Complimentary shipping & gift for orders over £50!
Hair Oiling 101: The Right Way to Use Oil, Shampoo and Conditioner for Healthy-Looking Hair
Hair oiling works best when it’s layered in the right order. A scalp‑first approach keeps roots fresh, while sealing on damp hair adds softness, shine and less breakage—without greasiness. This guide is texture‑inclusive and colour‑safe, designed to fit real routines.
Why layering matters
Oil cushions the hair fibre and supports scalp comfort, but placement and timing decide whether hair looks light or heavy. The simplest rule: cleanse the scalp, condition the lengths, seal on damp. Apply care where it’s needed and in amounts that match texture and porosity.
The core layering order
This five‑step sequence keeps things clean at the root and polished at the ends. Use it on wash days, with small adjustments for refresh days.
Step 1 — Pre‑wash (optional): scalp oil vs scalp scrub
Apply hair growth oil to dry hair the day before you wash. Leave it overnight so it can nourish your scalp and strands.
Step 2 — Scalp Scrub (pre-wash)
Before washing, use the scalp scrub to gently exfoliate and remove buildup or itchiness. This prepares your scalp for a deep clean.
Step 3 — Shampoo
On wash day, apply shampoo to your scalp and roots. Massage for 30–60 seconds, then let the lather cleanse the lengths as it rinses out.
Step 4 — Conditioner
Work conditioner through the mid-lengths to ends of your hair. Detangle gently, then rinse until your hair feels smooth and soft.
Step 5 — Silk Hair Wrap
Wrap your hair in a silk hair wrap to protect it, reduce frizz, and help it dry gently without damage.
Step 6 — Brush
Once hair is mostly dry, use the brand’s brush to detangle and style. Brush gently from ends to roots to avoid breakage.
Step 7 — Hair Dew (refresh)
When hair is completely dry, apply Hair Dew to refresh your style and maintain softness over the next few days.
How much oil to use
Dosing prevents heaviness. Start small and adjust.
-
Fine or hair products low porosity: 1–2 drops, mid‑lengths to ends only.
-
Medium density or normal porosity: 2–3 drops, avoid roots.
-
Coarse, high‑porosity, curls/coils: 3–6 drops, apply with “prayer hands”; scrunch to finish.
Oiling routines by goal
Pick the path that matches the hair’s current needs.
Growth & strength look
Weekly scalp exfoliation or a short scalp pre‑oil (alternate by need) → scalp‑focused cleanse → condition lengths every wash → seal on damp → moderate heat. Less breakage over time can make hair appear fuller.
Shine & smoothness
Condition generously → seal lightly on damp hair → finish with an alcohol‑free hair fragrance on dry hair or on a brush. Smoother cuticles reflect more light.
Scalp comfort
On dry‑feeling days: short pre‑oil before washing. On build‑up days: gentle exfoliation before shampoo. Follow with a comfortable cleanse, cooler rinse, and keep styling products off the scalp.
Pre‑wash vs post‑wash oiling
Pre‑wash oiling cushions, cleansing and can reduce tightness on dry scalps or brittle ends. Post‑wash sealing locks in moisture and adds daily softness. Avoid stacking heavy pre‑oil, rich leave‑ins, and root application on the same day.
Common mistakes and fixes
-
Oily roots: Reduce drops; apply from mid‑lengths; add a quick second scalp cleanse.
-
Greasy next day: Seal on damp (not wet); micro‑dose; keep products off roots.
-
Frizz after oiling: Apply on truly damp hair; add a tiny top‑up once fully dry if needed.
-
Curls losing definition: Apply with “prayer hands”; scrunch; avoid brushing once dry.
-
Dull colour: Keep oils and rich products off roots; use moderate heat; finish with a light, hair mist.
Texture & porosity playbook
-
Fine/low‑porosity: Minimal product, thorough rinsing, scalp‑focused cleanse for lift.
-
Curls/coils/waves: Detangle on slip, seal on damp, air‑dry or diffuse on low heat.
-
Colour‑treated/bleached: Gentle, sulfate‑free cleansing; condition every wash; moderate heat; careful detangling.
Weekly & monthly cadence
Consistency beats intensity. Keep it simple.
-
Weekly: 2–3 scalp‑focused washes; condition every wash; seal on damp each wash.
-
Once weekly: Scalp exfoliation or short pre‑oil (alternate based on needs).
-
Monthly: Adjust dose with seasons—slightly richer in winter, lighter in summer.
Visible results timeline
-
Weeks 1–2: Softer feel, easier detangling, subtle shine.
-
Weeks 3–4: Fewer snags and less snap‑off; neater ends.
-
Weeks 6–8: Fuller look through length retention; styles hold better.
FAQs
Should I oil before or after washing?
Pre‑wash cushions cleansing; post‑wash sealing locks in moisture. Many prefer sealing on damp hair for daily softness and shine.
Will oil make fine hair greasy?
Not if you use a pea-size amount on the mid-lengths and ends and avoid heavy application at the roots. Applying sparingly will nourish your hair without weighing it down.
Can I oil my scalp?
Yes. If your scalp feels dry or tight, you can oil it for a quick 30–60 minute treatment and then cleanse thoroughly. For deeper conditioning, you can leave the oil on for several hours or even overnight—but be aware that overnight treatments can stain your pillow and may require extra washing. If you’re dealing with build-up or itchiness, try gentle scalp exfoliation instead.
How often should I oil?
Most see results from sealing on damp hair every wash. Adjust the dose and frequency by texture and porosity.
Is this routine safe for colour‑treated hair?
Yes, with gentle cleansing, consistent conditioning, and moderate heat.
For more FAQ, please check
Your simple oiling checklist
-
Exfoliate weekly or pre‑oil briefly (not both the same day).
-
Cleanse the scalp; condition the lengths.
-
Seal on damp with a few drops—avoid roots.
-
Protect from heat; detangle gently; finish light.
