Like a lot of trends on TikTok, scalp oiling isn’t new. In fact, it’s an ancient Ayurvedic ritual dating back 5,000 years. In Sanskrit, the word sneha means both ‘oil’ and ‘love’, which hints at why it’s long been an important part of people’s beauty routines. 

Away from TikTok, you might have spotted Kate oiling her sister Edwina’s hair in season two of Bridgerton, further piquing people’s interest in it. 

Back in the 2010s, dry shampoos were all the rage as we tried to make sure there wasn’t a greasy strand in sight. Now, with the help of our favourite TV shows and tutorials on TikTok showing how to achieve that slicked-back look (think: Sofia Richie’s sleek bun), hair oiling has been catapulted back into the spotlight, and more people are adding hair oiling into their everyday routines (and no longer just a nighttime ritual). 

Despite its popularity, scalp oiling isn’t suitable for everyone. Before you dive in and slather your scalp in oil, here’s what you need to know about the ancient practice ahead of introducing it into your routine.

As the name suggests, scalp oiling involves “massaging oil into the scalp and roots, all the way down to the ends of the hair to promote scalp nourishment and strengthen the roots of the hair”, explains Diipa Büller-Khosla, founder of Inde Wild. The act of massaging oils into the scalp helps increase blood flow, and it’s an incredibly relaxing ritual that women have been practising for centuries, passing routines and homemade oil formulas down through generations.

Traditionally, the benefits of oiling include helping to soothe, moisturise and soften the hair and scalp. It’s also said to help support hair growth (mainly by the massaging action to stimulate circulation), but there are no studies strong enough to fully support that theory as yet. You can choose a type of oil that best suits your hair whether you’re looking to exfoliate, soothe or moisturise. Oils on mid-lengths and ends also help to promote shine. Hair oiling typically works best for afro, curly and thicker hair types because they typically need more moisture than fine, straight hair, but it’s something that most people can get involved with. 

The benefits extend beyond what it can do for your scalp and hair. “It can also act as a meditative stress reliever,” explains Büller-Khosla. “Scalp oiling can also be incorporated as part of your self-care routines at home, performed as a meditative practice.”

Step 1: Choose your preferred oil and warm it up – this is said to increase absorption. But don’t make it too hot, a scalding scalp is not the outcome we’re after.

Step 2: Start by parting your hair in the centre and apply a small amount of oil down that section of hair. You can either apply oil directly from the dropper to your scalp or onto your hands first. Make sure you massage the oil into your scalp with your fingertips.

Step 3: Continue this process parting your hair from one side to the other until your scalp is covered. You don’t need to go overboard here, just a few drops does the job.

Step 4: If you’d like, you can add some oil through your mid-lengths and ends to help soften and add shine. You can also gently brush your hair to take oil down the hair.

Step 5: To get the full benefits, it’s recommended to leave oil in the hair for eight hours (or overnight).

Step 6: Shampoo well to wash out the oil of the scalp and lengths. 

Not everyone is suitable for scalp oiling. Although oils are relatively safe for everyone, allergies can happen, so if you’re concerned about a reaction, do a patch test first. If you have dandruff, oiling isn’t recommended as it can exacerbate the issue. Finally, if you have overly greasy, thin or fine hair, you might not want to use hair oil as it can leave it feeling weighed down.

If you want to get involved in the ritual, incorporating massage into your routine is a lovely way to do that. You can also use a scalp serum instead of an oil to help treat any scalp issues.

Want to try hair oiling? Here are some of our favourite oils… 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands