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How To Use Hair Oil: Benefits & How To Use It Effectively In 2024

Lisandra Fields

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Olejarz, Nutritionist & Health Coach

how to use hair oil
Learning how to use hair oil promotes healthier hair growth. Photo: Nghi Tran

When it comes to achieving gorgeous, healthy hair, we often overlook a powerful secret weapon: hair oil. This ancient beauty elixir has resurfaced in the modern world, proving to be a versatile potion that can nourish, fortify, and enhance the brilliance of our locks. 

Whether you’re dealing with dry, damaged strands or simply seeking to revive your hair’s natural shine, incorporating hair oil into your routine[1] can work wonders.

In this article, we’ll explore the multitude of benefits it offers, including moisturizing dry hair, mending damage, stimulating growth, and taming unruly frizz. With an array of oils available, such as argan, coconut, and jojoba, we’ll guide you in selecting the perfect oil for your unique hair type and concerns.

Get ready to embark on a transformative journey as we unveil the wonders of hair oil and equip you with expert tips and techniques on how to use hair oil effectively.

How To Apply Hair Oil Properly

  1. Choose the right amount
  2. Warm the oil
  3. Section your hair
  4. Apply to scalp and hair
  5. Comb or brush
  6. Give it time to work
  7. Shampoo and rinse
  8. Frequency of application

How To Use Hair Oil Properly

How To Use Hair Oil Properly
Follow these steps to oil your hair properly. Photo: Mr.Cheangchai Noojuntuk/Shutterstock

Applying hair oil may seem like a simple task, but doing it properly can maximize its benefits and ensure optimal results for your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply it effectively:

Choose The Right Amount

Start by determining how much hair oil is right for your hair length and thickness. Generally, a few teaspoons should suffice for most hair types. You can always adjust the quantity based on your hair’s needs and preferences.

Warm The Oil

To enhance its effectiveness, warm the oil slightly before application. You can place the bottle in warm water or gently warm it between your palms. Avoid overheating the oil, as excessive heat can damage the hair.

Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into manageable sections. This allows for even distribution of the oil and ensures that every strand receives nourishment. Use clips or hair bands to secure each section.

Apply To Scalp And Hair

Apply oil to your scalp by using your fingertips, gently massaging the oil in circular motions. This stimulates blood flow, promotes relaxation, and helps the oil penetrate the hair follicles. Gradually work the oil down the length of your hair, focusing on the ends, which tend to be drier and more prone to damage.

Comb Or Brush

Once the oil is evenly distributed, comb or brush your hair to ensure proper coverage. This helps in detangling the hair and spreading the oil from root to tip. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to prevent unnecessary breakage.

Give It Time To Work

Allow the oil to work its magic by leaving it on your hair for at least 30 minutes or, for deeper conditioning, overnight. You can cover your hair with a shower cap or towel to retain heat and enhance absorption.

Shampoo And Rinse

After the designated time, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove the oil. Massage your scalp while shampooing to oil distribution. Follow with a conditioner on your wet hair to seal in moisture and nourishment.

Frequency Of Application

How often should you oil your hair? The frequency of hair oiling depends on your hair’s needs and your personal preference. For intense hydration, consider oiling your hair 1-2 times a week. Those with oily hair may opt for lighter oils and less frequent applications.

By following these steps, you can apply hair oil properly, allowing it to deep condition hair and scalp.

Is It Important To Oil Your Hair?

Oiling your hair can make all the difference in boosting its health and vitality. While it may seem like an ancient practice, its benefits are far from outdated. 

Firstly, hair oil acts as a natural moisturizer,[1] replenishing dry and damaged strands by providing essential nourishment. It helps to restore lost moisture, leaving your hair soft, supple, and less prone to breakage. Additionally, it can strengthen the hair shaft, minimizing split ends and promoting overall hair health.

Furthermore, regular oiling stimulates the scalp and encourages blood circulation, which, in turn, promotes hair growth. It can also help to combat issues like dandruff and dryness, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair to thrive.

While choosing the right oil for your hair type is crucial, incorporating a regular oiling routine can yield remarkable results. How often to use hair oil will depend on your hair type and product instructions. 

Top Benefits Of Hair Oiling

Top Benefits Of Hair Oiling
Hair oiling brings various benefits. Photo: progressman/Shutterstock

From replenishing moisture to promoting growth, this section will explore four top benefits of hair oiling, shedding light on why this simple ritual is worth incorporating into your hair care routine. 

Deep Moisturization

One of the primary advantages of hair oiling is its ability to provide deep moisturization. 

Hair oils penetrate the hair shaft, replenishing lost moisture and restoring vitality to dry and damaged strands. Whether your hair is naturally dry or has been subjected to heat styling and chemical treatments, regular oiling can help revive its luster, leaving it soft, silky, and hydrated.

Strengthening And Repairing

Hair oiling is a powerful ally in strengthening and repairing your hair. Oils rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants nourish the hair follicles, promoting stronger and healthier strands. By fortifying the hair shaft, oiling can reduce breakage and minimize split ends, helping you achieve longer and fuller-looking hair.

Stimulating Hair Growth

If you’re dreaming of thicker, longer locks, hair oiling can be your secret weapon. Massaging oil into your scalp stimulates blood circulation,[2] promoting the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. This nourishment encourages healthy hair growth and can help combat hair loss or thinning. Incorporating regular oiling into your routine can provide the ideal environment for your hair to flourish.

Taming Frizz And Enhancing Shine

Frizzy hair can be a never-ending challenge, but hair oiling can come to the rescue. 

The moisturizing properties of hair oils help tame frizz by smoothing down the hair cuticles, resulting in a sleeker and more manageable appearance. Additionally, the application of hair oil imparts a natural shine to your locks, enhancing their radiance and creating a healthy, vibrant look.

Best Oils Are Used For Hair Oiling

With an array of hair oiling options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which oils are best for your hair. We’ve narrowed down a selection of top-notch natural oils that are renowned for their hair-nourishing properties. Here are some of them:

Argan Oil

Hailing from the kernels of Moroccan argan trees, argan oil[3] is a superstar in the world of hair care. Packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids, it deeply moisturizes the hair, reduces frizz, and enhances shine. It’s particularly beneficial for dry, damaged, colored, or frizzy hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Coconut Oil

A true multitasker, coconut oil is a popular choice. Its high moisture-retaining capacity helps prevent protein loss in the hair, making it an excellent choice for maintaining hair strength and preventing breakage. It’s also known to promote hair growth[4] and impart a delightful tropical fragrance.

Jojoba Oil

Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil[5] closely resembles the natural sebum produced by our scalp. This makes it an effective oil for balancing oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry scalps. Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair without weighing it down, promotes a healthy scalp, and adds a silky shine to your locks.

Olive Oil

A kitchen staple with remarkable hair benefits, olive oil[6] is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which help protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals.[7] It deeply conditions the hair, reduces frizz, and adds moisture and strength. Olive oil is especially beneficial for those with dry or chemically treated hair.

Remember, the best oil for you ultimately depends on your hair type, concerns, and personal preferences. Experimenting with different oils and learning how to use wild-growth hair oil can help you discover the perfect match for your hair’s needs. So, pick your oil, embark on a luxurious hair-oiling journey, and let the nourishing benefits transform your locks into a crowning glory.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re struggling with dry, damaged hair or simply want to boost biotin levels or elevate the overall health and appearance of your tresses, hair oiling can be a game-changer. Embrace the art of hair oiling, choose the right oil, and embark on a nourishing journey that will leave you with the lustrous and fine hair you’ve always desired.


+ 7 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Mysore, V. and Adhikary Arghya (2022). Hair oils: Indigenous knowledge revisited. [online] 14(3), pp.84–84. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20.
  2. Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K. and Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, [online] 16, p.e8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/.
  3. Pamella Mello Faria, Luciana Neves Camargo, Siqueira, R. and Gama, R. (2013). Hair Protective Effect of Argan Oil ( Argania spinosa Kernel Oil) and Cupuassu Butter ( Theobroma… [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273687487_Hair_Protective_Effect_of_Argan_Oil_Argania_spinosa_Kernel_Oil_and_Cupuassu_Butter_Theobroma_grandiflorum_Seed_Butter_Post_Treatment_with_Hair_Dye.
  4. Gambhirsinh Sursinh Vala (2014). Medicinal benefit of coconut oil. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268805677_Medicinal_benefit_of_coconut_oil.
  5. Luca Casettari, Roberts, A., Hamzi, S.H., Gad, H.A., Ilham Touiss, Altyar, A.E., Osama Adnan Kensara and Ashour, M.L. (2021). Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. [online] 13(11), pp.1711–1711. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111711.
  6. Tong, T., Kim, N.-H. and Park, T. (2015). Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin. [online] 10(6), pp.e0129578–e0129578. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129578.
  7. Trüeb, R.M. (2015). The impact of oxidative stress on hair. [online] 37, pp.25–30. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12286.
Lisandra Fields

Medically reviewed by:

Jennifer Olejarz

Lisandra Fields is a freelance medical writer from Pennsylvania who creates articles, blog posts, fact sheets, and website content for health-related organizations across North America. She has experience working with a wide range of clients, from health charities to businesses to media outlets. She has experience writing about cancer, diabetes, ALS, cannabis, personality psychology, and COVID-19, among many other topics. Lisandra enjoys reading scientific journal articles and finding creative ways to distill the ideas for a general audience.

Medically reviewed by:

Jennifer Olejarz

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