Now reading: How To Use Hair Oil: Your Complete Guide
How To Use Hair Oil: Your Complete Guide
January 08, 2026

How To Use Hair Oil: Your Complete Guide

There’s something about adding hair oil to your self-care routine that just feels so luxurious. And with benefits like increased shine, moisture and overall hair health, why not work its quick magic into your lineup? Hair oiling has been in practice for thousands of years, originating in India as a sacred ritual of Ayurveda, the science of a holistic approach to health. It’s since been widely adopted by the world, as you’ve probably noticed by what can feel like an overwhelming amount of oiling options.

Today, we’re here to keep things simple by introducing you to our easy-to-use, hardworking hair oil. We’ll walk through what’s in our clean formula, what it does, and how to reap all the benefits. (Spoiler: there are a LOT.) Whether you're dealing with dry ends, frizz, or just want that Instagram-worthy shine, we've got you covered.

The TL;DR: how do you apply hair oil?

Start with 1-2 pumps on damp or dry hair, focusing on your ends and mid-lengths while skipping the roots. You can use it daily (hello, dry hair types!) or a few times a week (as needed) if your hair is more on the normal to oily side. Apply before bed for an overnight treatment or in the morning after styling your hair as a finishing touch.

What is hair oil, anyway?

Think of hair oil as a multitasker that moisturizes, protects, and adds shine to all hair types + textures. Some hair "oils" are actually made primarily with silicones, while others are made largely or entirely with natural plant oils or a combination of plant oils and mineral oil. Well-formulated products like our Hair Oil use lightweight natural oils that actually absorb into your hair instead of just sitting on top.

What's inside? Get to know our hair oil ingredients

Infused with a nourishing blend of camellia, baobab and argan oils, our hair oil is luxe, lightweight and a friend to all hair types.

Argan oil

Argan oil moisturizes, adds shine and protects hair from breakage. The oleic (rich) and linoleic (thin) acids that make up the majority of argan oil’s fat content are vital nutrients for maintaining healthy hair and skin. The natural mix of these acids is also what gives our hair oil its deeply moisturizing yet lightweight feel.

Baobab oil

Baobab oil strengthens weak or brittle strands thanks to its high omega-3 fatty acid. Baobab boasts a huge list of health benefits, but we particularly love its major moisturizing powers.

Camellia oil

Camellia oil softens hair and helps restore your natural sheen. High levels of familiar friends oleic and linoleic acids keep it balanced.

How to use hair oil: step by step

Our oil is specifically formulated for hair, so we recommend avoiding the scalp and roots and instead focusing on revitalizing your locks. Applying oil to your hair daily is perfectly fine, but might not be necessary. Things like hair porosity or living in a drier climate could be reasons to use hair oil on a more frequent basis.

Step 1: Start with the right amount

  • Fine or short hair? Start with 1 pump
  • Medium/normal hair? Use 1-2 pumps
  • Thick or long hair? Apply 2-3 pumps

(You can always add more, but you can't take it back!)

Step 2: Warm it up

Rub the oil between your palms for a few seconds. This helps it spread evenly and work better.

Step 3: Apply mid-lengths to ends

Your ends are the oldest part of your hair, so they need the most love. Start there and work your way up to mid-lengths. Avoid your roots unless you want that "didn't wash my hair" look.

Step 4: Distribute evenly

Run your fingers through, use a wide-tooth comb, or scrunch it into curls—whatever works for your hair type.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Using too much product

We get it—if a little is good, more must be better, right? Wrong. Start with one pump. You can always add more.

Applying to wet hair

Water and oil don't mix. Towel dry first or apply to completely dry hair for best absorption.

Putting it on your roots

Unless you're into that greasy look, keep oil away from your scalp. Your natural oils have that area covered.

Using the wrong formula

Heavy coconut oil on fine hair? Recipe for greasiness. Lightweight oil on super thick hair? Might not be enough. Match the formula to your hair density.




Your burning questions, answered

Can I use hair oil every day?

Absolutely! Just adjust the amount based on your hair type. Fine hair might prefer every other day.

Wet or dry hair?

Damp (towel-dried) or completely dry. Skip the soaking wet hair.

Will it make my hair greasy?

Only if you use too much or put it on your roots. Stick to the ends and you're golden.

Can I use it as heat protection?

In a word, no. Unlike silicones, natural oils should not be used as a heat protectant and should only be applied after heat styling as a finishing touch. If you apply heat tools to your hair, use a heat protectant and apply hair oil after you’ve finished styling as your last step.

Does it help hair grow?

It doesn't directly make hair grow faster, but a well-formulated hair oil can help to prevent breakage by making strands softer and more flexible, which means you keep more of the length you're growing.

How long until I see results?

Shine and smoothness? Immediate. Healthier ends and less breakage? Give it 2-4 weeks of consistent use.




Shop our Hair Oil

Our lightweight Hair Oil combines argan, baobab, and camellia oils in a formula that works for all hair types. Get shine, moisture, and protection without any greasiness.

  • Triple-oil blend that actually absorbs
  • Works for all hair types (yes, even fine hair)
  • Clean ingredients, cruelty-free
  • Award-winning formula (featured in Allure, Byrdie, and ELLE)

The Drop

Whatever your hair type, apply a pump of our hair oil to your hands. Avoid the roots and work your way down to the ends. You can use oil before bed to lock in moisture overnight, or in the morning to give your hair a reboot for the day ahead.

Give it a few weeks of consistent use and you'll notice the difference—we're talking smoother, shinier, healthier-looking hair. And honestly? The self-care moment of running oil through your hair feels pretty good too.

The Shop

  • A clear bottle of Odele Hair Oil with a black pump, labeled for high shine and hydration, rests on a light beige surface with its shadow extending to the right.
    A hand holds Odele Beautys Hair Oil Mini, with the lightweight oil streaming down the wrist and fingers, creating a high-shine effect against a light gray background.
    Award Winning
    $12.99 USD
  • A beige acrylic Comb with
    A light beige wide-toothed comb with a gold Odele logo on the handle lays on a background of swirling white cream.
    $11.00 USD
Written by Lindsay Holden