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Hair oiling 101

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Hair oiling is an ancient practice known for its ability to promote, healthy-looking, shiny hair, so it’s no wonder that it’s recently been gaining popularity on social media! Hair-lovers have been re-discovering the benefits of hair oiling and turning to OGX® to help them achieve the lustrous locks of their dreams.

If you want to start oiling your hair but don’t know where to begin, we’ve done a deep dive on what this trend is all about. Read on to learn how to oil your hair, and why this one practice could be the missing step in your hair care routine.

What is hair oiling?


Hair oiling is rooted in ayurvedic tradition and involves applying an oil or oil blend to the lengths of your hair, then letting it sit for at least a few minutes before washing it out. Hair oiling is often practiced alongside scalp oiling, but it’s worth noting that oil can be beneficial for both the hair and scalp separately.

Some of the most popular oils used in hair oiling include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil or castor oil, and this pre-shampoo step can help to reduce breakage and add moisture to parched, dry hair. Our Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Treatment is a hair oiling favorite, as its silky, nourishing formula makes it easy to quench your hair before (and after!) every wash.

Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil

So, how does hair oiling work?

Just like our skin produces oil, so does our scalp. The sebum produced from our scalp works to naturally moisturize and condition the hair, but when the balance is off your hair can feel either too greasy or dry. Hair oiling can help to provide your hair with the benefits of sebum, while still being able to wash it on a regular schedule.

Everyone naturally produces sebum, so hair oiling can be beneficial for all hair types. And because the oil is only left on for a few minutes or hours before shampooing, hair oiling is a step that can easily fit in anyone’s hair wash routine.

The benefits of hair oiling

Okay, so you’re considering oiling your hair. But what exactly can it do to help you achieve healthy-looking, luscious locks?

Hydrate parched strands

Dry hair is prone to frizz and tangles, but hair oiling helps to keep that all-important moisture within the strand. Oils work to smooth the hair cuticle and create a barrier that prevents moisture from evaporating. The result? Hydrated, silky hair.

Repair hair damage

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and lifestyle factors such as heat styling, bleaching and UV rays can cause damage to the keratin over time. When this happens, the hair is more prone to tangling, frizz and breakage.

Add softness and shine

Even though you’ll be washing your hair after oiling it, the oils from the ends of your hair won’t be completely removed. This is a good thing, and means that the shine-enhancing, softness-boosting benefits of hair oiling will last beyond the shower. You won’t have to work as hard to make your hair look smooth and shiny when you style it – it will actually be smooth and shiny!

Prevent hair breakage

Everyday stressors like brushing your hair or slicking it back can lead to damage or even breakage over time. While being gentle with your hair is always a good idea, hair oiling can help increase how much physical tension your hair can withstand and help reduce hair breakage. Oils are able to make strands more flexible and more able to withstand twisting. This means that oiling your hair will help protect it and make your hair more resilient to the wear and tear of routine washing and styling.

Promote stronger hair

The key to strong hair is to manage split ends and prevent breakage. Alongside getting regular trims, oiling your hair can help to moisturize and strengthen your strands right down to the tips. The results? Less split ends as less tangles, which means healthier-looking hair over time.

How to start a hair oiling routine

Now you know the benefits of hair oiling, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t want to add it to your routine! Hair oiling should be done on dry hair at least once a week, and consistency is key to see the best results. Here’s how to properly oil your hair:

Step 1: choose your oil

There are many different types of oil and oil blends out there, so it can be hard to know what oil to use for hair oiling. Our Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil is a crowd favorite for good reason, as the nourishing, ultra-rich blend is ideal for diverse hair textures ranging from medium to dry, coarse hair. The formula works to help reduce signs of hair damage, add strength and shine, plus the coconut milk, tangerine and warm vanilla scent makes it an all-around sensory experience. No matter your hair type, oiling your hair with our Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil will help you achieve smooth, luxurious hair.

Step 2: prep your hair

Gently brush or comb through your hair to avoid any tangling. If you have a wavy or curly hair type, you may prefer to lightly spritz your hair with water before this step.

Step 3: apply the oil

Starting at the ends of your hair, apply a few drops of oil to your lengths. Use your hands to thoroughly work it in, and add more oil as needed. You don’t want to saturate your hair, but it’s important that the oil is evenly spread throughout the lengths and ends of your hair. You can bring it up to the roots, too, but just make sure to double cleanse after to avoid feeling greasy.

Step 4: let it sit

Hair oil can be left on for just a few minutes, a few hours or even overnight. If you’re oiling your hair for the first time, start with 30 minutes to get a feel for how your hair responds. You can always throw on a shower cap to protect it while it sits!

Step 5: wash it out

That’s it! Now all you need to do is shampoo, condition and style your hair as usual. Remember, you should only ever apply shampoo to the roots of your hair to avoid drying it out (the lengths will be cleansed with any run-off.) You may prefer to shampoo twice, especially if you’ve applied oils to your scalp as well.

And the best part about our Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil? It can be used after the shower, too. Apply a few drops on clean, damp hair to help and enjoy silky smooth hair between every wash.

Try hair oiling for yourself

Hair oiling has been around for generations, and it’s clear to see why. Simply adding some oil to your hair before you wash it can help to protect and hydrate your locks and help you achieve silky, shiny hair. Try it for yourself and embrace the nourishing power of hair oils.

Hair oiling FAQs

The frequency of oiling your hair ends depends on your hair type, condition, and styling habits. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine the optimal oiling routine for your hair: 

  • Strong hair: If your hair is in tip-top shape, not parched, or frazzled, a weekly or bi-weekly oiling of the ends will maintain that luscious moisture and fend off those pesky split ends. 

  • Dry or damaged hair: If your hair's been through the wringer, consider an oiling routine every other day, or even daily.  

  • If you like heat styling tools like blow dryers or curling irons, put a little oil on the ends before and after. This will protect your hair from heat damage and help it look its best. 

And remember, your hair is as unique as you are, so the key is to find what works best for you. Start by oiling the ends once or twice a week and let your hair be the guide. It's all about that harmony between you and your locks. 

Here are some additional tips for oiling the ends of your hair: 

  • Opt for a lightweight oil, infused with argan, almond, or jojoba. 

  • Apply the oil to damp hair. This helps the oil to sink into the hair shaft and work its magic. 

  • Start with a dab and work your way up to the perfect amount for your hair. 

  • Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to spread the oil evenly through your hair's ends. 

  • Let the oil work its magic for at least 30 minutes before you wash. 

  • For an extra dose of TLC, leave the oil in overnight. 

By following these tips, you can help keep the ends of your hair strong and looking its best. 

Let's talk dry hair first. If you want to protect your hair from heat styling, brushing, and the weather, applying hair oil to dry hair is the best way. It's like slipping on a silk scarf—the oil creates a protective barrier, taming frizz and fly-away’s, and preventing breakage. Dry hair is like a sponge for oil, making it a champ at soaking up those nourishing ingredients. 

If you want to make sure that every single strand is getting the love it deserves, apply your oil to wet hair. If you’ve got thick, curly, or frizzy hair, this method can help you keep those fly-away’s in check and keep your curls looking fabulous. And for this, argan oil is your best friend, keeping your hair soft and frizz under control. 

Understanding how oil moisturizes hair is key to unlocking its full potential. Oils naturally create a protective layer on the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and preventing it from evaporating. This moisture boost supports stronger hair, helping reduce breakage and split ends. The nourishing properties of oils also help mend damaged hair cuticles, improving overall hair texture and shine. 

And let's not forget the scalp. The scalp produces natural oils that keep hair healthy, but pollution, harsh weather, and heat styling can strip those oils away. Regular oil treatments help replenish them, promoting vibrant, healthy-looking hair.  

The secret to choosing the right hair oil is knowing your hair porosity and the properties of the oils you're considering. Hair porosity is all about how well your hair can absorb and hold onto moisture. 

Argan oil has a lot of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It's great for people with dry, damaged, or unruly hair. Best for those with fine or medium hair. Low-porosity hair, struggles to let moisture in. Its tiny molecules slip right in, hydrating and nourishing from the inside out. 

Coconut oil is a different story. With a thicker formulation, it's the go-to for medium to thick hair or hair that's crying out for some serious moisture. Packed with lauric acid, it's a pro at cozying up hair proteins and slipping into the hair shaft like a boss. 

When it comes to choosing between argan oil and coconut oil, here's the truth: Argan oil is best for dry, fine, or thin hair. Coconut oil is best for medium to thick, dry, or high-porosity hair. Incorporating either of these oils into your hair care routine can work wonders, from boosting hair strength to adding that extra softness and shine.  

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