How to Hair Oil the Right Way: Unlock Your Dream Hair by Summer

If hair oiling hasn’t delivered the glossy, healthy hair you were promised, you’re not alone. Despite being one of the oldest and most trusted beauty rituals in Ayurveda, hair oiling is often misunderstood, or done in a way that limits its benefits.

Hair oiling isn’t just about applying oil and washing it out. When done intentionally and the Ayurvedic way, it becomes a deeply nourishing ritual that supports scalp health, hair growth, and even your nervous system. With summer approaching, now is the perfect time to reset your routine and give your hair the care it truly needs.

Let’s explore how to hair oil correctly, what you may be doing wrong, and which oils to look out for to achieve strong, shiny, summer-ready hair.

Hair Oiling: A Time-Honoured Ayurvedic Tradition

Hair oiling is a traditional practice deeply rooted in South Asian cultures, particularly India. In Ayurveda, it has been used for centuries as a holistic approach to hair and scalp health, viewing hair as an extension of overall wellbeing.

The practice involves applying natural oils to the scalp and hair using gentle massage techniques to evenly distribute the oil, improve circulation, and nourish the hair from the root. Beyond beauty, Ayurvedic hair oiling is believed to calm the mind, balance energy (doshas), and restore vitality.

Why Hair Oiling Might Not Be Working for You

If you’ve been oiling regularly but not seeing results, it’s often due to a few common mistakes:

• Using the wrong oil for your hair or scalp type
• Applying too much or too little oil
• Focusing only on the hair lengths and neglecting the scalp
• Skipping proper massage techniques
• Leaving oil on for too long or not long enough
• Not cleansing thoroughly, leading to buildup

Ayurveda teaches that how you oil your hair is just as important as what you use.

The Ayurvedic Way to Hair Oil

1. Start with Gentle Detangling

Before applying oil, gently detangle your hair using a wooden or neem comb. This reduces breakage, stimulates the scalp, and prepares the hair for even oil distribution. Neem combs are traditionally used in Ayurveda for their natural antimicrobial properties.

2. Warm Your Oil

Slightly warming your oil helps activate its properties and allows it to penetrate deeper into the scalp and hair shaft. Warm the oil by placing the bottle in warm water or rubbing it between your palms - avoid microwaving.

3. Apply to the Scalp & Massage Marma Points

Section your hair and apply oil directly to the scalp using your fingertips or an oil dropper. Massage gently in circular motions for 10-15 minutes.

In Ayurveda, this massage activates Marma points - energy centres that influence circulation, relaxation, and vitality.

Key Marma points to focus on include:

• Base of the skull: Relieves stress and tension
• Temples: Supports deeper, better sleep
• Outer ear area: Improves balance and grounding
• Adhipati (crown of the head): Enhances hair density and shine, calms the mind
• Kapala (along the hairline): Reduces stress and emotional imbalance

This step not only supports hair growth but also helps regulate the nervous system.

4. Nourish the Lengths

Once the scalp is well massaged, apply the remaining oil to the mid-lengths and ends, focusing on areas prone to dryness or breakage.

Wrap your hair in a loose braid, low bun, or warm towel. Keeping the hair warm allows the oil to absorb more effectively and reduces frizz.

5. Cleanse Gently but Thoroughly

After at least 30 minutes, or overnight if your scalp tolerates it, wash with a gentle shampoo. You need two light cleanses to fully remove the oil without stripping your hair. Always condition the mid-lengths and ends.

The Right Oils to Look Out For

With so many natural oils available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Each oil offers unique benefits, and your choice should align with your hair goals.

Here are some of the most commonly used Ayurvedic and plant-based oils and their benefits:

• Coconut Oil: Lightweight and deeply conditioning. Penetrates the hair shaft easily, reduces protein loss, and strengthens hair.
• Sesame Oil: Rich in vitamins and nutrients. Deeply conditioning with antibacterial and antifungal properties, ideal for dandruff-prone scalps.
• Rosemary Oil: Boosts circulation, stimulates follicles, promotes hair growth, and helps reduce hair loss while soothing itchy scalps.
• Almond Oil: Lightweight and fast absorbing. Rich in vitamin E and B, great for dry, damaged hair and supporting healthy hair growth.
• Moringa Oil: High in oleic acid, making it an excellent moisturiser for dry, dehydrated hair.
• Bhringraj Oil: Known as the “King of Herbs” in Ayurveda. Helps reduce dandruff, itching, and inflammation while improving overall scalp health.
• Amla Oil: A true Ayurvedic staple. Rich in vitamin C, supports healthy hair growth, reduces premature greying, and adds shine and volume.
• Argan Oil: Intensely nourishing and antioxidant-rich. Repairs dryness, restores softness, and enhances shine.

How Often Should You Oil Your Hair?

• Most hair types benefit from oiling 1–2 times per week
• Oiling too frequently can cause buildup
• If your scalp feels itchy or heavy, reduce the amount of oil or focus on better cleansing

Always start with a relatively clean scalp for best results.

Final Thoughts: More Than Hair Care, It’s a Ritual

Hair oiling isn’t just about achieving shinier hair, it’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and caring for yourself. Rooted in centuries of Ayurvedic wisdom, this ritual nourishes not only your hair and scalp, but your mind and body too.

With the right oils, the right technique, and a little intention, hair oiling can truly transform your routine, and help you unlock your healthiest, most radiant hair by summer.

Your dream hair isn’t a trend. It’s a ritual.

Shop Our Natural Haircare Range

Ready to begin your ritual? Explore our Ayurvedic-inspired Rich Roots haircare range which includes our Rich Roots Hair & Scalp Oil, Rich Roots Shampoo and Rich Roots Conditioner