Hair Oiling: Facts vs. Myths

What really works - and what does not

By: Lane C

Hair Oiling has been a staple in cultures for centuries and currently has been making a comeback due to its popularity on social media. They’re are a ton of videos and post claiming this new “miracle growth“ hair hack. While oils can be beneficial there is a lot of misinformation on how to use them properly. Let’s break down the Facts and the Myths of Hair oiling so you can use it in a way that truly supports healthy hair.

Myth - You have to oil every day

This is most definitely not true. Sure, it can help increase blood flow to the scalp by the massage of the hair follicles when your applying the oil - however - over oiling then can lead to problems down the road with build up, imbalance scalp microbiome, and over production of scalp sebum. Oiling can be beneficial but again in small doses. I recommend you oil every 2-3 washes or even longer. Apply the oil and massage it for a couple minutes. Leave on 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you are feeling crazy though overnight won’t hurt. Just as long as you’re okay with sleeping oily.

Fact -  It Matters What Oil You Use

The only known Oil proven by science to help support hair growth on the scalp is Rosemary Oil. Rosemary Oil has the benefits to stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles to encourage hair growth. In treatments I commonly use rosemary powder and rosemary based products if my client is concerned about or is having hair loss. Jojoba Oil is also a great one to add into your skin care routine in general as a base oil in your products. Jojoba Oil’s structure is so similar to your skins sweat that your body excepts it as its own. If you are looking to make your own rosemary oil I suggest using Jojoba as your base oil and infusing it with organic fresh rosemary placing it in a closed glass container. Place t in a cool dark place for a couple weeks. Then it should be ready to use! If you are purchasing it always go for organic to make sure it is the cleanest possible for your health. Also check the ingredients to make sure it does not have a coconut oil , organ oil, grapeseed oil, etc, base. These oils cano be beneficial to you but are only used best on the ends of your hair. They are too heavy for your hair follicles and then you get into issues with build up occurring.

Myth and Fact - Hair Oiling Will Make Your Hair Grow

I placed this one under both categories because there is truth and myth in both.

Fact is any scalp stimulation is going to support your follicles to grow faster. When we oil our hair we are massaging the oil into the scalp stimulating the follicles. Think using a scalp brush in the shower, washing our hair, headspa treatments. All these things are going to be the #1 thing if you want to encourage hair growth. Second thing is how you are treating your body internally. Your hair is a direct result of your hormones and internal health. I see so often when a client comes in with stress they are experiencing hair loss. This makes sense considering their body is producing cortisol to keep up with them disrupting the hair growth Phase.

The Myth Part of this is Hair Oil alone will make your hair grow. Rosemary oil itself is proven to improve circulation, fight inflammation, and block DHT which is a a hormone linked to pattern baldness. However , if you are just dropping it on your scalp you will not see the true benefits of what it can do for you. To truly get your full benefits of hair oiling you must use an oil proven to work and massage it into the scalp.

Myth - Oil Helps Moisturize Your Hair

False!! While oil itself does not moisturize it does help to seal moisture into the hair. Commonly after headspa treatments on my clients I put a super hydrating leave in conditioner on the hair and then seal in the moisturize with an oil only the ends of the hair. The key word here is the ends of the hair. If oil is going on your scalp , Plan to shampoo afterward. Otherwise , your hair will feel greasy- especially if the oil is not lightweight or follicle safe.

The Bottom Line

Hair oiling can be an amazing tool when used intentionally and correctly. It’s not a miracle cure—but it is a supportive practice for moisture retention, scalp health, and hair protection.

Healthy hair starts with understanding your unique needs, not following viral trends.

If you’re unsure what oil or routine is best for you, consult your trusted cosmetologist—I am here to help.

Much love as always, Lane C