Hair Oiling 101: The Ancient Ritual That Actually Works (And How to Do It Right)

Look, I'm going to level with you. About a year ago, my hair started looking...sad. Dull, dry, thinning around the temples. The kind of hair that makes you avoid mirrors after you shower. I'd tried everything from expensive salon treatments to those miracle serums that promise the world and deliver...not much.

Then I stumbled upon hair oiling. And I'm not talking about the greasy mess you're probably imagining. I'm talking about an ancient Ayurvedic ritual that's been used for literally thousands of years – and there's actually science to back it up.

So if your hair's feeling a bit lacklustre, you're seeing more hair in your brush than you'd like, or you're just tired of products that don't deliver, let me walk you through everything you need to know about hair oiling. Because when life changes, your hair care routine needs to change too.

Hair oiling is exactly what it sounds like: massaging natural botanical oils into your scalp and hair strands to boost moisture, improve scalp health, and enhance overall hair vitality. It's not just slapping some coconut oil on and calling it a day (though we'll get to why that's not ideal).

This practice has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used across India, Morocco, and the Mediterranean for centuries. And before you think "well, that's lovely for them but what about my Australian hair?" – the science shows it works across all hair types.

Here's the thing: your hair needs a good balance of oils to stay healthy. Think of it like your skin – when your skin's moisture barrier is compromised, everything goes sideways. Same with your hair.

Research published in PMC shows that oils rich in fatty acids can actually penetrate the hair shaft and provide genuine nourishment to your hair follicles. They're not just sitting on top making things look shiny (though they do that too).

Right, let's address the elephant in the room. Will hair oiling make your hair grow faster?

The honest answer: not exactly. Your hair grows at the rate it grows (about half an inch per month on average). But – and this is important – hair oiling can create the optimal conditions for healthy hair growth.

Research suggests that massaging oils into your scalp improves blood circulation to your hair follicles. Better blood flow means better nutrient delivery, which means healthier, stronger hair growth. It's like giving your hair follicles a fighting chance.

Plus, when your hair is stronger and less prone to breakage, you retain more length. So while oiling won't speed up growth, it can definitely help you keep the hair you're growing.

Here's your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Oil Wisely

For dry, mature, or thinning hair, look for oils rich in:

• Fatty acids (especially omega-6 and omega-9) for nourishment

• Vitamin E for antioxidant protection

• Essential oils like rosemary or peppermint for circulation

Our Organic Hair Renewal Oil contains Argan Oil, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, and Rosemary Oil – specifically formulated for women experiencing age-related hair changes.

Step 2: Start with Dry Hair

Contrary to what you might think, start with dry (not wet) hair. Oil and water don't mix, so applying to wet hair means the oil just sits on top rather than penetrating.

Step 3: Warm It Up (Optional but Lovely)

Rub a small amount of oil between your palms to warm it. This helps with absorption and makes the whole experience feel more spa-like than DIY.

Step 4: Section and Apply

Part your hair into sections. You don't need loads – think a 20-cent coin amount for your whole head (seriously, that's usually enough).

Focus on:

• Your scalp (where the magic happens)

• The mid-lengths and ends (the driest parts)

• Areas of thinning or concern (like those pesky temples)

Step 5: Massage, Massage, Massage

This is crucial. Don't just slap it on. Spend 5-10 minutes gently massaging your scalp using circular motions. This is where the circulation benefits come in.

Research shows that the massage itself can enhance blood flow to your follicles, bringing oxygen and nutrients where you need them most.

Step 6: Leave It On

For most hair types, 30 minutes to an hour is ideal. If your hair is super dry or damaged, you can leave it on overnight (just pop on a silk cap or wrap your pillow in an old t-shirt).

Step 7: Wash It Out Properly

Here's the trick: apply conditioner FIRST to break down the oil, then follow with a gentle shampoo. This prevents that squeaky, stripped feeling and keeps your hair moisturised.

You might need to shampoo twice if you've used a lot of oil. That's totally fine.

This depends entirely on your hair type:

For dry, mature, or damaged hair: 2-3 times a week For normal hair: Once a week For oily hair or sensitive scalps: Once every 10-14 days, focusing on ends only

Start with once a week and see how your hair responds. You can always adjust.

Fine hair: Use lighter oils and focus on the ends rather than the scalp. Less is definitely more.

Thick, coarse, or curly hair: You can go a bit heavier and leave it on longer. Your hair will soak it up.

Chemically treated or colour-treated hair: Hair oiling is brilliant for you. The protective benefits help prevent further damage.

Thinning hair: Focus on scalp massage with lightweight oils. The goal is circulation, not weight.

Look, hair oiling isn't going to give you Rapunzel locks overnight. It's not a miracle cure. But what it is is a scientifically-backed, time-tested ritual that can genuinely improve your hair's health, strength, and appearance.

For women over 40 dealing with changing hair – whether that's thinning, dryness, or just general sadness – incorporating pre-wash hair oiling into your routine can make a real difference. The key is consistency and using the right oils for your hair's needs.

Think of it as a weekly investment in your hair's future. Because the best time to start taking care of your hair was 10 years ago. The second-best time is right now.

Q: Can I oil my hair every day? A: For most people, no. Daily oiling can lead to buildup and actually make hair greasier. Stick to 1-3 times per week depending on your hair type.

Q: Should I oil my hair before or after washing? A: Before. Hair oiling works best as a pre-wash treatment. Oil doesn't penetrate well into already clean hair, and leaving oil in all day isn't practical (or particularly attractive).

Q: Will oiling make my hair fall out? A: Absolutely not. Quality oils properly applied won't cause hair loss. However, if you're using heavy oils that clog follicles or not washing them out properly, you might see issues. Use lightweight, well-formulated oils and wash thoroughly.

Q: Can I sleep with oil in my hair? A: Yes, overnight oiling can be beneficial for very dry or damaged hair. Just protect your pillowcase with a silk cap or old towel.

Q: What's the best oil for thinning hair? A: Look for lightweight oils with circulation-boosting ingredients like rosemary or peppermint. Avoid heavy oils like castor or coconut if you have fine, thinning hair.