How to Use Hair Oil for Shinier Hair (+When, Why, and How)

Hair oiling is part of your hair care routine, helping restore moisture and promote growth. It is more than a beauty product; it is a remedy for lifeless locks.

But when and how do you use hair oil to make your hair shinier and stronger? At Haste, we understand the transformative power of hair oils and are here to help you incorporate them into your routine.

Let’s look at when, why, and how to use hair oil to achieve healthy hair.

4 Ways to Use Hair Oil

how to use hair oil

The fantastic thing is that you can use hair oil before washing your hair as a pre-shampoo treatment, after your wash, or at night as a scalp treatment.

How to Use Hair Oil as a Pre-Poo

Oil can be used as a pre-poo or pre-shampoo treatment to help reduce the moisture lost in hair and prevent breakage during shampooing.

Dry hair tends to lose moisture quickly, and hair oil can be beneficial. Oil coats the hair cuticle, filling the gaps to prevent further damage.

We recommend using butter or rich oils as a pre-poo treatment. Since you will wash it out after using it, you need not worry about it building up or becoming heavy if you have fine hair.

Steps:

  1. Start using the oil on dry hair and divide your hair into sections.
  2. Only apply a small amount to your palms and smooth it over your hair. Do not saturate your hair.
  3. Apply the oil to one section at a time, then detangle the hair using your fingers or brush.
  4. Leave the oil on your hair for five minutes, and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

How to Use Hair Oil During Styling

air drying or blow drying

An important note is that hair oils do not hydrate and cannot fix dry hair. They only seal and lock in moisture. So, if your hair is dry, it is best to hydrate it with water or a leave-in conditioner before styling.

You can apply oil to wet hair as part of your styling and use different methods. However, it depends on how you layer the oil and use moisturizers in your routine. Here are three methods:

LOC Method

The LOC method is excellent for using liquid oils and following them up with cream. It is a fantastic hair treatment for medium to very porose hair. To retain moisture, you can add the oil after the liquid step.

Steps:

  1. When using the LOC method, start with clean, wet hair.
  2. First, use a leave-in conditioner, and then smooth in a small amount of the oil.
  3. For curly hair, apply curl cream and then style it as desired.
  4. You can leave your hair to air dry or use a diffuser for curly hair.

LCO Method

This method layers the liquid of your styling cream, applies the oil, and works well on low-porosity hair.

Steps:

  1. Start with clean and wet hair.
  2. Next, apply your leave-in conditioner.
  3. Follow it up with styling cream and style your hair as desired.
  4. Use a small amount of sealing oil in the hair and leave it to air dry, or use a diffuser.

How to Use Hair Oil as The Last Step in Styling

Lastly, you can apply hair oil as the final step when styling to help retain moisture. It seals the cuticle and leaves it with a shine. You can invest in sealing oils to keep your hair hydrated between washes.

Steps:

  1. Once done styling your hair, leave it until it is completely dry.
  2. Apply a small amount of the hair oil to your palms, then rub them together.
  3. Then smooth the oil over your hair and use the praying hand method if needed.
  4. Lastly, gently scrunch the ends and shake the roots to add volume.

Using Hair Oil For Hair Growth at Night

Many say massaging oil into their scalps at night helps stimulate hair growth follicles. You can add this to your nighttime routine before going to bed.

We recommend applying a small amount of hair oil to your fingertips and then rubbing them together. Avoid using too much, and massage your scalp to ensure you rub it under the hair.

Next, flip your hair upside down and massage your scalp to add volume and increase blood flow. Repeat these steps nightly.

Important Note: Recent research questions this method, as oil can feed bacteria on your scalp and lead to flakiness or an itchy scalp.

When to Use Hair Oils

protein helps make hair manageable

Before we advise you on when to use it, it is essential to remember that hair oil and water do not mix.

If you want to lock in moisture, you first need water and then oil to seal it. So, you hydrate your hair and then capture it using oil.

You can apply an oil treatment before shampooing for fine or thick hair. This will not leave a heavy residue and will still leave your scalp beautiful.

Hair oil is the best option for massaging your scalp, but we recommend using natural oils depending on your hair.

Use light jojoba or almond oil that will not weigh your hair down. Hair oil adds shine; only a few drops are needed after styling.

What’s Inside Hair Oil? Get to Know The Ingredients

coconut oil

Hair oils can be infused with different blends, and it is best to learn the ingredients before using the product to determine if you have any allergies.

Base Ingredient: Natural Oil

  • Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants to moisten and strengthen the hair.
  • Coconut oil helps penetrate the hair deeply to protect it from protein loss, but it can also weigh the hair down and make it difficult to wash it out thoroughly.
  • Jojoba oil mimics natural sebum, hydrates, and adds shine to the hair.
  • Olive oil can help soften hair to promote elasticity and reduce split ends.
  • Almond oil is packed with vitamins to combat dryness and frizz.

Alternatively, many hair products include essential oils from tea trees, rosemary, and lavender for scalp health and aroma. They also contain added nutritional ingredients, such as vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5, proteins like keratin, and fatty acids.

We recommend checking the product’s ingredients before you use it. Some ingredients may irritate your scalp.

Benefits of Using Hair Oil

root smudging

Hair oil is not only for damaged hair but also offers a solution for different hair needs. If you deal with a lack of shine, dryness, or frizz, using the right hair oil can help address these issues. 

The oil penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes the scalp, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture. If you have coily or curly hair, the oil helps to define and maintain your natural curl pattern when styling.

So, if you are unsure what oil will suit your hair, our team can make personal recommendations based on your unique texture and concerns.

Wrap-Up: Avoiding Common Mistakes

While hair oil is versatile, it is essential to use it correctly. Over-oiling can lead to a buildup and leave your hair greasy instead of shiny. The same applies to using the wrong hair oil for your hair, as it will leave you with disappointing results.

We recommend consulting with an expert to help you find the perfect balance and choose the right products. Are you ready to transform your hair? Book a consultation today, and let us guide you toward healthy hair.

FAQ

Can hair oil make your hair greasy?

Yes, hair oil can leave your hair feeling greasy if you use too much on your hair. The amount needed will depend on your hair texture and type. Fine hair only requires a small amount, while thicker or coarse hair can handle more.

What can I do if I have used too much oil in my hair?

We recommend washing your hair and starting over again, but for a quick fix, use dry shampoo or a hair powder to absorb the excess oil. Then, restyle your hair. While it might not feel its best, it will still look better than your over-oiled hair.

For how long must I leave hair oil in?

The time you leave hair oil in the hair will depend on the use, but you can leave it in for up to 15 minutes as a pre-wash treatment. For deep nourishment, you can leave it overnight. For post-wash styling, only apply a small amount without rinsing.

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