How Ayurvedic Hair Oiling Can Lead You to Salon-Level Hair Looks

What Is Hair Oiling

Roy recommends hair oiling one to two times a week. Below, she and Huitron break down a step-by-step guide to hair oiling effectively.   

1. Set an Intention

Ayurvedic practices are filled with healing and purpose, and Huitron wants to instill that into anyone who is hair oiling.

“Most of us don't have a lot of downtime,” she says. “Whether you're a parent or running your own business, life can be a little hectic, so this is your self-care time. Check-in with yourself as you take a few minutes to slow down.”

Roy also uses the practice as a time to reflect and rejuvenate.

“It’s a wonderful self-care ritual to incorporate into your routine,” she says. “Incorporating a long scalp massage allows me to unwind and savor the moment.” 

2. Grab a Scalp Massager

“I love to exfoliate my scalp with a scalp brush as a pre-oiling step so my natural oils are pushed throughout the strands of my hair,” Huitron explains.

We recommend the LUXE & WILLOW Exfoliating Scalp Massager to prevent buildup and scrub away dandruff.

3. Apply Three to Four Drops of Oil onto Scalp

Roy says you can disperse the oil evenly by parting your hair in sections.

4. Massage Scalp Gently

“This allows the oil to collect any product buildup and penetrate your scalp,” Roy explains. 

You can use your fingers or go back in with your scalp massager. If you’re looking for an additional option, we also love the VANITY PLANET Scalp Massager, which even includes gentle built-in vibration.

5. Apply Oil Remnants to Remainder of Hair

Whether you add a few additional drops to your hands, or you use what’s left from the scalp treatment, Roy and Huitron advise massaging throughout the rest of your hair for added moisture and nourishment. You can comb through for even distribution and then clip the hair up for however long you’d like before you rinse. 

6. Leave on for at Least 30 Minutes 

Huitron says that after 30 minutes to an hour, a double-cleanse shampoo session should leave your hair soft, silky, and shiny. “This process ensures that my scalp and hair have been deeply nourished and invigorated,” she says.

Roy leaves scalp oil on overnight sometimes for added nourishment. As Huitron points out, you’ll want to make sure what you use for overnight wear isn’t comedogenic (aka clogging).

“Comedogenic oils will create a barrier, and it’s important to wash these oils off so that you don’t experience water logging,” she explains. “This creates buildup on your scalp and hair and does not allow nutrients in or out. If you have a non-comedogenic oil blend, you can wear it for an extended period of time, but it’s still meant to be a pre-shampoo ritual.” 

Benefits of Hair Oiling

1. Hair Growth

According to Roy, hair oiling keeps your scalp and hair healthy and nourished, which in turn provides a strong foundation for growing healthy hair.

2. Hair Repair

Depending on the type of hair oil you use, Roy says you can also experience reparative and strengthening benefits. Her AAVRANI Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil, for example, is formulated with amla, an adaptogen that strengthens the hair. It also includes a bond complex that combats damage and helps prevent future damage, along with rosemary to stimulate hair follicles, supporting stronger, healthier hair.

3. Hair Detox

Often, hair oils will blend essential oils—something Huitron favors. “It can strengthen your ability to correct scalp conditions and actually increase hair growth by detoxifying your follicles.”

5 Best Oils for Hair Oiling

1. AAVRANI Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil

The multipurpose oil doubles as a pre-wash, which lends itself to a more effective shampoo process. It also nourishes the scalp, strengthens the strands, tames frizz, and adds shine. Plus the light, earthy aroma makes it a delight to use.

2. HUI HUI ESSENTIALS Scalp Rescue Night

Perfect for your nighttime routine, this growth stimulant is an all-natural purifying scalp treatment specifically formulated to address issues related to a dry, tight, itchy scalp and hair loss, while also soothing the mind and calming the soul. Packed with nine botanical and essential oils, the nutrient-heavy, lightweight formula doubles as an aromatherapeutic escape into slumber. 

2. FABLE & MANE HoliRoots™ Hair Oil

Perfect for your nighttime routine, this growth stimulant is an all-natural purifying scalp treatment specifically formulated to address issues related to a dry, tight, itchy scalp and hair loss, while also soothing the mind and calming the soul. Packed with nine botanical and essential oils, the nutrient-heavy, lightweight formula doubles as an aromatherapeutic escape into slumber. 

4. FABLE & MANE HoliRoots™ Hair Oil

Taking a fresh spin on hair oils, we love how this product praises macadamia oil as a hair care leader. Not only is it hydrating, strengthening, and frizz-taming, it is lightweight and has great reviews from Ipsters.

5. NATURELAB. TOKYO Perfect Smooth Hair Oil

We’re huge fans of this brand altogether, so it only makes sense that their hair oil follows suit. Thanks to argan stem cells, follicles are stimulated and hair growth is boosted, while protein-rich quinoa extract helps with repair.

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