Hair oiling, a centuries-old beauty ritual is making a strong comeback in the modern haircare industry.
Once seen as an age-old tradition limited to South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, the practice is now being embraced worldwide, with social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram fueling the resurgence. From scalp health to hair growth, the simple yet effective routine is being hailed as a must-try for anyone looking to achieve stronger, shinier locks.
What is Hair Oiling?
Hair oiling involves massaging nutrient-rich oils into the scalp and hair to nourish, protect and strengthen hair strands. Traditionally oils such as coconut, castor, amla and argan have been used to stimulate hair growth and maintain scalp health. The method typically includes applying oil to dry or damp hair, leaving it on for a few hours (or overnight) and then washing it out with shampoo.
With the rise of clean beauty and holistic self-care, hair oiling has become more than just a grooming practice - it’s a form of relaxation and mindfulness. Massaging the scalp stimulates blood circulation, reduces stress, and encourages hair follicles to grow healthier strands.
Beauty influencers and dermatologists have recently brought hair oiling back into the spotlight with videos demonstrating the different techniques and oil blends that have gone viral racking up billions of views, with users sharing before-and-after transformations showcasing shinier, healthier hair.
The conversation around scalp care is rapidly growing with experts likening it to skincare. Just as we cleanse and hydrate our faces, our scalps need similar attention to prevent dryness, dandruff and hair thinning. Oils packed with antioxidants and fatty acids help to rebalance the scalp, reduce inflammation and strengthen the hair at the root.
A-listers such as Kim Kardashian have spoken about their love for hair oiling, further cementing its status as a luxury self-care step. High-end beauty brands are also launching their own oil blends, incorporating botanical extracts and science-backed ingredients to cater to a wider audience.
Consumers are increasingly turning to natural, plant-based alternatives for their beauty routines. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine has long championed hair oiling with ingredients such as neem. This resurgence of holistic wellness has further fueled interest in traditional beauty rituals.
How to Incorporate Hair Oiling into Your Routine:
Choose the Right Oil: Different hair types benefit from different oils. Coconut oil is great for hydration, castor oil promotes growth and rosemary oil is known for strengthening hair.
Warm It Up: Slightly warming the oil before application can help it penetrate the scalp better.
Massage Your Scalp: Using circular motions, massage the oil into your scalp for 5-10 minutes to boost circulation.
Let It Sit: Leave the oil on for at least an hour or overnight for deeper hydration.
Wash Thoroughly: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to remove excess oil without stripping moisture.
With more beauty brands introducing innovative oil blends tailored for modern lifestyles, such as lightweight, non-greasy formulas, hair oiling is no longer just a cultural tradition but a global movement. Whether used as a weekly treatment or part of a daily scalp care routine, this is a trend that’s here to stay, proving that sometimes the best beauty secrets are the ones passed down through generations!
Our Picks:
Gisou |Honey Infused Hydrating Hair Oil – Sephora
Alterna | Caviar Anti-Aging Anti Frizz Nourishing Oil – Salon 971
Augustinus Bader | The Hair Oil - Ounass
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