Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #36266
229 days ago
525

is oil good for hair - #36266

Samuel
FREE

I am really confused about this whole “is oil good for hair” thing. Like, my friend swears by it, says it changed her life or whatever, but I’m not sure. I’ve tried a few oils like coconut and argan, but my scalp gets so oily afterwards and I just feel like a greasy mess, ugh. Last week I put some olive oil on before washing, and my hair was smooth but like... also super weighed down? Did I do it wrong?? Also, I read somewhere that you should warm the oil before applying, but then I worried I’d burn myself or something. Plus, my sister says she has super thick hair, and oils work wonders for her, while mine is kinda fine and limp, so I'm wondering if that makes a difference? And what about the whole "oil cleansing" thing? Is that even a thing for hair? Is oil good for hair in the long run? I’m super desperate for shine and have this annoying floaty frizz. I thought oil would help but now I’m not even sure. Pls send help if u have any tips or know if I should stick with it or ditch it altogether! Thanks, guys!

Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

The idea of oil being good or bad for hair is not one-size-fits-all; it really depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and how you apply the oil. In Ayurveda, different hair types respond differently to oils, and not all oils suit every individual equally.

Based on what you’ve shared, it sounds like you’re dealing with fine hair. Fine hair tends to get weighed down easily, especially with heavier oils like olive or coconut. Ayurveda suggests choosing lighter oils, such as almond oil or jojoba oil for fine hair, as it nourishes without that heavy, greasy feeling. Argan oil is also a good choice since it’s less heavy compared to coconut or olive oils and can add luster and minimize frizz.

Warmng oil before application can indeed enhance its benefits by increasing absorption into the scalp and hairshaft. However, it should be warm to the touch, not hot, to avoid any discomfort or burns. Test it on your wrist first; it should feel pleasantly warm.

As you noticed, your friend with thick hair finds oils beneficial because thick, curly or wavy hair generally requires more moisture and can handle the added weight. Alternatively, fine hair needs less moisturizing weight to avoid feeling flat or slick — moderation is key.

Regarding the “oil cleansing” notion, utilizing oil for the scalp can actually help maintain balance and minimize problems like dry scalp, if done correctly. Yet, integrate it carefully; apply oil before shampooing so it can be effectively washed out, which will avoid the greasy aftermath you experienced.

In terms of long-term benefits, oils, especially when used correctly and consistently, can offer nourishment, improved scalp health, and shine. They can smooth down frizz and leave your hair looking glossy. Aim to apply the right oil once or twice a week, focusing on the ends and fringe areas prone to damage, while limiting the amount on your scalp.

Finally, your hair care shouldn’t rely solely on oiling. Ensure a holistic approach — eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, hydrate well and minimize the use of heat-styling tools to support hair health. But if oiling continues to leave your hair feeling heavy, reconsider its place in your routine. Trial, observation, and adjustment are invaluable in figuring out what works best for you!

13206 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies

Oils can indeed be beneficial for hair, but their effects mainly depend on hair type, scalp condition, and how you use them. In the Siddha-Ayurvedic approach, oils are seen as balancing agents, especially for vata dosha imbalances, which can manifest as dryness and frizz in hair. However, not all hair types require the same treatment – fine or oily hair may not need as much oil as thick or dry hair, so your friend’s experience could be different from yours.

For fine hair prone to greasiness, like yours, lighter oils such as jojoba or grapeseed might be more suitable, as they are less likely to weigh the hair down. The trick is to apply a small amount, focusing on the ends where the hair tends to be driest and avoiding the scalp.

Warming the oil slightly can help with absorption, but there’s no need to get it too hot – just warm it gently until it feels comfortable on your skin. It’s a good practice, but approach it cautiously to prevent burns. Olive oil is nutritive but heavy, which could explain the weighed down feeling you had.

The oil cleansing method typically refers to skin care, but some apply principles to hair and scalp for deep cleaning. Essential here is moderation; overuse or applying it incorrectly can lead to buildup or exacerbating issues like oiliness or dandruff.

In the long run, incorporating oils into your regimen can help manage frizz, add shine, and nourish the scalp. Start by experimenting with different oils and amounts. Ensure you’re not applying too much – often, just a few drops are adequate. If you ever feel unsure, adapt or find alternatives for better hair health without causing imbalance.

13122 answered questions
29% best answers

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What to do for my son's itchy skin pox and chickenpox in his mouth?
What is the best facewash for hormonal acne and what can I apply on it?
What Ayurvedic cream can help get rid of Xanthelasma?
How to reduce itching and swelling from using Lukoskin cream and syrup?
How to treat painful pimples on my face that keep coming back for 3 years at 18 years old?
What is the best face wash or syrup for open pores, pimples, and dull skin for a 22-year-old female?
Can I use hair oil and serum together, and is shampoo necessary after using oil before a shower?
How to treat skin eczema on my palms effectively?
How to treat keloids at home without steroids and control itching?
How to treat worsening pimples and skin allergies while taking mahamajisthadii kwadha and khadirarishta?
Can I use Manjishtadi Thailam for my acne-prone skin with inflammation and heat?
What to apply for tiny red and black moles on my breast and arm?
Is Lomasathana Thailam good for skin, and should I mix it with carrier oil or apply it directly?
Can a 16-year-old girl with thin and weak hair take Sitaram Narasimha tablets, and how many should she take?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for itchy, burning scalp and hair loss in a 74-year-old with long-term chemical exposure?
What is the natural remedy for rosacea and what should I avoid in my diet and daily habits?
How to treat dull, pigmented skin and dark circles effectively?
What causes internal burning and itching after skin healing in my mother?
How to stop hair fall and restore black color to my hair naturally?
Can I use Murivenna for my 5-month-old baby's skin allergy on the face?
How to treat psoriasis on palms and soles with deep cracks and bleeding?
How to reduce skin tanning naturally with combination skin and comedones on nose?
Can my 14-year-old daughter with eczema take vidanga, and what remedies do you suggest?
How to treat alopecia areata and dandruff after 8 months of using minoxidil?
How to treat open pores on my face that have been there for years?
How to overcome itching and oil release on scalp after using ayurvedic mehndi for gray hair?
How to treat oily skin on my face to prevent allergies and acne?
How to treat eczema and skin issues with Ayurveda for a 35-year-old male with sweating and dryness problems?
Can I use aloe vera to treat Tinea Versicolor with irritating itchy skin that started 2 weeks ago?
What is my hair porosity if it absorbs water quickly but floats during the porosity test, and how to treat it with Ayurvedic oils for growth?
How to treat persistent eczema behind the ear that keeps weeping and crusting?
What to do for my 22-year-old daughter with excessive hair fall and oily skin?
What to do for itching and dryness on my body and face with bumps?
How long will it take for eczema to improve with Mahamanjishtha and Khadirarishta syrup?
How to treat excessive hair fall and weight gain with digestive issues and increased appetite?
What is the best Ayurvedic shampoo for severe hair loss and baldness after PRP treatment?
How to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation after 15 years of using creams?
How to treat keloids on my chest that are itchy and have pus?
How to stop hair fall and improve gut health for a vegetarian?
How to treat premature white hair in a 23-year-old?
How to reduce skin tanning naturally for combination skin with oily nose and dry cheeks?
How to treat dark raised dermatofibroma spots on my leg?
What oil or shampoo should I use for my thin hair to grow long quickly, and how often should I oil it?
How to treat chronic acne and irregular periods in a 24-year-old with oily skin?
How to treat hair fall and grey hair for thicker black hair?
What causes uneven skin tone and excessive dryness on my upper body with on-and-off constipation?
How to treat warts on the face with Ayurveda or other methods?
What are the best remedies for hair fall and greying in a 43-year-old woman with anemia?
What causes yellowish skin and dark patches on my face with occasional rashes?
How to treat hair fall and promote hair growth due to stress at age 36?
How to treat male pattern baldness with natural remedies like egg, oil, and aloe vera?
How to treat dandruff and severe hair fall that has lasted more than 6 months?
How to treat hair loss when follicles seem dormant for 2 years?
How to treat heavy nodular acne and dark spots on face and back for a 29-year-old male?
Is it safe to use Multani Mitti overnight on my pimples?
How to use Nalpamaram and Nagarmotha powder for acne on face and body?
What to do for recurring facial acne that keeps coming back for 3 years in an 18-year-old?
What Ayurvedic treatment can help my 24-year-old daughter with her chronic skin redness and itching?
How to treat Lichen Planus and how long will it take to heal?
Can I use red onion shampoo with jojoba oil for hair loss and dry scalp at 64 years old?
What are the best Ayurvedic treatments for hair thinning and hair fall on the right side of my head?
What is causing the itching on my legs between the knee and ankles that is spreading?
How to treat scars after pimples on my back?
How long can I take Trich up tablet for hair growth and what are the side effects?
What is the best facewash for hormonal acne and should I apply anything on it?
How to treat eczema-related hyperpigmentation and achieve an even skin tone without heavy metals?
How to treat male pattern baldness and hair thinning at 27 with oily scalp?
How to treat eczema and skin issues with Ayurveda for a 35-year-old male with a history of skin infections?
How to treat melasma on my nose and cheeks that I've had for 4 months?
How to use Ayurvedic remedies like surakta and neem guard for Acne inversa and folliculitis?
What are some natural home remedies for hyperpigmentation on my forehead and cheekbone?
How to treat keratosis pilaris on my skin with Ayurveda?
Can I apply multani mitti on my pimples overnight for better results?
How to treat white patches on skin with Bakuchi Churna or oil?
Can a 10-year-old take Manjishtadiwati and Khadirarishta for eczema and itching?
Can I use Nalpamaradi Keram and Manjista Churna for my skin issues and what dosage is safe?
How to reduce itching and swelling from Lukoskin cream and syrup after 3 days of use?
What else can I do to improve hair loss treatment after using black sesame seeds and Nilibhringadi oil?
How to treat eczema and skin issues with Ayurveda for a 35-year-old male with sweating and dryness problems?
Can Ayurveda treat my Labrador's atopic dermatitis after 3 years of no improvement with medication?
What causes yellowish tint and dark patches on my face after taking multivitamins?
How to treat extreme oily face and dark spots from acne?
How to treat recurring acne and dark spots on my face?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for pimples and dark spots on my cheeks?
What Ayurvedic techniques can help prevent hair loss and greying for a 29-year-old male?
What are the connections between skin problems and liver health?
How to treat acne and lose weight for a 25-year-old female with sensitive skin?
What to do for dull and combination skin that darkens with products and causes rashes?
What are the benefits of using egg and ghee with essential oils for a hair mask on wavy curly hair?
What to do for chronic skin disorder with dry patches, itching on thighs, and swollen face?
Can I use Arjuna Churna on my face for vyanga without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor?
What Ayurvedic foods should I avoid for rosacea and what could bumps on my nails mean?
What are safe alternatives to Kayyunyadi Keram for hair regrowth and reducing hair fall in a 36F with Pitta constitution?
How often should I use durdurapathradi keratailam for dandruff and severe hair fall?
How to treat scarring alopecia from LPP on my scalp with blue patches and no hair?
How to treat acne and blackheads that have been worsening for 4 years?
How to treat genetic hair loss that has progressed over 10 years?
How to treat eczema and achieve an even skin tone after recurring symptoms since 2023?
How to treat high pigmentation around the neck and back with Mahamanjishthadi and Khadirisht?
How to treat female pattern hair loss with bald spots after vitamin deficiency?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Jack
1 hour ago
Hey, thanks a ton for detailed explanation! Your advice was super clear and made me feel more at ease about next steps. Seriously, appreciate it!
Hey, thanks a ton for detailed explanation! Your advice was super clear and made me feel more at ease about next steps. Seriously, appreciate it!
Robert
13 hours ago
This was a super clear and helpful response! It really gave me insight into how Ayurveda could help with CAC scores. Thanks a ton!
This was a super clear and helpful response! It really gave me insight into how Ayurveda could help with CAC scores. Thanks a ton!
Olivia
13 hours ago
I really apprecite the detailed answer. It was clear and made me feel more at ease. Definitely gave me some good insights to consider. Thanks!
I really apprecite the detailed answer. It was clear and made me feel more at ease. Definitely gave me some good insights to consider. Thanks!
Asher
13 hours ago
Thanks for the clear explanation! Put my mind at ease about what my dad's taking, and I'm super grateful for the detailed advice!
Thanks for the clear explanation! Put my mind at ease about what my dad's taking, and I'm super grateful for the detailed advice!