5 Common Hair Oiling Mistakes That Could Be Causing Your Hair Fall

For low porosity hair, which has tightly bound cuticles, lightweight oils like jojoba, grapeseed, argan, and sweet almond oil are ideal, as they hydrate without weighing hair down. In contrast, high porosity hair, characterized by gaps in the cuticle, benefits from heavier oils such as coconut, olive, avocado, and castor oil to seal in moisture.

To determine your hair porosity, perform the float test: take a clean strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity; if it sinks slowly, it’s medium porosity; and if it floats, you have low porosity.


Applying too much oil can lead to product buildup, which may clog hair follicles and contribute to hair fall. It can also irritate the scalp, requiring stronger shampoos to cleanse properly, which may strip natural oils and cause dryness. A study in the International Journal of Trichology highlights that excessive oil can create an environment conducive to fungal growth on the scalp, further aggravating hair loss.

Limit oil application to a small amount—usually a teaspoon for medium-length hair. This minimizes buildup while still providing nourishment.


Not washing your hair often enough after oiling can lead to dirt and excess oil accumulation. According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, inadequate cleansing can weaken hair and lead to increased shedding. For best practices, consider applying oil before washing your hair, allowing sufficient time for absorption while ensuring it doesn’t become too heavy or dirty.

Keep oil on your scalp for a maximum of 3 hours to avoid attracting dirt and leave it on for at least 30 minutes for nourishment.


While massaging the scalp is beneficial for circulation, doing it too aggressively can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. A study from the British Journal of Dermatology emphasizes the importance of gentle handling to promote healthy hair growth.

Use gentle, circular motions when massaging the scalp. This not only improves circulation but also reduces the risk of follicle damage.


Many individuals focus solely on the hair length and neglect the scalp. The health of the scalp is critical for hair growth. While washing your hair, activate your scalp by massaging it for at least 5 minutes for a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp supports hair follicles, as highlighted in research from Dermatology Reports.

While washing your hair, activate your scalp by massaging it for at least 5 minutes for a healthy scalp. Use your fingertips to work the oil into the scalp, promoting healthy follicle function.