How to oil your hair the right way
A step-by-step guide to hair oiling: how much oil to use, how long to leave it on, how often to oil, and the mistakes that make hair greasy or weak.
By the Saba Naturals team. Updated . 6 min read.
Hair oiling is one of the oldest hair care habits in Pakistan. Most of us remember sitting on the floor while an elder massaged warm oil into our scalp on a Friday or Sunday. Done properly, it's still one of the simplest ways to keep hair soft, smooth and easier to manage. Done badly, it leaves hair greasy, flat and hard to wash.
This guide covers the full routine, from warming the oil to washing it out.
What hair oiling actually does
Oil coats the hair strand and softens it. Soft hair bends instead of snapping, so it breaks less when you comb, tie or towel-dry it. Oil also takes away the rough, dry feel that hard water, heat and strong shampoos leave behind.
A gentle scalp massage feels relaxing, and many people find it the best part of the routine. What oiling won't do is fix hair loss that comes from health problems, hormones or medicines. If you're losing a lot of hair suddenly, see a dermatologist.
What you need
- A good herbal hair oil, such as PureRoots Herbal Hair Oil
- A wide-tooth comb
- A cup of warm water to warm the oil
- An old towel or pillowcase if you'll leave the oil on overnight
- A shampoo that washes oil out properly, such as PureRoots Herbal Shampoo
Step-by-step hair oiling routine
- Detangle first. Comb your dry hair gently with a wide-tooth comb so you're not pulling knots later.
- Warm the oil. Stand the bottle in a cup of warm water for a minute or two. The oil should feel warm, never hot. Don't microwave it.
- Section your hair. Part your hair down the middle, then into four or more sections so you can reach the scalp.
- Apply to the scalp. Put a little oil on your fingertips and dab it along each parting.
- Massage gently. Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails, and move in small circles for 5–10 minutes.
- Oil the lengths. Smooth what's left through the mid-lengths and ends, which are usually the driest part.
- Leave it on. At least an hour, or overnight. Loosely plait long hair so it doesn't tangle.
- Wash it out. Apply shampoo to dry or barely damp hair first, lather, then add water and rinse. Wash a second time if your hair still feels oily.
How much oil should you use?
Less than you think. For shoulder-length hair, a teaspoon or two is usually enough for the scalp, plus a little more for the lengths. Long, thick hair may need a tablespoon or more. If you need three shampoos to get it out, use less next time.
How long should you leave oil in your hair?
An hour is the minimum to get the softening benefit. Overnight is fine and popular, especially for dry hair. If you have an oily scalp or get breakouts along the hairline, stick to 1–2 hours and wash.
How often should you oil your hair?
Once or twice a week suits most hair types in Pakistan. Dry, curly or chemically treated hair can take twice a week. Fine hair and oily scalps usually do better with once a week.
Common hair oiling mistakes
- Using too much oil. It doesn't work better, it just takes longer to wash out.
- Rubbing hard or scratching. Rough massage pulls hair out. Be gentle.
- Tying hair tightly while oiled. Wet or oiled hair stretches and breaks more easily. Use a loose plait.
- Going out in the sun with oiled hair. Oil attracts dust. Oil at home, wash before you head out.
- Skipping the patch test. With any new oil, dab a little behind your ear and wait 24 hours.
The short version
Warm a little oil, massage it in gently, leave it for at least an hour, and wash with a good shampoo. Do it once or twice a week and stick with it for a month before you judge the results.
Ready to start? PureRoots Herbal Hair Oil comes in 120ml and 150ml, with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan.