Fatal "Hair Oiling" Mistakes: The Right Way to Use Hair Oil for Rapid Hair Growth

The ‘Hair Oiling’ trend is going viral everywhere as a ‘miracle’ solution for hair loss, dry, and thin hair. Many are tempted to try, but end up disappointed. Why? Because 90% of Indonesians misunderstand how to apply ‘Hair Oil’.

The biggest mistake? Using ‘Hair Oil’ (Minyak Rambut) like ‘Hair Serum’ (Vitamin Rambut). That is, only applying it to the hair shaft or ends. In fact, ‘Hair Oiling’ is an ancient Ayurvedic tradition whose purpose is to ‘treat the SCALP‘, not the hair shaft. If you want hair to grow fast, thick, and healthy, you must ‘feed’ its roots. This is the guide to the correct way of ‘Hair Oiling’.

Mistake 1: Confusing “Hair Oil” with “Hair Serum”

This is a fundamental mistake. Let’s differentiate:

• Hair Serum (Hair Vitamin): Silicone-based. Its purpose is to ‘coat’ the hair shaft to make it shiny, tangle-free, and protected from styling heat. Used after shampooing on the hair shaft.
• Hair Oil (Treatment Oil): Natural oil-based (coconut, olive, rosemary, castor). Its purpose is to ‘nourish’ the scalp and hair roots. Used before shampooing on the scalp.

Mistake 2: Applying Only to the Hair Ends

If you apply ‘hair oil’ only to the ends of your hair, you are not doing ‘hair oiling’. You are only making your hair ‘greasy’. Hair ends are ‘dead’ tissue. Hair roots are the ‘living’ part and need nutrition.

The Correct Way to “Hair Oiling” (Step-by-Step)

1. Step 1: Prepare Dry Hair (Before Shampooing)
   Do this on ‘dirty’ hair before you plan to shampoo. Comb your hair first to prevent tangles.
2. Step 2: Apply Oil to the SCALP
   Use a dropper (if your oil is thin like rosemary) or your fingers (if it’s thick like castor oil). Section your hair part by part, and drop/apply the oil directly to your SCALP. Focus on problematic areas (e.g., bald spots or areas with hair loss).
3. Step 3: Gentle Massage (Scalp Massage)
   This is the most IMPORTANT part. After the oil is evenly distributed on the scalp, use your fingertips (not your nails!) to massage the entire scalp in circular motions for 5-10 minutes. This massage will ‘improve blood circulation’ to the hair roots, aiding nutrient absorption.
4. Step 4: Distribute Remaining Oil to the Hair Shaft
   After massaging the scalp, the remaining oil on your hands can then be spread from the hair shaft to the ends. This acts as a natural ‘mask’.
5. Step 5: Let It Sit (Minimum 30 Minutes)
   Wrap your hair with a ‘shower cap’ or a warm towel. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, 2-3 hours (or overnight) is much better for the oil to absorb perfectly.
6. Step 6: Shampoo (Double Cleansing)
   Rinsing oil can be ‘tricky’. Do ‘double cleansing’:
   1. First shampoo: Focus on the scalp to ‘dissolve’ the oil.
   2. Second shampoo: Focus on the hair shaft to ‘cleanse’ any remaining oil to prevent greasiness.

How Often?

Do this routine 1-2 times a week. Not every day, as it can clog scalp pores (if rinsing is not thorough) and cause hair loss.

‘Hair Oiling’ is a care ritual, not a ‘quick fix’. Do it the right way (focus on the scalp) consistently, and you will see a big difference in your hair’s health and thickness within a few months.