Hair Oiling: Skin Care For Your Scalp

Hair Care

When caring for our skin, we make sure to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize so we can achieve glowing results. Your scalp needs to be cared for in the same way to foster a healthy environment for maximum growth and strong strands. One of the best ways to care for your scalp is through the ancient practice of hair oiling. 

Rooted in Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, hair oiling began as a ritual not only to nourish the hair and scalp, but to forge connection and bonding between the individual oiling the scalp and the person receiving the treatment. This self care ritual has been passed down over generations, and is now proven to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.

"Using a hair oil as a scalp pre-cleanse step before shampoo breaks down build up and reduces the amount of effort needed in the shower. Think of it like double cleansing for your face- first the oil cleanser breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and pollution so your face wash can better cleanse the skin and deliver its benefits deeper." - Sara Hallajian, Trichologist

Continue reading to learn about how you can reap the benefits of hair oiling at each step of the ritual.

The Healthy Scalp Ritual  

Step 1: Choosing The Right Oil 

The first step is picking the right oil for your hair. You want to make sure you are putting the right ingredients on your scalp, just as you would on your face. Choosing a high-quality, non-clogging hair oil with science-backed ingredients is essential. When selecting a hair oil, we recommend reaching for all-in-one formulas that utilize a variety of powerful oils that are clinically-proven to work together to create a multi-benefit formula.  

Our Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil is designed with the optimal concentrations of rosemary, amla, and castor oil to maximize results. Each of these ingredients serves a different purpose:  

• Rosemary: Stimulates hair follicles to support stronger, healthier hair.
• Amla: Superfood adaptogen to strengthen hair & nourish the scalp. 
• Castor: Packed with essential fatty acids to nourish, add shine and tame frizz 

This blend of oils is infused with a hair-fortifying bond complex to further repair damage and strengthen hair strands, creating a powerful yet gentle formula. The Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil was clinically tested in a four-week consumer study, where 97% of participants reported fuller, stronger, and healthier hair after 3 uses. 

Our oil was designed to be a simple, all-in-one solution that is safe and effective for all hair types, so you don’t have to hassle with a complicated DIY hair oil tonic at home. 

Check out this before and after! 

Step 2: Applying & Massaging The Oil 

Hair oiling goes beyond the simple application of the product — a range of  benefits actually stem from the application process. A therapeutic ritual that nurtures both scalp and hair, scalp massaging is what stimulates your scalp and boosts blood circulation. Applying gentle pressure through your scalp helps activate the dormant hair follicles, leading to hair growth. 

How To Hair Oil:

1. Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips, applying pressure while moving in a circular motion.

2. Make sure to target both the front and back of your scalp, paying attention to the areas you want to promote growth.

3. Apply the oil through the ends of hair strands for added nourishment & moisture.

4. You can leave the hair oil on anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight before shampooing it out. 

Pro tip: If you want to take it an extra step, consider using a derma-roller or scalp scrubber on the areas you want to boost growth.

Step 3: The Cleanse 

This next step involves shampooing your scalp to remove and rinse away accumulated dirt, impurities, and build up that was collected during the oil application and massage step. Just as oil cleansing your face lifts impurities and makeup from your skin, the oil you’ve applied to your scalp lifts debris and product residue, which are washed away once you shampoo. 

By purifying your scalp, you effectively eliminate buildup, excess oils, and impurities, which in turn promotes optimal scalp health and function. In addition, you create a clean canvas that allows other products, like the Hair Density Boosting Treatment, to penetrate deep into the roots with enhanced absorption. This crucial step ensures that your scalp is primed and ready to reap the maximum benefits of subsequent hair care treatments, promoting healthier and more vibrant hair growth. 

Pro tip: Use a clarifying shampoo, like Ouai’s detox shampoo, to ensure the oil is completely washed out & your hair is left squeaky clean!   

The Ritual: Benefits Of A Holistic Approach 

De-stressing is arguably the most important “ingredient” in our hair growth philosophy. When the scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded. Care for your hair from the inside by eating the right food, exercising, sleeping well, and trying to maintain a stress-free state of being. 

We encourage you to approach the hair oiling process as a time to relax, rewind, and reset. Turn away from the screen, turn on your favorite music, and be in the present moment. Approaching this practice as a ritual rather than a task will help you reconnect with yourself and foster a sense of peace and enjoyment for the process. As you massage the nourishing oils into your scalp, tune-out your worries and tensions. Embrace this moment of self-care, knowing that you're not just nurturing your hair, but also nurturing your overall well-being. Your hair — and your soul — will thank you for it.

Start your hair oiling ritual today!

The centuries-old practice of hair oiling, or as we like to think of it– oil cleansing your scalp, offers a holistic approach to hair care, rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom and supported by modern science. To ensure you are maximizing the benefits of this practice and seeing results, it is important to be consistent. Incorporating a weekly ritual of scalp massaging, nourishing oils, and detoxifying cleanses provides your hair with the essential care it needs to thrive.