How to Choose a Natural Hair Oil in the UK

In short: When choosing a natural hair oil in the UK, look for a simple blend of plant oils you can massage into the scalp before washing. Our Ayurvedic Herbal Hair Oil combines sesame seed and coconut oils with indigofera extract, jojoba oil, vitamin E, tea tree, cedarwood and vetivert, follows the Kerala tradition of hair oiling, and is vegan.

Hard water and cold, damp weather can leave hair feeling dry. Oiling the scalp and lengths before washing is a long standing tradition in Kerala, and an easy habit to add to a UK routine.

What should you look for in a natural hair oil?

• A short ingredient list of plant oils you recognise.
• A texture that suits your hair: lighter for fine hair, richer for curly or coily hair.
• A scent you enjoy, because you will be using it regularly.
• A size that suits your routine: a 100ml bottle lasts many treatments.

What is in Holy Lama Herbal Hair Oil?

A base of sesame seed oil and coconut oil, with indigofera extract, jojoba oil, vitamin E and tea tree, and a warm scent of cedarwood and vetivert. It is vegan. The full ingredient list is on the product page.

How do you use hair oil?

1. Pour a small amount into a bowl or your palm.
2. Massage it into your scalp with your fingertips in small circles.
3. Work any excess through to the ends.
4. Leave for about 15 minutes, or overnight once a week if your hair is curly or coily.
5. Wash with a mild shampoo such as our Nalikera coconut oil shampoo.

If your hair is fine, focus on the scalp so the lengths are not weighed down. Many people oil their hair two or three times a week.

What other habits help your hair routine?

• Limit heat styling or use a heat protectant.
• Try a silk or satin pillowcase.
• Enjoy a short scalp massage before your shower, even without oil.

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. The factory is a government recognised women's enterprise following the 10 principles of Fair Trade, and more than 80% of the workforce is women. Production waste is used as fuel or as cattle feed rather than sent to landfill.

See our full hair care range and our guide to an Ayurvedic hair care routine.