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Oiling For Hair & Body – “Can Body Oil Be Used on Hair” & “Can You Use Hair Oil as Body Oil”
Hair oiling and body oiling are traditional health and beauty practices that date back thousands of years in many different ancient cultures, like Egypt, Rome, Greece, India, Africa, Japan, the Mediterranean, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and more!
These practices involve using natural oils to nourish and protect the hair and skin, promoting overall wellness. Hair oiling typically uses oils like coconut, almond, or argan to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and enhance shine. Body oiling often involves oils such as olive, sesame, or jojoba to moisturize the skin, improve elasticity, and provide a soothing effect.
These rituals are not only beneficial for physical health but also offer a moment of relaxation and self-care, connecting individuals to their cultural heritage. Today, many people continue to embrace these traditions, incorporating them into modern beauty routines for their holistic benefits.
Clearly, the benefits of an oiling practice have been observed by many cultures before there was science to back up their claims. Since then, we have had more scientific explanations for why oiling is beneficial, but the result remains the same: using certain botanical oils on the hair and skin has real advantages!
In this article, we will learn about:
- Can Body Oil be Used On Hair?
- Can Hair Oil Be Used On Body?
- How Hair Oil Encourages Strong Hair
- Different Hair Oils & Benefits
- Oiling Benefits For Skin & Body
Can Body Oil be Used On Hair?
Yes, body oil can be used on hair, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Body oils, typically formulated for skin hydration, may contain ingredients beneficial for hair, such as natural oils (e.g., coconut, jojoba, or almond oil). These oils can help moisturize and nourish the hair, adding shine and reducing frizz.
When using body oil on hair, it’s important to apply it sparingly. A small amount can be rubbed between your palms and then applied to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness. This method can help seal moisture and protect against damage from heat styling or environmental factors.
However, not all body oils are suitable for hair. Some may contain fragrances or additives that could irritate the scalp or weigh down the hair. It’s advisable to choose a body oil that is free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.
| Best Oils For Hair & Skin Coconut Oil (Cold-pressed coconut kernel) Body oil can enhance your hair care routine; however, it is crucial to choose the appropriate product and apply it sparingly for optimal results without jeopardizing hair health. |
Can You Use Hair Oil on Your Body?
Yes, you can use many hair oils on your body! Certain oils contain a lot of beneficial nutrients like vitamins E, C, and A, oleic acid, and antioxidants that help protect and nourish the skin. The oil itself helps lock in moisture and create a physical barrier between the skin to keep moisture in and pollutants, dirt, and germs out.
These oils, particularly those that are cold-pressed and natural, are beneficial not only for your hair but also for your skin. They contain nourishing properties that can help to protect and strengthen your hair strands while simultaneously providing hydration and softness to your skin.
When selecting a hair oil for your body, it’s essential to choose high-quality, 100% pure oils. Look for oils that are free from silicones, synthetic additives, or heavy fragrances, as these can sometimes irritate the skin or cause breakouts.
Some of the most popular natural oils you might consider include coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil. Each of these oils has unique properties that can benefit the skin in different ways.
For example, coconut oil is known for its deep moisturizing abilities and is also antibacterial, while argan oil is rich in antioxidants and can help with skin elasticity.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s crucial to perform a patch test before applying the oil all over your body. This involves applying a small amount of the oil to a discreet area of skin (like your wrist or behind your ear) and waiting 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur. This precaution can help you avoid any potential irritation or allergic reactions.
The vitamins can be absorbed into the skin, promoting a strong skin barrier, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration, and soothing some conditions like eczema.
Here’s a list of common hair oils that double beautifully as body moisturizers:
Some oils can even cleanse the skin and pores and help reduce acne, which seems counterintuitive!
How Hair Oil Encourages Strong & Healthy Strands
Oils for hair typically have a high amount of omega-3 or other types of fatty acids (think baobab, jojoba, coconut, olive, argan, castor, etc). This is because these types of fats help to lock moisture into the scalp and hair strands, reducing dryness from the inside.
Hair oils such as peppermint oil are known to treat itchy scalps and reduce dandruff. Understanding the right oil you need for your hair requires the advice of a hair specialist.
They also provide essential nutrients that strengthen hair, promote shine, and improve overall hair health. Regular application of these oils can help prevent breakage and split ends, making hair more resilient.
Additionally, some oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can maintain a healthy scalp environment, reducing dandruff and irritation. Whether used as a deep conditioning treatment or a styling aid, incorporating these oils into your hair care routine can lead to healthier, more vibrant hair.
Oiling the hair improves the strength and integrity of hair strands, making the hair more resilient to damage and preventing dryness which leads to frizz and split ends.
Oil on the scalp can help reduce the presence of bacteria and fungi that cause itchiness, dryness, and dandruff (depending on the oil and the reason for these symptoms). Additionally, the nutrients in the oil can help hair follicles work more effectively and grow healthier hair.
The act of gently massaging the scalp with oil can promote blood flow to the hair follicles, further increasing their ability to grow lots of strong, healthy hair.
Different Hair Oils & Benefits For The Hair
| Oil | Nutrients | Benefits |
| Coconut Oil | Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) Vitamin E Antioxidants | Deeply penetrates the hair shaft Reduces protein loss Adds shine and softness |
| Argan Oil | Vitamin E Fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6) Antioxidants | Moisturizes and conditions Reduces frizz Promotes elasticity |
| Jojoba Oil | Vitamin E B-complex vitamins Minerals (zinc, copper) | Mimics natural sebum Balances oil production Strengthens hair follicles |
| Olive Oil | Monounsaturated fats Vitamin E Antioxidants | Adds moisture Protects against damage Improves shine |
| Castor Oil | Ricinoleic acid Omega-6 fatty acids Vitamin E | Promotes hair growth Thickens hair Moisturizes scalp |
| Almond Oil | Vitamin E Magnesium Omega-3 fatty acids | Strengthens hair Reduces hair loss Improves texture |
| Grapeseed Oil | Linoleic acid Vitamin E Antioxidants | Lightweight and non-greasy Moisturizes without clogging pores Strengthens hair strands |
Oiling Body Benefits For Hair & Skin
While there are numerous benefits to using oils for the hair and body, here are 5 of the main reasons why people love this practice.
Nourishes the Skin and Hair
Natural oils are excellent for delivering vitamins and minerals directly to the skin and hair, enhancing moisture retention and creating a protective barrier. This results in skin that appears supple and radiant, and hair that is strong, soft, and shiny.
Improve Your Complexion
Although it might seem counterintuitive to treat oily, acne-prone skin with more oil, certain skin types and acne conditions benefit greatly from oil cleansing and moisturizing.
Oils such as rosehip seed, jojoba, argan, hemp seed, baobab, and grapeseed can calm inflamed skin, protect against bacteria and pollutants entering damaged areas, and deliver essential moisture and nutrients for healthier skin regeneration.
Soothe Skin and Scalp Irritation
Some moisturizing oils can help reduce irritation from conditions like dandruff and dermatitis, itching, eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, and insect bites.
Essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, peppermint, chamomile, lavender, neem, carrot seed, cedar, and others may also provide benefits for certain skin conditions.
Support Youthful-Looking Skin
Regularly infuse your skin with moisture and vitamins, protect it against pollutants and harsh weather, and gently massage it to prevent premature wrinkles and age spots. Make sure you also wear sunscreen!
Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can support skin health from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep are equally important to keep your skin looking fresh and youthful.
Consider incorporating a skincare routine tailored to your skin type, and don’t forget to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal.
Create a Signature Scent
Many oils have a delicate scent that’s hardly noticeable, if you want to keep your usual scent. But, you also have the opportunity to create an amazing scent combining the oils that work best for your skin!
What Oils Are Good for Oiling?
Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain oils, so it’s essential to start with small amounts and observe any reactions. Additionally, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or an aromatherapist who can provide guidance based on your individual needs and health conditions.
Remember, what works for one person might not necessarily work for another, so patience and persistence are key in discovering the oils that best suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Here is where you can start learning about botanical and essential oils and start thinking about which ones you might like to try.
Botanical Oils
Botanical Oils are derived from fruits, nuts, kernels, and seeds, making them distinct from essential oils. These are typically used on their own, as a carrier oil for essential oils, and/or in a blend.
Jojoba, olive, coconut, rosehip, avocado, argan, baobab, carrot seed, grapeseed, flaxseed, sweet almond, and castor oil are examples of botanical oils.
This type of oil is excellent for moisturizing, protecting against environmental contaminants, and providing nutrients to the skin.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are typically steam-distilled from the stems, leaves, roots, and flowers of plants that smell good and/or have medicinal properties.
Such oils include eucalyptus, lavender, cedar, pine, rosemary, peppermint, oregano, calendula, rose, hyssop, frankincense, clary sage, vetiver, and helichrysum.
Essential oils are known for their distinct smells and properties like antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, drying, and heating or cooling sensations. They also contain compounds that can be great for healing certain conditions, soothing skin, and aromatherapeutic effects; however, you must practice safety with essential oils, like avoiding the eyes, diluting strong oils, and testing a small area for allergic reactions.
Hair Oil for Growth
Some oils have been shown to help hair growth in different ways, either by strengthening the follicles, encouraging damaged follicles to re-activate, reducing DHT production, and helping the actual hair strands be stronger and healthier.
Pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and argan oil are just some of the oils that may have benefits for helping to reduce hair fall and encourage healthy hair growth.
You can either gently massage oils into the scalp before bedtime or at least 15 minutes to 2 hours before washing your hair to ensure you reap the benefits of oiling without having overly oily hair.
Ready to start using oils to improve your hair and skin? Check out Tangie products for a wide array of beneficial oils to choose from!
How to Oil Your Hair
When it comes to hair oiling, less is often more. As many leading trichologists advise, “Oils can be applied to the ends of the hair, and then washed out after several hours. It’s best to apply to dry hair and use a small amount.”
Weekly Hair‑Oiling Routine:
- Detangle: Gently brush or comb your hair to remove knots.
- Dispense: Rub a pea‑sized amount of oil between your palms.
- Apply: Starting from the mid‑lengths, work the oil through to the ends with your fingertips, ensuring even coverage.
- Wait: Leave the oil in for 20 minutes to an hour, or longer if you prefer.
- Rinse: Shampoo and condition as usual to wash the oil out.
Everyone’s hair is unique, so begin slowly and observe how your strands respond. Even natural oils can affect each head of hair differently, so adjust frequency and quantity to find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body & Hair Oiling
When beginning an oiling routine, there are many questions you might have. Here are some of the most common Q & As.
Some oil products are formulated specifically for hair or body, not both. But some, like our Tangie All Natural Hair & Body Oil, are meant for multi‑purpose use. The blend of fractionated coconut oil, rice bran oil, baobab oil, red raspberry oil, hemp oil, and rosemary oil is perfect for moisturizing, soothing, and promoting healthy skin and hair.
Using a neutral oil like argan, coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, baobab, and olive is perfect for both hair and skin. Essential oils like rosemary, lavender, cedar, lemongrass, patchouli, and hyssop are all great for hair and skin as well.
A general rule of thumb is that skin oils are safe for hair, but not all hair oils are safe for skin. “Hot” oils like cinnamon, peppermint, tea tree, and spearmint can cause skin irritation if they are too strongly concentrated and must be kept away from the eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive body areas. But you can use them in the hair as you’d like, as long as they are in a carrier oil.
If you want to include body oiling in your daily routine, you certainly can! While many people only oil 1–3 times per week, you can also oil more than that, as long as the oil you use doesn’t clog your pores or cause an allergic reaction.
You can also oil your hair every day, but if you notice your scalp worsening or your hair being too greasy, it’s wise to cut down on the number of oilings you perform.
| Scalp/Hair Type | Recommended Frequency | Timing |
|---|
| Oily Scalp | Every 2–3 weeks | As a pre‑shampoo mask |
| Normal Scalp | Once per week | 1–2 hours before wash |
| Dry/Itchy Scalp | 2–3 times per week | Overnight or 2–4 hours |
| High-Porosity Hair | 2–3 times per week | Including post‑wash seals |
| Low-Porosity Hair | Once every 1–2 weeks | Light oil, short duration |
The “right” frequency for oiling your hair depends on your scalp type, hair texture, and what you’re trying to achieve.
Yes, certain oils may help in hair growth, but there is no direct scientific evidence that proves oiling can lead to hair growth.
While topical oils like rosemary, castor and Botana oil are popular for supporting hair health, it’s important to note that there’s currently no conclusive scientific evidence proving that oiling alone can trigger new hair growth.
Preliminary studies of rosemary oil suggest it may help reduce hair shedding and improve scalp circulation, while castor oil’s rich fatty‑acid profile and anti‑inflammatory properties can nourish and soothe the scalp. Botanical blends such as Botana oil combine various plant extracts and essential oils to deliver vitamins and antioxidants directly to the hair follicles, promoting stronger, shinier strands and a healthier scalp environment.
While direct evidence is scarce, applying oils via scalp massage can boost blood flow and mechanical stimulation, supporting follicle health. In a small 24‑week study of nine men, daily 4‑minute scalp massages (no oil specified) increased hair thickness measurably.
