Indian Hair Oiling Rituals Worth Bringing Back
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 9
In the middle of busy mornings, long workdays, and constantly changing beauty routines, some Indian traditions continue to hold their place. Hair oiling is one of those rituals—a simple practice passed down through generations that gives us a reason to slow down, care for our scalp, and give our hair some extra nourishment. From massaging oil into the scalp to patiently washing and conditioning the lengths, the ritual is less about following a complicated routine and more about consistency. While oiling doesn't literally deep-cleanse the scalp—that happens during shampooing—it can help condition the hair, reduce dryness, and make the lengths feel softer and more nourished.
Why Hair Oiling Still Belongs in Our Routine
Traditional Indian hair oiling focuses on both the scalp and hair lengths. A gentle scalp massage can make the routine relaxing, while applying oil through the lengths helps coat and condition the strands.
And perhaps the best part is that you don't need an elaborate setup. A small bottle of homemade oil, a few minutes of massage, and an hour or two before your shower can be enough to bring this ritual back into a modern routine.
Homemade Indian Hair Oil Recipe
This homemade blend combines several ingredients traditionally used in Indian haircare. The result is a rich, aromatic oil that can be used before your regular shampoo and conditioning routine.
Ingredients
Coconut oil
Castor oil
Rosemary essential oil
Hibiscus leaves
Hibiscus flowers
Aloe vera
Onion
Black cumin seeds
Fenugreek seeds
Shop the ingredients →
How to Make the Oil ?
Add the coconut oil to a heavy-bottomed pan along with the fenugreek seeds, hibiscus leaves and flowers, onion, black cumin seeds, aloe vera, and castor oil. Let it Boil at very low flame, allowing the ingredients to slowly infuse into the oil. Keep an eye on the mixture and avoid overheating or burning the ingredients. Once the oil becomes deeply infused and takes on a golden-brown appearance, turn off the heat. Let the oil cool completely. This is when the aroma becomes especially beautiful—the combination of the herbs, seeds, and oils creates that warm, familiar feeling of traditional home haircare.
For storage: Because fresh onion and aloe vera contain water, this particular homemade mixture shouldn't simply be stored for months at room temperature. Make a small batch, keep it refrigerated, use it promptly, and discard it if its smell, colour, or texture changes. For longer storage, use completely dried ingredients and a clean, completely dry container.
A small note on rosemary oil: Rosemary essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil rather than applied directly to the scalp.
How to Apply Hair Oil
The application process matters just as much as the oil itself. Take your time and focus on distributing the oil rather than soaking your hair in it.
1. Detangle Your Hair First
Before applying the oil, gently detangle your hair from roots to ends. Removing knots beforehand makes sectioning easier and helps prevent unnecessary pulling while you're massaging the scalp.
2. Warm the Oil Gently
For a more relaxing application, use slightly warm oil rather than applying it cold. Warm a small amount of oil gently and test it on your wrist before applying it to your scalp. It should feel comfortably warm, never hot. Warm oil can make the application feel soothing and allows you to spread the oil easily through the scalp and lengths.
3. Start With the Scalp
Divide your hair into several sections so that you can reach the scalp properly. You can apply the oil directly with your fingertips, or use a clean cotton ball to gently dab the warm oil along the scalp sections. This can make it easier to distribute a small amount of oil precisely where you need it. Once applied, massage your scalp gently with your fingertips using small circular movements.
Don't use your nails or scratch the scalp. The goal isn't to aggressively massage the oil in—gentle and consistent is enough.
4. Move From the Scalp to the Lengths
Once the scalp has been covered, take the remaining oil down through the mid-lengths and ends.
Pay extra attention to areas that feel dry or rough, but avoid saturating the hair.
Remember: You Don't Need Too Much Oil More oil doesn't automatically mean more nourishment. Apply only as much as your hair needs to feel lightly coated. Using excessive amounts can make the washing process difficult and may require repeated shampooing.
5. Let It Sit
Once your hair is completely oiled, leave it on for around 1–2 hours before washing. You don't necessarily need to leave oil overnight. A shorter pre-shampoo treatment can be more comfortable, particularly if your scalp becomes oily or irritated easily.
Wash, Condition & Dry
After letting the oil sit, wash your hair with your regular shampoo. Massage the shampoo gently into the scalp and rinse thoroughly. Follow with conditioner, concentrating it mainly on the mid-lengths and ends. Once you're done, gently squeeze out excess water and pat your hair with a soft towel or T-shirt. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can create unnecessary friction and breakage. Allow your hair to air-dry naturally or continue with your usual styling routine.
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