10 reasons to start oiling at night for stronger and shinier hair

Time of India

6 hours ago

Oiling hair has been a timeless tradition across many cultures, especially in India, where it forms the foundation of Ayurvedic hair care. Beyond its cultural roots, modern science now supports the practice, revealing that oiling your hair at night delivers powerful benefits.
From deep scalp nourishment to improved blood circulation and reduced hair breakage, overnight oiling allows oils to penetrate deeply and work more effectively. It also locks in moisture, prevents dryness, and enhances hair texture. With consistent use, this simple bedtime ritual can lead to healthier, shinier, and stronger hair—making it more than just a traditional beauty secret.
Key benefits of oiling hair overnight
Intensive moisturising of the scalp
When oil is applied and left overnight, it has a few hours to penetrate into the scalp and travel down to the hair follicles.
Oils such as coconut, almond, and argan have essential fatty acids, vitamins (such as E and K), and antioxidants that fortify the hair from the root level. A healthy scalp implies improved conditions for new hair growth and reduced flakiness or dryness.
Less breakage and hair loss
Hair strands lose their strength with time because of heat treatment, tight styles, and outside stress factors. Oil regularly strengthens the hair cuticle layer and keeps follicles healthy, which prevents breakage of hair in the middle shaft or at the root.
Overnight oiling provides additional time for your hair to absorb those strengthening nutrients, breaking less and thinning less.
Regains its shine by trapping moisture
Hair oils are a natural occlusive agent—they lock in moisture within the hair strands and keep it from evaporating. This not only moisturises dry hair but also provides a natural shine to your hair. Oils such as jojoba and olive oil replicate the sebum of the scalp, and your hair will look shinier, healthier, and more vibrant the following morning.
Increases blood circulation
Massaging oil into the scalp increases microcirculation in the skin. Increased blood flow provides oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to the hair follicles, which are the building blocks of hair growth. Improved circulation also aids in waste elimination from the scalp, allowing for the best environment to grow healthy hair.
Prevents dryness and frizz
Overnight oiling fights against dry and frizzy hair, particularly if you reside in a dry environment or have porous hair that dries out fast.
Oils create a protective layer that locks in moisture and enhances the elasticity of the strands, making them more pliable and less susceptible to breakage when brushed or styled.
Fights dandruff and itchy scalp
Oils such as tea tree, neem, and coconut possess antifungal and antibacterial properties. These help combat Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff. By moisturising the scalp and balancing its pH, regular oiling reduces flakes, itchiness, and overall scalp irritation.
Relieves stress and enhances sleep quality
Scalp massages while oiling have been shown to have stress-reducing benefits. The process stimulates pressure points on the head that calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and release serotonin. This can relax you after a stressful day, calming anxiety and resulting in improved quality sleep, also beneficial for hair, as stress is the primary cause of hair loss.
Enhances texture and minimises split ends
Dry, frayed ends are a breakage signal, commonly a result of heat styling tools, chemical treatments, or misuse.
Oil seals the tips of your hair, moisturises the strands, and binds the layers of cuticles together, preventing split ends and breakage. Protein- or keratin-containing oils even mend small surface damage temporarily.
Defends hair against environmental damage
Your hair is subjected every day to UV radiation, pollutants, and extreme weather conditions. Oiling forms a natural barrier film that minimises oxidative stress and blocks harmful particles from entering your hair shaft.
Oils such as sesame or sunflower have natural SPF properties, providing extra protection from sun damage.
Delays premature greying
Oils such as amla (Indian gooseberry), bhringraj, and brahmi contain antioxidants and iron that feed the hair bulb and assist in maintaining melanin, the color pigment of your hair. Daily application could slow down greying, particularly if begun early and supplemented with a balanced lifestyle.
Overnight hair oiling tips
Select the appropriate oil for your hair type (e.g. coconut for dry hair, jojoba for oily scalps).
Heat the oil gently before use to increase absorption.
Rub gently with your fingertips for 5–10 minutes to increase circulation.
Cover your hair with a soft cotton cloth or sleep on a satin pillowcase to prevent staining and friction.
Shampoo gently with a mild shampoo the following morning to prevent residue buildup.
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