How to Oil Your Hair Correctly: A Simple Guide

Hair oiling works best when you use the right amount, apply it with intention, and understand whether you are oiling your scalp, your lengths, or both. Done correctly, it can help reduce dryness and breakage. Done incorrectly, it can leave hair greasy or irritate the scalp.

 

What is hair oiling?

Hair oiling is the practice of applying oil to the hair and sometimes the scalp, leaving it on for a short period, then either washing it out or using it sparingly as a leave-in. The practice has roots in Ayurvedic traditions and has become popular again as people look for gentler, more natural hair care routines.

According to dermatologist guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, hair oiling can help add moisture and improve the appearance of hair, but results depend heavily on hair type, scalp health, and how the oil is used.

Cleveland Clinic: Hair oiling explained by a dermatologist

 

Hair oil vs hair oiling: what’s the difference?

This is where many people get confused.

• Hair oiling is a pre-wash treatment. Oil is applied, left on for 20 to 90 minutes, then washed out.
• Hair oil as a product is often used as a leave-in to smooth frizz, add shine, or protect lengths.

Both can be useful, but they serve different purposes. Using a leave-in oil like a heavy scalp treatment is one of the most common mistakes.

 

What are the real benefits of hair oiling?

When used correctly, hair oiling may help with:

• Reducing dryness and improving softness
• Making hair more flexible and less prone to breakage
• Improving the visual appearance of split ends
• Supporting scalp comfort for some hair types

The Cleveland Clinic notes that oils can help temporarily improve hair moisture and shine, but they are not a cure for underlying hair or scalp conditions.

What dermatologists say about the benefits of hair oiling

 

Should you oil your scalp, your lengths, or both?

This depends on your hair and scalp.

• Dry, coarse, or tightly curled hair: may benefit from oiling the lengths regularly.
• Fine or oily hair: often does better with oil only on the mid-lengths and ends.
• Scalp-prone to dandruff or sensitivity: may react poorly to frequent scalp oiling.

Dermatologists caution that applying oil directly to the scalp can sometimes worsen dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis in people who are prone to it.

When scalp oiling may not be a good idea

 

How to hair oil correctly (step by step)

Step 1: Start with dry hair

Hair oiling is usually done on dry hair before washing. Gently brush or comb through to remove tangles.

Step 2: Use a small amount

More oil does not mean better results. Start with a few drops and add only if needed.

Step 3: Apply with intention

• For lengths: focus on mid-lengths and ends.
• For scalp: apply lightly and massage gently.

Step 4: Let it sit

Leave the oil on for 20 to 90 minutes. Overnight oiling is not necessary for most people and can increase irritation risk.

Step 5: Wash out thoroughly

Shampoo the scalp, not the lengths. A second cleanse may help if you used oil on the scalp.

 

Pre-wash vs leave-in: which is better?

For many people, pre-wash oiling is the safest and easiest place to start. It allows you to:

• Use oils in a diluted, controlled way
• Leave them on long enough to matter
• Wash them out if your hair feels heavy

This is why many people prefer a dedicated pre-wash oil rather than experimenting with pure oils at home.

If you want a ready-made option, our pre-wash hair oil collection is designed to be used before shampooing, focusing on scalp comfort and hair softness without relying on silicones.

 

Common hair oiling mistakes

• Using too much oil
• Applying oil daily to an already oily scalp
• Expecting hair oil to repair split ends permanently
• Leaving oil on overnight when your scalp is sensitive

Medical experts emphasise that hair oiling is supportive, not transformative. It works best as part of a broader routine.

 

How often should you oil your hair?

For most people:

• Pre-wash oiling: once per week
• Light leave-in oil: 1 to 3 times per week on lengths only

Your hair type, styling habits, and scalp health matter more than rigid rules.

 

Safety considerations

High-authority medical sources recommend:

• Patch testing new oils
• Avoiding scalp oiling if you are prone to dandruff
• Stopping use if you notice irritation or itching

Essential oils in particular should always be diluted.

Medical News Today: hair oiling safety and considerations

 

The bottom line

Hair oiling can be beneficial when done correctly, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Start small, pay attention to how your hair and scalp respond, and treat oil as a supportive step rather than a fix-all.

When in doubt, pre-wash oiling is usually the simplest, lowest-risk way to get the benefits without the downsides.