Hair Oiling Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them!)

Is it ok to comb hair after oiling? Is it good to comb hair after oiling? As a regular practice, it is natural to reach out for your comb right after oiling your hair to remove tangles. But this is a common mistake and you should avoid it. After oiling hair when to comb? After a good oil massage, your scalp becomes relaxed and fragile, combing your hair immediately after can cause hair breakage and hair loss. If you have to comb your hair, we suggest you start from the tips and slowly move towards the top.

Another common mistake that most Indian women make is to keep the oil on their scalp throughout the night. This will not only make your hair greasy and sticky but also collect dirt from your bed and pillow. This dirt easily gets mixed with your scalp's natural oils and can cause scalp problems. To avoid this, do not leave oil in your hair for too long.

Some women have the habit of applying oil to wet hair, never commit this mistake. When your hair is wet, your hair follicles are very soft and even the gentlest tugging and pulling can lead to hair loss. So, for the sake of your precious mane, let your hair dry first and then apply oil, if you have to.

Even if you have dry hair and scalp, applying excessive oil isn't going to help. Be generous but don't apply more than your hair requires. You will also need a lot of shampoo to get rid of the oil and this can rob your hair of its natural, protective oils.

As mentioned before, your hair follicles become vulnerable and fragile after an oiling session since the scalp is relaxed. Tying your hair too tightly in a bun or braid can weaken the roots and cause hair loss. Tie a loose low ponytail or braid it after an oil massage.

Oiling your hair is a nourishing ritual—but knowing how to care for it afterward is just as important to get the full benefits. Whether you're using hair oils for faster hair growth or for deep conditioning, proper aftercare helps lock in the goodness and prevents damage. Here's a quick guide to what comes next:

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping the scalp of natural oils.
• Apply shampoo directly to dry, oiled hair before wetting it—this helps break down the oil more effectively.
• Rinse with lukewarm water, and repeat the shampoo process if needed. Finish with a lightweight conditioner for added softness.

• Avoid tight hairstyles, as oiled hair is more prone to breakage.
• Opt for a loose braid or a soft, low bun to keep hair manageable and prevent tangling.
• Use a satin or silk scrunchie to reduce friction and protect the hair shaft.

• Wait 30 minutes after applying oil before combing to allow the oil to settle and reduce hair breakage.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle from ends to roots.
• Avoid brushing vigorously, especially when the scalp is heavily oiled.

Regularly oiling your hair offers a plethora of benefits and by not making these mistakes while oiling your hair, you can make the most of the hair care ritual. If you have any additional questions or concerns about oiling your hair, it's best to speak to a healthcare professional. They will be able to help you tackle your hair care issues through a personalized treatment plan, if needed.

Below are some frequently asked questions about oiling your hair answered by the experts:

A: If you have to tie your hair, opt for loose hairstyles. A low, loose ponytail tied with a soft scrunchie is a great option. A very loose braid, with no tight pulling, is another way to go. Don't opt for tight buns, high ponytails, or any hairstyle that adds tension on your scalp. Moreover, if you must use a hair tie, always use a silk or satin one, to minimise friction.

A: When you're washing your hair after oiling, it's important to utilise lukewarm water, not hot water, which could further dry out your hair. Apply your shampoo to your scalp and slowly massage it in. Avoid scrubbing your hair too vigorously. You may need to shampoo twice to get rid of all the oil. Thereafter, apply a good conditioner to restore hydration. Esure you completely wash out all the shampoo and conditioner.

A: Choose oils such as coconut, almond, or argan based on your hair's specific requirements, such as dryness or frizz. Before using a new oil for hair care, it's best to do a patch test to avoid any negative reactions.

A: Dry hair benefits from oiling 1-2 times weekly, while oily hair will only need it once or less. It's crucial to adjust the frequency based on how your hair looks and feels.

A: Yes, absolutely! Gently warming the oil elevates its penetration into the scalp. Don't microwave the oil, and instead warm it by placing the oil container in warm water.

A: A 5-10 minute slow massage enhances blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn helps the oil to be absorbed more effectively into the hair follicles.

A: Yes, but it's important to always dilute essential oils such as rosemary or lavender with a carrier oil, using only a few drops to avoid scalp irritation.

A: Over-use of the oil or incorrect shampooing could be the cause of your hair feeling oily after washing it. In this situation, it's best to use less oil and shampoo twice to make sure all the oil has been removed.

A: Some oils consist of antifungal properties, which could help fight dandruff. However, severe cases call for a dermatological consultation. Additionally, for some individuals, excess oil could result in dandruff, so be careful and always consult a healthcare professional if your scalp is prone to dandruff.