How I Oil My Hair for Stronger, Healthier Strands
Today I want to share one of my favorite self-care rituals that has completely transformed my hair over the years: hair oiling for healthy hair. This ancient practice is a cornerstone of holistic haircare and one I’ve personally used for over a decade to keep my hair long, healthy, and nourished.
Whether you’re dealing with dryness, breakage, thinning, or just want to give your hair a little extra love, oiling can work wonders. Let’s dive into the benefits, my favorite oils, and exactly how to do it!
Why Hair Oiling Is So Powerful
Oiling is more than just coating your strands—it’s about nourishing your scalp, stimulating hair growth, and sealing in moisture to protect your ends. It also encourages blood circulation, helping nutrients reach the hair follicles and encouraging healthy growth from the root.
Beyond the physical benefits, this ritual can be deeply grounding. Taking time to slow down and massage oil into your scalp becomes a moment of calm and self-connection—something we all need more of.
Benefits of Hair Oiling
- Stimulates circulation to encourage healthy hair growth
- Nourishes dry ends and reduces breakage
- Soothes the scalp, reducing itchiness and inflammation
- Adds shine and makes hair more manageable
- Acts as a relaxing, grounding ritual for nervous system support
Best Oils for Hair Oiling for healthy hair
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to oils. Here are some of my top favorites, depending on your hair type and goals:
- Argan Oil – Lightweight, rich in vitamin E, great for frizz and shine
- Jojoba Oil – Closely mimics the scalp’s natural sebum; amazing for fine hair
- Olive Oil – Deeply moisturizing and full of antioxidants
- Coconut Oil – Penetrates the hair shaft; great for thick or coarse hair
- Avocado Oil – Packed with nutrients and ideal for dry, damaged hair
- Sweet Almond Oil – Gentle, softening, and great for scalp massages
- Castor Oil – Thick and powerful for regrowth, especially around thinning edges
You can also buy premade hair oil blends that combine different powerful oils. My Personal Favorite Oil Blend is: Blue Beautifly Amalaki Scalp Oil Serum – I absolutely love this one. It’s packed with Ayurvedic herbs and high-quality oils that nourish the scalp and encourage growth. You can use my code Sarahhappy10 for a little discount!
Want to DIY? Try Herbal-Infused Oils
You can also make your own infused oil blends at home using herbs like:
- Amla – Strengthens roots and supports growth
- Brahmi – Calms the mind and nourishes the scalp
- Rosemary – Increases circulation and stimulates follicles
- Fenugreek – Helps with shedding and adds shine
Check out my YouTube video on how to make your own herbal hair oil here.
How to Oil Your Hair – Step-by-Step
Here’s exactly how I oil my hair on wash day:
- Brush your hair thoroughly with a wooden bristle brush to detangle and stimulate the scalp
- Apply oil to your scalp using a dropper or your fingertips
- Massage gently in circular motions for a few minutes
- Distribute oil to the ends, focusing on the driest areas
- (Optional) Use a heated cap or sit in a sauna to help the oil penetrate deeper
- Twist your hair into a loose bun or braid
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for deep nourishment
💡 If sleeping with oil in your hair, use a silk cap or old pillowcase to protect your bedding
Washing It Out
- Shampoo your hair to fully remove the oil (you may have to shampoo twice)
- Follow with a conditioner and let your hair air dry if possible to reduce heat damage
How Often Should You Oil?
I recommend oiling 1–2 times per week depending on your hair type and needs. The most important part? Consistency. Think of it as skincare for your scalp!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on a journey to grow longer, stronger, healthier hair, incorporating regular hair oiling is such a simple yet powerful habit. Let it be a moment of connection with your body, your roots, and yourself!
Want more hair growth remedies? try my DIY flaxseed gel hair mask for hair growth.
