Why You Should Oil Your Hair: Everything You Need To Know

Before you roll your eyes and think—not this trend again—like most skeptics do, hear us out. That reaction usually comes from seeing hair oiling as just a beauty hack. Something for shiny Instagram hair or spa days. But that’s not what it is.

Contrary to popular belief, hair oiling isn’t about looks. And it's definitely not just a modern beauty add-on. It’s an old, time-tested habit meant to protect your hair before the damage happens. A preventive practice that keeps hair healthy for years later.

So the next time you catch yourself admiring someone older with thick, waist-length hair and think, “Why doesn’t my hair feel that soft or stay that full?”—maybe it’s because they never stopped oiling.

And maybe it’s your turn, too—before the dryness sets in for good.

But don't worry. That’s what our guide is here for! To show you why oiling matters, and how to actually do it right before it’s too late.

Why You Should Oil Your Hair According to Experts

Hair oiling is a practice that does more than just make your hair look shiny. It restores moisture, shields your strands from everyday damage like UV rays and pollution, and adds a layer of protection against heat from styling tools.

And no, you don’t have to take our word for it. This is backed by science and recommended by many hair experts:

• According to integrative lifestyle physician Dr. Monisha Bhanote (as cited by leading health and wellness site Prevention.com), oiling can help protect hair at the cellular level. When applied and massaged properly, it can even support blood flow to the scalp, which is something essential for healthier growth over time.

• A 2022 study also confirmed that coconut-derived oils can help repair hair by increasing its hydrophobicity. In simpler terms, it helps the hair repel water, which reduces swelling and protein loss during washing.

• Want real-world proof? Just scroll through TikTok. Batana oil, for example, has gained cult-favorite status among hair care enthusiasts, not for hype but for visible results like fuller-looking strands, less breakage, and that healthy bounce many are chasing.

So no, hair oiling isn't just a trend. Nor is it some outdated beauty ritual. It's a simple, science-supported practice that delivers lasting benefits. And speaking of hair oiling benefits...

Benefits of Oiling Your Hair

Keeps Scalp Hydrated & Flake-Free

Oiling forms a thin barrier over your scalp and works like a moisture seal, helping it retain hydration that’s often stripped away by overwashing or harsh shampoos. It soothes dryness before flaking becomes a problem and keeps that tight, itchy feeling from becoming the norm.

Reduce Breakage and Split Ends

Strands snap when they’re dry, weak, or overprocessed. You’ll notice it when your ends start feeling rough, like straw, or when they break mid-brush.

Hair oil helps by coating each strand, filling in tiny cracks along the cuticle, and locking in moisture so your hair stays flexible, not brittle.

Smooths Out Frizz and Boosts Shine

Hair oiling makes it possible to get smoother, shinier hair without turning to heat tools. Frizz usually starts when the outer layer of your hair—called the cuticle—lifts due to lost moisture. That’s when your strands start puffing out, feeling rough, or looking dull.

Applying oil helps seal those cuticles back down. It gives hair a flatter, sleeker surface that reflects light better, which is exactly what creates that healthy, glossy finish.

Improve Scalp Health Long Term

Hair oils like tea tree, almond, and jojoba contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds that help calm flare-ups and reduce buildup from styling products.

Moreover, regular scalp oiling can help manage mild dandruff, reduce itchiness, and even soothe seborrheic-prone areas.

Stimulates Hair Growth

Hair growth starts with the environment at the root. Fortunately, most oils are known to support circulation when massaged in, helping bring oxygen and nutrients to dormant follicles.

How to Oil Your Scalp the Right Way

What makes hair oiling actually work isn’t just the oil itself. Sure, the type you choose matters, but more than half the battle is how you use it. That's to say technique matters a lot.

1. Choose the Right Hair Oil

Before you even touch a drop, figure out what your hair actually needs. For example, Batana oil, with its rich, balm-like texture, tends to work best for coarse or curly hair. Lavender oil, on the other hand, is often used for stress-related shedding.

The point is, the oil you choose should match what your hair is going through.

If you're unsure where to start, we put together a full guide on what oils work best for different needs. So definitely check that out.

2. Section Your Hair

If someone told you, oiling just makes your roots greasy, they're not entirely wrong— BUT it could be that they slathered it on all at once, with no method or control.

The fix? Work in sections. Here's how to do it:

• Part your hair down the middle, then again horizontally to form four sections.

• Use clips to separate them and keep things organized.

• Apply oil one section at a time, focusing only on the areas that actually need it.

3. Apply a Gentle Massage

This isn’t just relaxing, nor is it just for the sake of routine. It’s what helps activate the benefits of oiling. Doing a slight massage leads to better absorption, stronger roots, and a healthier scalp overall. Here's how to do it.

• Pour a small amount of oil into your palm and rub your hands together to warm it up.

• Use your fingertips (not your nails) to gently press and glide the oil into your scalp.

• Move in small circles, applying light pressure.

You can also use a silicone scalp massager if you’d rather not use your hands. Just keep the pressure light as scraping or pressing too hard can irritate the scalp and do more harm than good.

4. Work the Oil Through Your Strands

Once your scalp is oiled, use whatever oil is left on your hands to smooth over the mid-lengths and ends. If your hair is thicker or longer, you may add a dab of oil and comb it through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Be careful, though, as too much oil, especially at the roots, can have the wrong effect. A good sign you’ve gone overboard? Your hair feels limp, sticky, or flat even after washing. Cut back a little next time.

How Long to Keep Oil in Your Hair

You should keep oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours—or even overnight. Just don’t go beyond 24 hours. Past that point, it starts attracting dirt and clogging follicles, which defeats the purpose.

Here’s a guide you can follow:

• 30 minutes: Enough for light conditioning or when you’re oiling just before a shower.

• 1–2 hours: A good middle ground for moderate dryness or frizz (and when you’ve got time to let it settle in)

• Overnight: Best for deep nourishment, especially when your hair’s been through a lot, like heat styling, coloring, or long-term dryness.

How Often to Oil Your Hair and Scalp

How often you should oil your scalp and hair depends mainly on your hair type. Here’s a general guide:

• Once or twice a week, if your scalp is "balanced”—not too oily, not too dry.

• Two to three times a week, if your hair is dry or damaged and needs more hydration

• Once every two weeks, if you have oily hair. This also applies if your hair is thin.

This isn’t a strict formula that works the same for everyone. If you're new to oiling, the best approach is to start in small amounts and see how your scalp reacts. If it feels too heavy or causes buildup, pull back. If it feels right, you can slowly work up to the frequencies above.

When to Use Hair Oil for Best Results

Some hair oils can be pricey, though there are also budget-friendly options out there. Either way, you're spending money, so it only makes sense to know when to use them to get the most out of each drop.

Here are five timing scenarios where oiling makes the biggest difference:

• Before a shower: This helps prevent your hair from being stripped of its natural oils during washing, something that often happens with strong shampoos or frequent washing.

• Before going to bed: Best for deeper hydration and repair. Leaving oil on overnight gives it more time to absorb fully into the scalp and strands, especially when we're talking about richer oils like castor, batana, or coconut.

• Before heat styling: Applying oil before using heat tools helps coat the hair shaft with a thin film. This helps protect your hair from direct heat and keeps it from drying out too quickly.

• Before swimming: Oil creates a barrier around the hair, which slows down how much water—and more importantly, chlorinated or salt water—gets absorbed. In turn, this helps lower the risk of cuticle damage, especially in porous or chemically treated hair.

• Before going out on a windy or sunny day: A thin layer of oil helps protect your hair from drying winds or sun exposure by locking in moisture and helping strands glide more smoothly past each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I oil the ends of my hair?

Yes, especially if your ends feel dry, rough, or prone to splitting. Remember, they're the oldest part of your hair and get the least access to your scalp's natural oils.

Should you apply oil to wet or dry hair?

As much as possible, avoid either extreme. Don’t apply oil to completely dry or soaking wet hair. Slightly damp is best. If you're oiling before a wash, lightly misting your hair can help the oil spread and absorb more evenly. If you're oiling after a shower, wait until your hair is no longer dripping wet, as excess water can dilute the oil.

Are hair oils safe for colored, processed, or thinning hair?

Yes, but in these cases, we recommend using a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil and avoiding anything too heavy or sticky, since the scalp and strands tend to be more fragile.

Is hair oiling only for people with really dry or curly hair?

Not at all. Oiling works for all hair types. Curly hair just tends to be drier and may benefit from oiling two to three times a week, while straight or fine hair might only need it once a week or less.

At the End of the Day, This is Why Hair Oiling Matters....

It’s not just about hair care—it’s self-care. When your hair looks healthy, full, and well cared for from all the oiling, you wear it proudly like a crown, and with that comes a quiet kind of confidence that radiates. That's reason enough to keep the routine going.

If you’re looking for more ways to get there, the Keyoma blog is packed with easy-to-follow hair care tips, oil comparisons, and real advice that helps you build a routine you feel good about.