the scalp overwhelms the hair. Generally, we suggest oiling your hair 1-2 times a week for those with greasy or fine hair. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Myth 4: Oil must be left overnight for effective results
Contrary to popular belief, applying hair oil overnight for it to soak in is not always the best option, particularly for people with dandruff or oiliness. Leaving oil overnight can be beneficial for some, but we advise a shorter duration for oily and fine hair types – ideally 30 minutes to 2 hours before shampooing. This allows the oil to penetrate the scalp and hair shaft without causing buildup or greasiness.
Tips for using a hair oil
To get the best results, follow these simple hair oiling tips:
- Warm the oil slightly before application to help the oil penetrate the hair more effectively
- Apply oil to clean hair to enhance oil absorption, help maintain a healthy scalp and prevent buildup
- Massage the oil into your scalp using a shampoo technique or comb to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth
- Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper conditioning if your hair and scalp is not irritated
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a gentle natural shampoo to remove oil residue. Our Grow Strong Shampoo and Conditioner duo is the perfect post-oiling treatment
For the ultimate self-care ritual, try The Healthy Hair Gift Set which comes with our best-selling Grow Strong Hair Oil and Neem Comb to help calm and clarify the scalp, while gently detangling and smoothing hair.
The Grow Strong Hair Oil is a luxurious blend of lightweight oils with scalp-stimulating herbs like Brahmi and Amla to address the needs of all hair types, including oily and fine hair. For more hair oiling rituals, check out our Instagram and Tik Tok.