The Hair Oiling Trend: Should You Be Doing It & What Oils Actually Work?

Hair oiling is everywhere right now—TikTok, Instagram, beauty blogs—but is it actually worth the hype? Or just another passing trend?

The truth is, hair oiling isn’t new. It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and holistic haircare routines to strengthen strands, nourish the scalp, and boost shine. But like any trend, not all advice is created equal—some oils work wonders, while others can actually weigh hair down or cause buildup (yep, even natural ones!).

So, should you be oiling your hair? Let’s break down who it works for, which oils are best, and how to do it the right way for healthy, radiant hair.

What Is Hair Oiling (And Does It Actually Work)?

Hair oiling is exactly what it sounds like—massaging oil into your scalp and strands to nourish, protect, and strengthen your hair.

💡 Benefits of Hair Oiling:
✔ Deeply moisturises hair & scalp
✔ Strengthens strands and reduces breakage
✔ Helps reduce frizz & boost shine
✔ Can support healthy hair growth by improving scalp circulation
✔ Creates a natural protective barrier against damage

The right oils can restore hydration, balance the scalp, and keep hair soft—but choosing the wrong oil (or overdoing it) can leave hair greasy, limp, or clogged with buildup.

Who Should (& Shouldn’t) Oil Their Hair?

Hair oiling can be amazing, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s how to know if it’s right for you:

✅ Great for:
✔ Dry, brittle, or damaged hair
✔ Frizzy, coarse, or curly hair types
✔ A dry, flaky, or sensitive scalp
✔ Those who heat style or colour their hair frequently

🚫 Maybe skip it if:
❌ Your hair gets greasy really fast
❌ You have an oily scalp (extra oil might make it worse!)
❌ You use lots of styling products (oil + product buildup = not a good combo!)

💡 If you have an oily scalp but dry ends, you can still oil your hair—just focus on the mid-lengths to ends instead of the roots!

Best Oils for Hair (& Which Ones to Avoid!)

Not all oils are created equal! Here’s what actually works:

🌿 Best Oils for Hair Growth & Strength

✔ Rosemary Oil – Known to boost circulation & encourage healthy hair growth (it’s even been compared to minoxidil in studies!).
✔ Peppermint Oil – Helps stimulate the scalp & reduce buildup, great for those with sluggish hair growth.

💡 Use a few drops diluted in a lightweight carrier oil (like jojoba) and massage into your scalp.

💧 Best Oils for Moisture & Shine

✔ Argan Oil – A lightweight, non-greasy oil that adds shine & protects against damage.
✔ Jojoba Oil – Mimics the scalp’s natural oils, making it perfect for hydrating without clogging follicles.

💡 These oils work well as a leave-in for dry ends or as a protective barrier before heat styling.

🛑 Oils That Can Be Too Heavy (or Cause Buildup!)

❌ Coconut Oil – Sounds great, but it can actually block moisture absorption in fine or low-porosity hair.
❌ Castor Oil – Popular for hair growth, but it’s super thick and can clog the scalp if overused.
❌ Olive Oil – Great for deep conditioning, but it’s too heavy for frequent use.

💡 If your hair is fine or prone to oiliness, stick to lightweight oils that absorb easily!

How to Oil Your Hair (The Right Way!)

✔ For a Deep Treatment:

• Apply a few drops of a lightweight oil (like argan or jojoba) to damp hair.

• Massage into the scalp (if needed) and distribute through mid-lengths to ends.

• Leave for 1-2 hours (or overnight if your hair needs extra hydration!).

• Wash out with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo (like BodFood’s coconut-derived formulas!).

✔ For Daily Frizz Control & Shine:

• Use 1-2 pumps of BodFoods Mooisture and Shine Serum on dry ends.

• Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness.

So, Should You Try Hair Oiling?

Hair oiling can be amazing—but only if done right! The key is:

✨ Choosing the right oil for your hair type
✨ Avoiding heavy oils if your scalp is oily
✨ Using lightweight oils as a leave-in for shine & frizz control
✨ Washing it out properly to prevent buildup