7 Shocking Hair Oiling Tips: I Was Using Oil All Wrong!

Introduction

For years, I thought I knew everything there was to know about hair oiling. After all, how difficult can it be? You just slather some oil on your scalp and hair, wait a while, and wash it off, right? Well, as it turns out, I was doing it all wrong—like many people. When I stumbled upon some surprising and unexpected hair oiling tips, my entire routine changed, and so did the health of my hair.

If you’ve ever struggled with greasy, weighed-down hair or wondered why your hair oiling routine isn’t giving you the results you expected, this article is for you. We’re diving into 7 shocking hair oiling tips that I wish I had known earlier. These tips will not only help you avoid common mistakes but also maximize the benefits of hair oiling for stronger, healthier, and shinier hair.

1. Don’t Brush Your Hair After Oiling (Brush Before, Not After!)

It might seem intuitive to brush your hair after applying oil to distribute it evenly, but this is one of the biggest mistakes people make when oiling their hair. In fact, I’ve learned the hard way that brushing right after oiling can actually cause more harm than good.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Oil softens the hair, making it more vulnerable to breakage.
• Brushing through freshly oiled hair can lead to unnecessary tangling, pulling, and hair loss.

What to Do Instead:

• Comb or brush your hair before applying oil. This will help prevent knots and make the oiling process smoother and more effective.
• Use a wide-tooth comb or a gentle hair brush to avoid unnecessary damage.

If you haven’t yet, consider investing in a quality comb or brush that’s gentle on your hair and designed for delicate use.

2. A Few Drops Are Enough: Over-oiling Can Cause More Harm Than Good

In my early days of oiling, I believed that the more oil I used, the better the results would be. However, this is far from the truth.

Why Over-Oiling is Harmful:

• Using too much oil makes it difficult to rinse off completely, leading to build-up on the scalp.
• Excess oil can clog hair follicles and lead to scalp issues like dandruff and hair loss.

What to Do Instead:

• Only use a few drops of oil—about 3-5 drops—depending on your hair length and thickness.
• Focus on massaging it gently into your scalp and work it down the lengths, ensuring even distribution.

For the best results, choose a lightweight hair oil like argan or jojoba oil, which are perfect for providing nourishment without weighing down your hair.

3. The Power of Scalp Massage Post-Oiling

Many people overlook the importance of massaging the oil into their scalp. I certainly did, and it made a huge difference when I started incorporating this simple step into my routine.

Why Scalp Massage Works:

• Increased Blood Flow: Massaging helps improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, promoting faster and healthier hair growth.
• Oil Absorption: It helps the oil penetrate deeper into the scalp and roots, maximizing its effectiveness.

What to Do Instead:

• After applying oil, use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips to massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
• For an enhanced experience, consider using a scalp massager—these devices are designed to stimulate your scalp and boost circulation even further.

4. Never Skip the Lengths: Your Hair’s Oldest Parts Need Extra Care

Most people focus only on their scalp when oiling their hair, but the lengths of your hair are just as important—if not more so.

Why Lengths Need Attention:

• The ends of your hair are the oldest parts and are more prone to dryness, split ends, and breakage.
• Applying oil to the lengths helps prevent these issues and nourishes the hair from root to tip.

What to Do Instead:

• Don’t just stop at the scalp; apply oil generously along the lengths of your hair.
• If you have long hair, you may need to focus on the ends, where the most damage occurs.

Consider using coconut oil or castor oil, both of which are excellent for adding moisture and nourishment to the lengths.

5. Wash Off Oil Thoroughly to Prevent Clogged Hair Follicles

If you’re leaving oil in your hair for too long or not washing it off thoroughly, you could be causing more harm than good. I’ve been guilty of this myself, thinking that leaving the oil in would only help my hair.

Why Washing Thoroughly Matters:

• Leftover oil can clog your hair follicles, leading to scalp issues like dandruff or even hair loss.
• It can also attract dirt and dust, which leads to unhealthy hair and scalp conditions.

What to Do Instead:

• Always make sure to wash your hair thoroughly after oiling it.
• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove the oil without stripping away natural moisture.

A quality shampoo will ensure that all the excess oil is removed without causing further damage to your hair or scalp.

6. Apply Oil to Damp Hair for Better Absorption

I used to apply oil to completely dry hair, thinking that this would help it soak in better. It turns out that oil is more effective on damp hair.

Why Damp Hair Is Better:

• Wet hair allows oil to absorb more efficiently, locking in moisture and nutrients.
• Applying oil to damp hair prevents it from becoming too greasy and helps the product spread more evenly.

What to Do Instead:

• After washing, towel-dry your hair gently and then apply oil to damp hair.
• Focus on the scalp and lengths to ensure full coverage.

For this step, a microfiber towel or hair drying cap can be really helpful to avoid rough towel-drying, which can cause damage.

7. Let the Oil Sit Long Enough—Don’t Rinse Too Quickly

Patience is key when it comes to oiling your hair. Many people—including myself—were in the habit of washing it off too quickly, thinking that oil would only make the hair greasy. However, the oil needs time to work its magic.

Why Longer Exposure Helps:

• Leaving the oil in allows it to deeply nourish your scalp and hair, promoting healthier hair growth and softness.
• The longer you let it sit, the more nutrients your hair absorbs from the oil.

What to Do Instead:

• Allow the oil to sit for at least 30 minutes before washing it out. For even better results, leave it in overnight.
• You can cover your hair with a shower cap or hair wrap to avoid oil transfer to your pillow.

Conclusion

Incorporating these 7 shocking hair oiling tips into your routine will transform the way your hair feels and grows. It’s time to ditch old habits that are holding you back from having the healthy, shiny hair you’ve always wanted. Start brushing before oiling, use the right amount of oil, and let the oils penetrate deeper with a scalp massage. With patience and consistency, you’ll see noticeable improvements in your hair’s health and growth.

Have you been using hair oil all wrong? Try these tips and share your results in the comments! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends who are struggling with hair oiling—they’ll thank you for it! And if you’re looking for more hair care tips, check out our other articles for great advice and product recommendations.

Also, read👉🏻 Top 10 Hair Oils for Silky, Shiny, and Healthy Hair

Frequently Asked Questions on Hair Oiling Tips