The Hair Oils You Actually Need (and How to Use Them)
Hair oils are one of the most misunderstood (and misused) products in haircare. Too often, we apply the wrong oil for our texture, overdo it, or skip oils altogether because we’re afraid of grease. But the truth is—the right oils, used the right way, can heal damage, seal moisture, boost shine, and even stimulate growth.
In this post, I’ll break down the best oils for different hair types and needs, how to layer them correctly, and how to use them without leaving your hair greasy or weighed down.
Why Use Hair Oils?
Hair oils aren’t just for shine—they serve multiple purposes:
Seal moisture into the hair shaft
Reduce breakage and split ends
Protect against environmental damage
Nourish and soothe the scalp
Boost softness and elasticity
Support healthy hair growth (when used on the scalp)
🌸 Personal Note: I used to avoid oils out of fear they’d ruin my volume—but once I started applying the right oils to my ends (not my roots!), my curls stayed hydrated for days longer, with zero frizz.
Types of Hair Oils (And What They Do)
Hair oils generally fall into two categories:
✅ 1. Penetrating Oils (Absorb into the hair shaft)
Best for pre-poo treatments, deep hydration, or dry, porous hair.
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Avocado Oil
Babassu Oil
✅ 2. Sealing Oils (Sit on top of the hair to lock in moisture)
Best used after leave-ins or creams to prevent moisture loss.
Jojoba Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Castor Oil
Argan Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
💡 Hair Oil Guide by Hair Type + Use Case
| Hair Need | Recommended Oils | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ends / Frizz | Argan, Almond, Jojoba | After styling to seal and smooth |
| Scalp Nourishment / Growth | Rosemary, Peppermint (diluted in Jojoba or Castor) | 2–3x/week with massage |
| Pre-Shampoo Hydration | Coconut, Olive, Avocado | 15–30 minutes before washing |
| Low Porosity Hair | Lighter oils like Argan or Grapeseed | Very small amount after leave-in |
| High Porosity Hair | Thicker oils like Castor or Olive | To seal moisture after leave-in or cream |
How to Use Hair Oils Without Making Hair Greasy
✅ Apply to damp, not soaking wet or dry hair
✅ Start with 1–2 drops (seriously!) and warm between palms
✅ Focus on ends or mid-lengths—avoid the roots unless massaging scalp
✅ Layer after leave-in and/or cream to seal moisture
✅ Use as a finishing step, not a styling step
How to Use Oils for Scalp Massage (Growth Boosting)
Choose your blend: Rosemary + peppermint + jojoba is a favorite.
Apply a few drops to fingertips, not directly on the scalp.
Massage for 3–5 minutes, using circular motions.
Optional: Leave on overnight or for a few hours before shampooing.
📅 Do this 2–3x/week for noticeable improvements in growth and scalp health.
🚫 Avoid These Common Hair Oil Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Using too much oil | Start with 1–2 drops, build up only if needed |
| Applying to dry, tangled hair | Always apply to damp or detangled hair |
| Only using oil as moisture | Oils seal in moisture—they don’t create it |
| Putting oil directly on the scalp daily | Clogs pores and throws off scalp balance |
| Using thick oils on fine or low-porosity hair | Stick to lightweight oils like grapeseed or argan |
Final Thoughts: Oils Are a Finishing Touch, Not a Fix-All
Hair oils are magical—but they’re not a substitute for hydration or healthy habits. Think of them as the final kiss of moisture, shine, and softness your hair needs. When you use the right oil, at the right time, it elevates your entire routine.
So whether you’re sealing in your curls, protecting your ends, or massaging your scalp before bed—make it intentional, and your hair will reward you.
💌 Tell Me Your Fave Hair Oil!
Drop a comment below or tag me @cultishbeauty and tell me what oil your hair loves the most. I might feature your favorites in a future post or product roundup!