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]Growing up, Sundays were synonymous with soothing hair massages, traditionally termed ‘champi’—a relationship-building and bonding experience in the quintessential Indian household. Our mothers would douse our parched scalps in generous helpings of lukewarm hair oil, gently massaging our roots to stimulate blood circulation and oxygenation, then making her way to the dehydrated tips of our limp strands.
Today, if your head holds a healthy, lustrous mane, thank your mother for the Sunday’s well-spent nurturing your locks. But as you partook in this hair care ritual for decades—and, perhaps, plan to pass it down through generations—have you ever stopped to ask yourself whether it’s performed the right way?
How long should you massage the scalp with hair oil? Should hair oiling be done on damp or dry hair? How much hair oil should you use? Fret not, for we answer all your burning questions pertaining to this traditional practice.
Hair Oiling Wet vs. Dry Hair
You can oil your hair when it’s wet or dry. However, heavier oils like coconut oil are best applied to dry hair. To ensure optimal absorption of the product, heat the oil, or use a hot towel on your hair post-application.
How Much Oil To Use And How Long To Leave It On
The amount of hair oil required primarily depends on the length of your hair. Bear in mind that a little goes a long way…apply one to three palmfuls of oil onto your scalp and one or two pumps for the strands—depending on your hair texture and length. Gently massage the formulation in a circulation motion onto your scalp with your fingertips, boosting blood circulation and inducing a relaxed state. Avoid a vigorous champi; it may lead to knots and hair breakage.
While many tend to leave the oil on overnight, leaving oil on for two hours would suffice. For those plagued by psoriasis, dandruff, and dermatitis, steer clear of oiling, as it may exacerbate flakiness and inflammation.
The Benefits of Oiling Your Hair
The benefits of hair oiling are aplenty—from preventing breakage and split ends to promoting thicker, more lustrous locks. Hair oiling also tends to a dry, flaky scalp, moisturising and soothing it to control dandruff and other scalp conditions. Besides, hair oiling coats and protects your strands from environmental stressors and maintains a colour-treated mane. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy champi-induced relaxation? Massaging your scalp with hair oil is a great way to boost blood circulation and revive your follicles while inviting a state of deep relaxation and stress relief.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Apply Hair Oil Effectively
- After choosing a product suitable for your hair type and concerns, heat the solidified oil for a liquified formulation for seamless application and optimal absorption.
- Section off parts of your hair and comb through the strands to detangle. Begin massaging the oil onto the roots in a circular motion with your fingertips.
- Once your scalp and strands are well-coated, twist your hair into a topknot—however, not too tight to prevent breakage.
- Expose your mane to steam or wrap a hot towel around the hair to accelerate absorption.
- After leaving the oil on for up to two hours, rinse thoroughly with a suitable shampoo. Lather appropriately to ensure no remnants of oil remain on your scalp and strands.
The Best Hair Oils To Buy
Peruse our edit of the best hair oils that support healthy hair growth and lustre, and promise density and volume.
Nykaa Bestseller
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 770
This best-selling formulation—imbued with primrose oil—promises up to 96 hours of frizz control, promotes hair lustre and shine, and instantly smoothens dull, tired locks. Spread evenly on towel-dried hair; no need to rinse.
Holistic Hair Health
Rating: 4.3
Price: INR 2,950
A bond-building hair offering, the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is ideal for styling your hair, as it provides up to 450 degrees of heat protection. The hair oil increases shine and softness and curbs flyaways and frizziness upon application.
Ayurvedic Goodness
Rating: 4.3
Price: INR 949
This potent potion, enriched with curry leaves, active bhringraj, vetiver roots, and karanja seeds, is designed to prevent hair fall, stimulate healthy hair growth, and facilitate scalp nourishment. An added plus: It is ideal for use across hair types and genders!
Worth The Splurge
Rating: 4.6
Price: INR 3,870
Revel in the goodness of argan oil and linseed extract with Moroccanoil’s non-greasy formulation that delivers on its promise to maximise lustre and detangle. Ideal for all hair types, this product can be applied to damp or dry hair, depending on your styling requirements.
Best Budget Buy
Rating: 4.3
Price: INR 180
Bid farewell to breakage and hair fall with Biotique’s Anti-Hair Fall Bhringraj Therapeutic Oil which boasts ayurvedic ingredients such as bhringraj, mulethi, coconut oil, and amla. Infused with 100% botanical extracts, this formulation nips your hair loss problem in the bud—giving way to smooth, strong tresses.
India Proud
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 949
This made-in-India offering compels you to reconnect with your roots and reap the benefits of a ritualistic champi. Founded by digital influencer and entrepreneur Diipa Büller-Khosla, inde wild’s Champi Hair Oil is power-packed with essential Ayurvedic herbs, flowers, seeds, roots, and fruits for miraculous hair growth and volume.
Toxin-Free
Rating: 4.6
Price: INR 395
This organic, 100% pure coconut oil will intensely hydrate your hair while improving its overall health. Free of chemicals, this offering is for those who possess a sensitive scalp and are wary of exposing their skin to toxin-loaded oils. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, directly apply this wonder product to your hair and skin for the best results.
Highly-Rated
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 2,850
Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Treatment Oil is the perfect pre-wash experience to indulge yourself in. Infused with dashmool and ashwagandha, it works by strengthening your roots and hydrating your tresses while emitting a divine scent with a warm, woody base that will transport you to the holy city of Madurai.