In the world of haircare, oils sometimes get an undeserved bad rap. Like many, you might worry that oils will weigh down strands or leave your hair looking greasy and lifeless. But the truth is, incorporating a nourishing hair oil into your routine can actually transform dull, dry locks into stronger, shinier, more manageable hair. From Morocco to India, women around the world have turned to hair oiling rituals for centuries to treat various hair woes. Here's why you should join them.
Hair oiling is the process of applying oils directly to the hair and scalp to deliver nourishing benefits. Oils used can be plant-based like coconut, jojoba, almond or rosemary oil, or they may contain exotic oils like Moroccan argan. The oil is gently massaged into the scalp and worked through the hair strands before being left on for a period of time to absorb. These oils penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep hydration and sealing in moisture to keep your hair soft, shiny, and healthy. Hair oiling has long been practiced in many cultures to hydrate, strengthen, and promote hair growth.
One of hair oil's biggest benefits is its ability to lock in moisture and keep hair hydrated from the inside out. Oils are able to penetrate deep into the hair cuticle, protecting against brittleness and breakage caused by daily strain and damage. If you have naturally dry, coarse, or high-porosity strands, you’ll benefit most from oiling's moisturizing effects.
In addition to hydrating, hair oils help smooth and soften strands for a silkier feel and super glossy shine. Oils like argan, marula, and coconut help fill in gaps and strengthen hair cuticles to reflect more light. Well-conditioned cuticles also give hair the soft, touchable texture everyone craves. Say goodbye to dull, straw-like strands!
For those who deal with scalp irritation, dandruff, or even conditions like psoriasis, hair oiling can be a soothing treatment. Gently massaging oils like tea tree, jojoba, or argan into the scalp helps increase blood circulation while tackling inflammation, fungal issues, excess oil, and build-up. A healthy scalp leads to healthier hair growth.
Speaking of growth, regular oiling is believed to help promote new hair growth too. Ancient practices like champi (Indian head massage) combined the nutrients in oils like coconut with stimulating physical massage. When done regularly, this process can improve blood flow, strengthen roots, and encourage new strands.
Hair oils create a protective barrier around strands, defending against issues like frizz, tangles, split ends, and damage from heat styling and UV exposure. Think of them as a haircare security guard. Most oils, like argan and marula, also contain antioxidants that directly combat free radical damage from pollution and other aggressors.
Leave-In Treatment: Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes to overnight for deep conditioning.
Mielle Rosemary Mint Light Scalp & Hair Oil
This oil has gone viral lately for its inclusion of rosemary, mint, and biotin, a concoction that is supposed to aid in hair growth. It’s great for low porosity hair, silk press hair styles, and protective styles including braids and weaves.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots™ Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil
This hair oil is enriched with powerful Ayurvedic ingredients like ashwagandha, castor oil, and dashmool (a blend of roots for strengthening hair) to nourish, strengthen, and revive. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and healthy.
Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
Briogeo’s hair oil is formulated with a blend of nourishing oils including rosemary, castor, and tea tree. It’s a pre-wash treatment designed to deliver a burst of hydration to your scalp and hair. It helps to soothe dryness, balance oil production, and promote healthy hair growth.
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Strengthening Treatment Oil
Crafted by celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness, this pre-wash treatment is formulated to nourish, strengthen, and revive your locks from root to tip. Enriched with a blend of rosemary extract, turmeric extract, and hemisqualane, it penetrates deep into the hair shaft to hydrate and repair damaged strands.
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Argan Hair & Scalp Oil Blend
Curly-haired gals, this one’s for you. This oil blend is enriched with argan oil, a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants that deeply moisturize and strengthen hair. Whether you have tightly coiled curls or loose waves, this lightweight treatment absorbs quickly to hydrate and soften your strands, while reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
shu uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
Infused with precious camellia oil, this hair oil deeply nourishes and protects your strands while heat styling. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without weighing hair down, leaving it silky-smooth, frizz-free, and brilliantly shiny. Whether you're dealing with dryness, split ends, or heat damage, this multitasking oil is your solution.
As you can see, hair oiling isn't just a trend that’s gained traction on your FYP recently — it's a time-tested practice that has been cherished for centuries across cultures for its ability to nourish and strengthen hair from root to tip. By making hair oiling a regular part of your haircare routine, you can achieve healthier locks that will have everyone asking what you do to them. Choose the right oil for you, and treat your hair to some much-needed TLC with this ancient ritual and watch it flourish.
