Did You Know Hair Oil Works Better On Damp Hair? Here’s Why
For years, we’ve been told that oiling our hair is the ultimate solution for smooth, healthy, and strong strands, but that's not true!
For years, we’ve been told that oiling our hair is the ultimate solution for smooth, healthy, and strong strands. But here’s something that might surprise you, applying oil on dry, rough hair isn’t as effective as you think! If you’ve been wondering why your hair still feels dry even after oiling regularly, it’s probably because you’re missing one key step: dampening your hair before applying oil.
Why Applying Oil on Dry Hair Doesn’t Work Well
When you apply oil to dry hair, it just sits on the surface instead of actually penetrating your strands. Think of it like applying body lotion on completely dry, flaky skin it doesn’t absorb properly and just feels greasy. Hair, just like skin, absorbs moisture better when it’s slightly damp. When your hair is dry, the cuticles (the outer layer of your hair) are closed, making it difficult for the oil to seep in. But when your hair is damp, the cuticles are slightly raised, allowing the oil to penetrate deeper and provide better nourishment.
What Happens When You Oil Dry Hair?
1) The oil just coats the strands instead of deeply hydrating them.
2) It can make your hair look greasy but still feel dry inside.
3) The benefits of oiling are reduced because the nutrients don’t fully absorb.
4) It might even attract more dust and dirt, making your hair feel heavy and sticky.
Now that you know dry hair isn’t ideal for oiling, here’s how to do it properly:
Step 1: Start with Damp Hair
If you’ve just washed your hair, wait until it’s about 60-70% dry before applying oil.
If you’re oiling on a non-wash day, simply spray some water or use a hydrating mist to lightly dampen your strands.
Step 2: Warm Up the Oil
Take a few drops of your favorite oil and rub it between your palms to warm it up.
Warm oil spreads better and absorbs more easily into the hair shaft.
Step 3: Massage It into the Scalp
Always start by massaging your scalp in circular motions to boost blood circulation.
Then, work the oil down the lengths of your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness is most common.
Step 4: Let It Sit
Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes so your hair can soak in the nutrients.
For an intense treatment, leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning.
Step 5: Wash It Out Properly
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp and remove excess oil.
Avoid using hot water, as it can strip away moisture. Instead, opt for lukewarm or cool water.
Also Read: Did You Know Astronauts Like Sunita Williams Can’t Tie Their Hair In Space?
Best Oils for Healthy Hair
Not all oils work the same way! Choosing the right oil for your hair type makes a huge difference.
For Dry and Damaged Hair: Coconut oil, argan oil, or almond oil work best as they deeply nourish and repair strands.
For Oily Scalp: Jojoba oil and grapeseed oil help regulate excess oil production without.
Also Read: The Secret To A Perfect Hairline Lies In Threading. Here’s All You Need To Know About It
First Published: March 25, 2025 5:15 PM
