The Truth About Hair Oils

There’s something oddly comforting about the memory of your grandma chasing you around with a steel bowl of warm coconut oil, insisting, “Yeh laga lo, sab theek ho jaayega.”

And, to her credit she wasn’t entirely wrong.
But (and this might sting a little), she wasn’t entirely right either.

The world of hair oils has evolved from those humble kitchen concoctions to high-tech blends backed by science. Yet the core idea remains timeless: nourish your scalp, feed your strands, and your hair will reward you.

So let’s separate fact from folklore and uncover the real truth about hair oils and why Grandma deserves at least half the credit.

Myth #1: “Oil Makes Your Hair Grow Faster”

The truth: Hair oil doesn’t directly make your hair grow faster.
What it does is create the ideal environment for growth.

Oiling improves blood circulation to your scalp, strengthens the hair shaft, and reduces breakage meaning your existing strands stay healthier for longer. This gives the appearance of faster growth.

So no, oil isn’t a miracle fertilizer. But it’s the best growth support system you can ask for.

Myth #2: “All Natural Oils Are Good for Hair”

The truth: Not all oils are created equal — and not all “natural” ones are automatically your friend.

Coconut oil, argan oil, and castor oil? Fantastic for nourishment and shine.
Olive oil and jojoba oil? Great for hydration.
But heavy oils like mustard or mineral oil? Not ideal for fine or oily hair types they can clog follicles or make your scalp greasy and irritated.

Your grandma had the right concept, but she didn’t have a Sephora shelf of options to compare. 

Myth #3: “You Should Leave Oil Overnight”

The truth: Please don’t. Your scalp is not a marinating chicken.

Leaving oil on for too long can actually clog pores, attract dust, and even lead to dandruff or fungal infections. The sweet spot? 1–2 hours before washing. That’s enough time for absorption without suffocating your scalp.

If you must leave it overnight, use a small amount and cover your pillow your pillowcases deserve mercy too.

Myth #4: “Oil Can Replace Conditioner”

The truth: Nope oil and conditioner are not interchangeable.
Oil nourishes and protects; conditioner hydrates and smoothens.

Think of oil as your treatment and conditioner as your finishing move. Oil protects the hair before shampooing, while conditioner seals in moisture afterward.

Skipping conditioner after oiling is like wearing lipstick without balm — looks fine for a minute, but ends in regret.

Myth #5: “The More Oil, The Better”

The truth: Nope again. Drenching your scalp in half a bottle won’t double the benefits — it’ll just make shampooing a nightmare.

A little goes a long way. You only need 1–2 teaspoons for short hair or a tablespoon for long hair. Focus on your scalp and mid-lengths; your ends will naturally absorb the excess as you massage.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Hair Oiling

Now that we’ve cleared up the myths, let’s talk about what oiling actually does for your hair:
✅ Strengthens hair follicles and reduces breakage
✅ Deeply nourishes the scalp and prevents dryness
✅ Reduces frizz and adds natural shine
✅ Protects against heat and pollution damage
✅ Calms the scalp and promotes relaxation (seriously, it’s aromatherapy with benefits)

Modern research confirms what our grandmothers knew instinctively — a well-oiled scalp truly is a healthy scalp.