How to Use a Hair Oil
Hair oiling is an ancient practice used to strengthen and moisturize hair. Pure, unrefined plant oils can help improve the appearance of split ends and add moisture and shine.
A hair oil can be helpful for any hair type, especially if it has become dry or damaged due to heat or over-processing. Our organic hair oils contain hydrating ingredients that provide a protective layer of moisture for those who need damage repair or those with curly or coily textured hair who choose to wear their hair naturally.
Your hair is unique to you, and there is no one right way to use a hair oil on YOUR hair! What we offer below are some suggestions.
While all hair types can use a touch of moisture, drier textures tend to respond most noticeably to regular oiling. Some people find that using both an oil and a balm works best — the oil adds hydration, slip, and shine, while the balm seals in moisture and smooths texture. Even finer hair can benefit from this layered approach when used sparingly on the ends.
It is important to start small when applying a hair oil and to know what you are trying to achieve in the end. Begin with one or two drops (you may need a bit more for longer or thicker hair). If your hair looks greasy, heavy, or seems weighed down, you have used too much. After a few applications of hair oil, you will learn your magic number for that perfect, healthy, shiny, soft hair.
Basic Instructions
The most important thing about using a hair oil is to make sure it is distributed evenly. Sectioning your hair into layers, a top and bottom layer, can make distribution easier, especially for those with thick or coarse hair.
- Place a small amount of oil (1 -2 drops) into your palms and warm it between your fingertips.
- Rake your hands and fingers through your hair like a comb to evenly distribute the oil through to the ends.
- Follow the same procedure for each layer section of hair.
Do You Apply Hair Oil to Dried or Damp Hair?
Whether you apply a hair oil to wet or dry hair depends on your hair type and the results you are looking for. Applying oil on damp hair will provide a bit less shine, but it can help detangle hair, bring out its natural texture as it dries, provide nourishment for the hair shaft, and protect it from unwanted frizz as it dries. If you blow dry your hair, this method can also provide some protection from the heat.
When applied to dry hair, the hair will have more luster, you will get better frizz control, and you can spot treat extra problem areas.
Deep Conditioning Pre-Wash Treatment
Use it as a pre-shampoo, deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week depending on your hair type. Your hair will become softer and easier to manage.
- Wet your hair
- Follow the basic instructions above
- Focus on the hair ends
- Wrap oiled hair in a shower cap or towel
- Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes
- Wash with a mild shampoo and style as usual
- If you have damaged or very dry, coarse hair, leave the mask on overnight and wash off the next day
Tip: Any time you are leaving oil on your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap or towel. This keeps your head warm which helps the oils penetrate the hair shaft.
Hair Oil as an In-Shower Conditioner
Apply the oil using the basic method above and let it sit for 10 minutes while you complete the rest of your shower. Wash, rinse, and style as usual.
As A Leave-In Conditioner
On Damp Hair: Use as a leave in conditioner after shampooing to help prevent split ends, calm frizz and flyaways and add a healthy shine. Place a drop or two in the palm of your hand, rub palms together and scrunch into damp hair ends or smooth from mid-length to the hair ends. Comb thoroughly to evenly distribute the oil. Do not wash. Style as usual.
On Clean Dry Hair: To smooth down coarse or wiry flyaway hair strands and give hair a healthy sheen, rub a tiny bit of hair oil in your palms, apply to clean, dry hair.
Tip: Some like to spritz oil onto the lower length of their hair and hair ends and then massage it into the strands. This method works well if you have a bottle with a fine mist sprayer. Oils tend not to mist like water, so try your sprayer out first before squirting your hair.
Oiling Straight or Wavy Hair That Is Fine or Thin
If you have fine or thin hair that seems dull and lifeless or tends to have wiry flyaways, a tiny bit of lightweight leave-in conditioner may just do the trick.
After shampooing for a healthy shine and to calm flyaways, place a drop of oil in the palm of your hand, rub palms together. Then rake your hands and fingers through your hair like a comb to evenly distribute the oil through to the ends.
You can do this on damp, towel-dried, or even dried hair, it just depends what works best for your hair. Be sure to work the oil through to the tips to help ease split ends. Comb your hair thoroughly to get the oil evenly distributed.
You can also just use a tiny bit of oil in your palms to scrunch into the ends of damp or dried hair to help ease the look of split ends. Just remember, only a tiny bit of oil is needed.
Should You Oil The Scalp?
Whether or not to oil your scalp seems to be up for debate. While many articles encourage applying oil directly to your scalp, others state that applying oil directly to your scalp may put you at higher risk for dandruff. But some people with dry hair also have a dry scalp. If you typically oil your scalp without any problems, then continue to do what your hair and scalp like.
If you choose not to apply an oil-based cream or oil to your scalp, begin at least three inches from the scalp and work all the way to the ends.
For Dry Scalp: Using your fingertips gently massage a small amount of hair oil into your scalp. The actual massaging action is more important than the quantity of oil, it stimulates scalp circulation and aids in absorption. Then work the oil through your hair to the ends. Leave on for at least 15 minutes and then wash and style as usual.
Helpful Hints
- When using a hair oil balm, more is NOT better. Too much conditioning cream can weigh your hair down, cause excess buildup, and give your hair a greasy look and feel.
- Be sure to wash your hair to remove the residue from a previous application before applying more hair cream.
- Combining a hair oil with other hair products like mousses and gels may cause heavy buildup and greasiness.
Learn more: Read "What is Your Hair Type?"
If you have very sensitive skin or are simply trying a new product for the first time, we always recommend doing a patch test.
For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Best if used within 6 months of opening.
