Oiling Your Hair at the Wrong Time? Here’s When You Should Do It

Shraddha Chouhan | Dec 15, 2025, 15:14 IST

This article explains the difference between morning and night hair oiling and how it affects your hair growth, scalp health and hair strength. Hair oiling is a traditional and ancient method which helps us in maintaining healthy hair but many people are unsure about the correct time to apply hair oil.


Benefits of Hair Oiling in Morning


applying oil during morning

Oiling our hair during the morning helps us to manage frizz and dryness during the day. By applying small amount of oil on our hair adds moisture, makes hair smoother and gives a natural shine. It can also help us by protecting our hair from pollution, dust and harsh sunlight. It can be beneficial for scalp health as massaging oil gently on our scalp in morning improves blood circulation.

However try avoiding heavy oiling during morning as it may attract dirt and makes your hair look greasy. The best way is to apply light oil and wash our hair after a short time period. Morning hair oiling is mostly suitable for those people who stay indoors most of the day.

Benefits of Hair Oiling in Night


applying oil during night

It is considered the most effective time for hair growth and deep nourishment. When we apply oil during night , it stays on our scalp for several hours which allows nutrients to go deeply inside the hair roots. During night when we sleep our body repairs itself and this is the best time for the scalp to absorb oil better. Night oiling reduces breakage, dryness, dandruff and stress related hairfall.

Massaging the scalp at night relaxes our mind and improves blood flow to hair follicles. However in many cases oiling every night may not suit oily or acne prone scalp as it can block pores. Buildup can be prevented by using moderate amount of oil and washing hair next morning.

Best Time for Hair Growth

For most people night oiling is best for hair growth as it provides long lasting nourishment and improves scalp health which is important for strong and healthy hairs. Morning oiling is better for styling our hair and protecting it while night oiling is good for growth and repair.

Effective Hair Oiling Tips


Massaging after oiling

For best results we should oil our hair once or twice a week. We should use oils like coconut, almond or bhringraj oil . Massage for like five to ten minutes to improve blood circulation. Avoid using excess oil as it can cause buildup.

From this discussion it becomes clear that both morning and night hair oiling is good. It depends on our needs, if we want to apply oil for hair growth it should be during night for protection from dust it should be applied during morning.

Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

  1. Can oiling increase hair growth?
    Yes, oiling can improve hair growth indirectly by strengthening existing hair, reducing breakage, nourishing the scalp, and boosting circulation, leading to less shedding and more visible length.
  2. How to sleep with oil in hair?
    To sleep with oil in your hair, apply a moderate amount to scalp and strands, massage gently, then cover with a silk scarf or shower cap to protect bedding and boost absorption.
  3. Which oil is best to leave overnight?
    Many natural oils used for overnight hair oiling are coconut, almond, olive, and argan oil.
  4. Which oil speeds hair growth?
    For faster hair growth, Rosemary Oil, Castor Oil, and Peppermint Oil are top contenders.
Tags:
  • frizz
  • dryness
  • moisture
  • deep nourishment
  • hairfall
  • dandruff