Hair Oiling: What It Is and How to Do It

In short: Hair oiling means massaging a plant oil into the scalp and lengths, leaving it for at least 15 minutes, then washing it out. It is a long standing tradition in Kerala and across India. Our Ayurvedic Herbal Hair Oil blends sesame, coconut and castor oils with indigofera, vitamin E and essential oils of cedarwood, vetivert, galangal, bergamot and sweet orange.

Central heating, hard water and heat styling can leave UK hair feeling dry. More people are adding a weekly hair oiling ritual to their routine, both for how their hair feels and for the moment of calm it brings.

What is hair oiling?

Hair oiling is the practice of massaging oil into the scalp and through the hair before washing. In Kerala it has been part of family routines for generations, often done on a weekend morning.

How do you oil your hair?

1. Warm a small amount of oil between your palms.
2. Part your hair and massage the oil into your scalp with your fingertips in small circles.
3. Work any excess through the lengths and ends.
4. Leave for at least 15 minutes, or overnight once a week if your hair is very dry or curly.
5. Wash with a mild shampoo such as our Nalikera coconut oil shampoo, then use Ayurvedic Hair Conditioner.

What is in Holy Lama Herbal Hair Oil?

Sesame seed, coconut and castor oils, with indigofera extract, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and essential oils of cedarwood, vetivert, galangal, bergamot and sweet orange for a warm, grounding scent. It is vegan. The full ingredient list is on the product page.

How often should you oil your hair?

Many people oil their hair once to three times a week. Fine hair may prefer the scalp only; thick or curly hair can take more through the lengths.

Who makes Holy Lama hair care?

Our hair care is hand filled and hand labelled at our own factory in Kerala, India, by a family business that dates back to 1946. We work closely with local farmers in Kerala, and more than 80% of our workforce is women, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

See also what Ayurvedic hair care is and how to choose a natural hair oil.