Hair Oiling 101
BEAUTY
Victoria Guillou
10/6/2024
© Colonne / Pinterest
In a moment of boldness, I chopped my hair into a bob, leaving behind years of length and color experiments. But the real transformation started when I discovered the art of hair oiling. Now, my Sundays are sacred for this luxurious ritual that has not only changed my hair but also my scalp health. Here's how I went from frustration to haircare obsession—and why you might want to join me.
The Secret to Silky Strands and a Happy Scalp
In June 2024, I took the plunge and chopped my hair into a bob, even though it had grown all the way down to the middle of my back. Yes, I know, gasp! But hear me out. My hair journey has been a wild one—I’ve been every color under the sun, and at this point, I just want to go back to my natural light brown. I was also seriously over all those faded dye remnants hanging on for dear life. Oh, and the length? I was just so done. I needed a change!
Fast forward to today… and guess what? I’m on a desperate mission to grow it all back. Typical, right? So, I did what anyone in a hair crisis would do: I turned to social media for answers. Between the endless talk of beer yeast supplements (I mean, we’ve all heard about that one by now) and scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon the hair oiling trend. Three months in, and every Sunday has now become my sacred hair ritual. Yep, I’ll even bail on plans with friends to lock down my four-hour hair care marathon. And honestly? The results are chef’s kiss.
Let’s be real—I’ve always had good hair genes (thanks, mom!). My hair is thick, and I’ve got a lot of it. So, I’m not going to pretend this is some magic fix for fine or thinning hair because, well, I wouldn’t know. But what I can promise you is maximum softness and a scalp that feels more pampered than ever. As someone with a sensitive scalp prone to psoriasis, this routine has been a total game-changer—no more flakes, just a well-hydrated, happy scalp.
Hair oiling, the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: The Oil
Choose your oil wisely! Whether it’s coconut, castor, or even a fancy blend, pick one that suits your hair type. I personally use a mix of oils because I like to be extra, but feel free to go with whatever floats your boat.
Step 2: The Application
Pour a reasonable amount into your palm. How much, you ask? That depends on your hair type. If your hair’s thick like mine, go for a good amount. If it’s finer, less is more. Massage it into your scalp like you're giving yourself a mini head massage. Bonus points if you do it with a cute scalp brush for extra luxury vibes.
Step 3: Let It Marinate
Here’s where patience comes in. Leave the oil on for 3 to 4 hours. Yes, I know, you might not feel the sexiest with oil-soaked hair, but here’s a silver lining: sleek buns are trendy, so you’re just ahead of the curve!
Step 4: The Double Cleanse
When it’s time to rinse, go for a double shampoo cleanse. Trust me, one wash won’t cut it with all that oil! After that, slap on a hair mask to seal the deal, and finish with a blow-dry or let your hair air dry if you’re feeling low-maintenance.
Step 5: The Aftermath
Warning: You might become addicted to how silky your hair feels. Seriously, prepare for friends to ask what your secret is. And no, you don’t have to tell them about your Sunday hair oiling cave sessions (unless you want to).
So there you have it! Hair oiling isn’t exactly the most glamorous of beauty routines, but with sleek buns still trending, you’ve got the perfect excuse to jump on board. Who needs plans when you’ve got four hours of self-care on the agenda?