How Ayurvedic Hair Oiling Can Lead You to Salon-Level Hair Looks
Hair oils have been trending in hair care routines over the last few years among all hair types (not just dry hair). They’ve been used in styling to enhance shine, tame frizzy tresses, mask split endsand breakage, and offer a helping hand to curly hair. But when it comes to the act of “hair oiling” in particular, hair oiling is a specific hair treatment that doesn’t necessarily apply to the above. It’s more about hair health and scalp health, and less about sleek hair strands (though it can certainly help with that too). There are also many different types of oils that can be incorporated into the broader category of hair oils, including some of your favorites: almond oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. Hair oiling often involves warm oil and helps stimulate hair cuticles for growth.
Before we get into the East Asian–inspired practice, “It's important to understand the difference between a water-soluble product and an oil-soluble product,” HUI HUI ESSENTIALS founder Lori Huitron explains. “Water is how you receive hydration [and directly helps with dryness]. Oil is a specific way to receive certain nutrients like omega fatty acids and vitamin E.”
Below, our experts break down everything to know about hair oiling, and why your hair needs an oily scalp (in this moment, that is!).
Meet the Expert
Lori Huitron is a decades-long Los Angeles-based hairstylist and founder of HUI HUI ESSENTIALS scalp products.
Rooshy Roy is the founder of science-backed skincare and hair care brand AAVRANI, which was inspired by Indian beauty rituals.
What Is Hair Oiling
Roy recommends hair oiling one to two times a week. Below, she and Huitron break down a step-by-step guide to hair oiling effectively.
1. Set an Intention
Ayurvedic practices are filled with healing and purpose, and Huitron wants to instill that into anyone who is hair oiling.
“Most of us don't have a lot of downtime,” she says. “Whether you're a parent or running your own business, life can be a little hectic, so this is your self-care time. Check-in with yourself as you take a few minutes to slow down.”
Roy also uses the practice as a time to reflect and rejuvenate.
“It’s a wonderful self-care ritual to incorporate into your routine,” she says. “Incorporating a long scalp massage allows me to unwind and savor the moment.”
2. Grab a Scalp Massager
“I love to exfoliate my scalp with a scalp brush as a pre-oiling step so my natural oils are pushed throughout the strands of my hair,” Huitron explains.
We recommend the LUXE & WILLOW Exfoliating Scalp Massager to prevent buildup and scrub away dandruff.
3. Apply Three to Four Drops of Oil onto Scalp
Roy says you can disperse the oil evenly by parting your hair in sections.
4. Massage Scalp Gently
“This allows the oil to collect any product buildup and penetrate your scalp,” Roy explains.
You can use your fingers or go back in with your scalp massager. If you’re looking for an additional option, we also love the VANITY PLANET Scalp Massager, which even includes gentle built-in vibration.
5. Apply Oil Remnants to Remainder of Hair
Whether you add a few additional drops to your hands, or you use what’s left from the scalp treatment, Roy and Huitron advise massaging throughout the rest of your hair for added moisture and nourishment. You can comb through for even distribution and then clip the hair up for however long you’d like before you rinse.
6. Leave on for at Least 30 Minutes
Huitron says that after 30 minutes to an hour, a double-cleanse shampoo session should leave your hair soft, silky, and shiny. “This process ensures that my scalp and hair have been deeply nourished and invigorated,” she says.
Roy leaves scalp oil on overnight sometimes for added nourishment. As Huitron points out, you’ll want to make sure what you use for overnight wear isn’t comedogenic (aka clogging).
“Comedogenic oils will create a barrier, and it’s important to wash these oils off so that you don’t experience water logging,” she explains. “This creates buildup on your scalp and hair and does not allow nutrients in or out. If you have a non-comedogenic oil blend, you can wear it for an extended period of time, but it’s still meant to be a pre-shampoo ritual.”
Benefits of Hair Oiling
1. Hair Growth
According to Roy, hair oiling keeps your scalp and hair healthy and nourished, which in turn provides a strong foundation for growing healthy hair.
2. Hair Repair
Depending on the type of hair oil you use, Roy says you can also experience reparative and strengthening benefits. Her AAVRANI Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil, for example, is formulated with amla, an adaptogen that strengthens the hair. It also includes a bond complex that combats damage and helps prevent future damage, along with rosemary to stimulate hair follicles, supporting stronger, healthier hair.
3. Hair Detox
Often, hair oils will blend essential oils—something Huitron favors. “It can strengthen your ability to correct scalp conditions and actually increase hair growth by detoxifying your follicles.”
5 Best Oils for Hair Oiling
1. AAVRANI Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil
The multipurpose oil doubles as a pre-wash, which lends itself to a more effective shampoo process. It also nourishes the scalp, strengthens the strands, tames frizz, and adds shine. Plus the light, earthy aroma makes it a delight to use.
2. HUI HUI ESSENTIALS Scalp Rescue Night
Perfect for your nighttime routine, this growth stimulant is an all-natural purifying scalp treatment specifically formulated to address issues related to a dry, tight, itchy scalp and hair loss, while also soothing the mind and calming the soul. Packed with nine botanical and essential oils, the nutrient-heavy, lightweight formula doubles as an aromatherapeutic escape into slumber.
2. FABLE & MANE HoliRoots™ Hair Oil
Perfect for your nighttime routine, this growth stimulant is an all-natural purifying scalp treatment specifically formulated to address issues related to a dry, tight, itchy scalp and hair loss, while also soothing the mind and calming the soul. Packed with nine botanical and essential oils, the nutrient-heavy, lightweight formula doubles as an aromatherapeutic escape into slumber.
4. FABLE & MANE HoliRoots™ Hair Oil
Taking a fresh spin on hair oils, we love how this product praises macadamia oil as a hair care leader. Not only is it hydrating, strengthening, and frizz-taming, it is lightweight and has great reviews from Ipsters.
5. NATURELAB. TOKYO Perfect Smooth Hair Oil
We’re huge fans of this brand altogether, so it only makes sense that their hair oil follows suit. Thanks to argan stem cells, follicles are stimulated and hair growth is boosted, while protein-rich quinoa extract helps with repair.
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