Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Benefits of hair oiling involves pouring oil into the hair and massaging it into the scalp to increase moisture and shine. Hair oil can soften hair and provide vitamins and minerals that are washed out with frequent washing.
This practice has remained used in India for centuries and is optional in Ayurvedic medicine.
Hair oiling has spread beyond Ayurvedic practices. And it is used by many to maintain the health and shine of their hair. And it can even reduce hair loss, according to some experts.
There are also specific techniques for oiling your hair and different oils that you can use for particular benefits.
Growing up in India, most of my schoolgirl Sunday nights were spent putting oil in my hair. My mother was pulling out the blue bottle of Parachute Coconut Hair Oil, a staple in most Indian households. She then proceeded to give each of my sisters and me head massages, one by one. It was a sweet and caring way of showing that she cared about us.
When I left my parents’ house to go to college, it became a weekly ritual with my roommates. We gladly volunteered to take turns oiling our hair.
While many South Asian women and I oil our hair as a cultural tradition, there is a good deal of science behind this practice.
This Article Belongs to Hair Oils & Treatments.
Table of Contents
How to Oil your Hair?
Massaging the oil into the scalp upsurges blood flow, improving hair growth. Applying oil to the scalp can also prevent dandruff.
Follow these steps to test hair oil:
Apply oil to the scalp and massage with fingertips in circular motions.
Apply the oil left in your palms to your hair.
Cover with a towel or bath cap and leave on overnight.
The next day, shampoo your hair while it’s dry. Rinse well.
Normal state. You can also use coconut oil as a conditioner.
Benefits of Oiling Hair
Oils can help protect hair against everyday wear and tear. Some oils may reduce hygral fatigue, which refers to repeated swelling and shrinking of the hair fiber when it becomes wet and dries.
Certain oils can also coat the hair shaft and reduce friction, helping improve softness, manageability, and shine. This can be particularly helpful for dry, frizzy, or chemically treated hair.
Oiling may also help reduce the feeling of scalp dryness in some people. However, it is not a guaranteed treatment for dandruff, scalp infections, or hair loss.
If you are interested in trying a different natural oil, sesame oil for your hair is another option that can be used as part of a conditioning hair-care routine.
Oils contain different fatty acids and other compounds that can affect how they interact with the hair. Coconut oil, for example, has been studied for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss.
Lipids play an important role in how healthy hair looks and feels, and conditioning oils can help improve the smoothness and shine of the hair.
According to hair and scalp specialists, oiling may be particularly beneficial for people with dry or frizzy hair because it helps lubricate the hair shaft and reduce friction.
What oil Should you Use?
The oil you use will depend on the needs of your hair.
“Different types of oils contain different vitamins…and with the direct application of these oils, the hair shaft becomes stronger,” says Garodia.
Remember that it may be worth testing when using oil on your scalp to ensure you don’t have an allergy. Do a patch test before using oil on your hair for a complete treatment.
Used oils can include:
- Coconut
- Sesame
- Almond
- Jaborandi
- Argan tree
- Moringa
- Bhringraj
- Amla
If you are looking for another natural hair-care remedy, you can also read about onion juice on hair and how it is traditionally used in home hair-care routines. Keep in mind that evidence for onion juice as a hair-growth treatment remains limited.
Hair Oiling and Chemically Treated Hair
Hair that has been exposed to chemical treatments can become dry, brittle, or more prone to breakage. Treatments such as permanent hair straightening can alter the structure of the hair, making gentle hair care especially important.
Using a suitable conditioning oil may help improve the feel and manageability of chemically treated hair, but it cannot completely reverse structural damage. Limiting excessive heat, chemical processing, and rough handling can also help protect the hair.
Final Thoughts
Hair oiling can be a simple way to add conditioning and lubrication to your hair-care routine. The right oil may help reduce dryness, improve softness, minimize friction, and add shine.
However, hair oiling should not be viewed as a guaranteed treatment for hair loss or scalp conditions. If you are experiencing sudden, severe, or persistent hair loss, it is best to speak with a dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology Association provides useful information about common causes of hair loss and available treatment options.
Choose an oil that suits your hair type, use it gently, and pay attention to how your scalp and hair respond.
