Hair Oil for Women: How to Choose, Apply and Wash It Out
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For many Indian women, oiling hair is a habit learnt from mothers and grandmothers. It feels relaxing and is a good excuse for a few quiet minutes. But busy schedules, different hair lengths and styles, and changing weather all affect how much oil to use and when. Here is a simple, practical guide.
Our hair oil
The Hair Revival Oil is a 100ml blend of bhringraj, amla, onion seed and black seed oil. It is lightweight and fast-absorbing, made for all hair types and genders, and is paraben and sulfate-free. Read onion seed and black seed oil for hair.
How to choose a hair oil
- Texture: lighter oils are easier to wash out, especially for fine or oily hair.
- Ingredients you are comfortable with and have patch-tested.
- Smell you enjoy, since it will be on your hair for hours.
- Bottle size that suits how often you oil.
See how to choose a hair oil for more.
How to apply it
- Detangle dry hair with a wide-tooth comb.
- Part your hair into sections.
- Warm a little oil between your palms.
- Apply to the scalp with fingertips along each parting.
- Massage gently for a few minutes, using the pads of your fingers, not nails.
- Smooth what is left over the lengths and ends.
- Tie hair loosely.
How much for your hair length
| Hair length | Rough amount |
|---|---|
| Short or shoulder length | About 1 teaspoon |
| Mid-back | About 2 teaspoons |
| Long or very thick | About 1 tablespoon |
Start small. You can always add more. Read how much hair oil to use.
How long to leave it on
Many women oil an hour or two before washing, or the night before. If you oil overnight, cover your pillow with an old towel.
Washing it out
- Apply shampoo to the scalp before wetting hair fully; this helps lift the oil.
- Rinse well and shampoo a second time if needed.
- Condition the lengths.
- Do not use very hot water.
A weekly routine
- 1 to 2 times a week: oil before a wash day.
- 2 to 3 times a week: the Root Revival Hair Mask, with amla, bhringraj and black sesame oil. Apply to damp hair, massage for 2 to 3 minutes, leave for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse. Read hair mask vs hair oil.
Common mistakes
- Using too much oil, then needing three washes.
- Tying hair tightly after oiling.
- Combing hard through oiled, tangled hair.
- Going out in the sun and dust with oiled hair for hours.
For long hair, read our long hair care routine, and for an oily scalp, hair care for an oily scalp.
If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist.
Quick questions
Can I oil my hair every day? Most women find once or twice a week is plenty.
Can I use it on coloured hair? Many people do. Patch-test first and see hair care for coloured hair.
Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.
Patch-test any new hair product on a small area of skin for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general hair care guidance, not medical advice.