Oiling Your Hair But Still Losing It? You Might Be Doing It Wrong

Have you ever oiled your hair properly, left it on for hours, maybe even overnight and then noticed more hair in the shower drain?

We all have been there. And it’s confusing. We’ve grown up believing oiling is the ultimate solution for everything dryness, frizz, hair fall, you name it. Coconut oil massages are practically a childhood memory for most of us. But here’s something nobody really talks about: oiling the wrong way can actually make hair fall worse.

Before you panic and throw away your oil bottle, let’s talk about what might be going wrong.

Over-Oiling: More Isn’t Always Better

Be honest have you ever poured way too much oil thinking it’ll “deep nourish” your hair? Dr. Marwah notes that excess hair oil can weigh down strands and weaken them. Excess oil mixes with sweat, dust, and dead skin on your scalp. Over time, that buildup can clog hair follicles and irritate your scalp.

You don’t need half a bowl of oil. One to two teaspoons are enough. Massage gently, and limit oiling to once or twice a week. Your scalp needs nourishment not drowning.

Leaving Oil Overnight

I know, sleeping with oil feels like the proper and the best way to do it. But keeping oil on for too long can suffocate your scalp. Oil traps heat and bacteria, especially in humid weather, it was even mentioned by Dr Marwah in his blog. That can lead to dandruff, itchiness, or even fungal issues. And when your scalp isn’t healthy, your roots become weaker.

Instead of overnight treatments, keep oil on for 2 to 4 hours. Then wash it off properly with lukewarm water.

Massaging Too Hard

Like Vogue India points out, if you're scrubbing your scalp hard to "get the blood flowing," you could actually be irritating those sensitive roots. Your scalp's pretty delicate treat it gently! Use your fingertips, not your nails. Gentle circular motions are more than enough. Think relaxing massage not kneading dough.

Also, try not to oil a dirty scalp. If there’s already sweat and buildup sitting there, adding oil on top just makes it worse.

Using The Wrong Oil For Your Hair Type

Not every oil works for everyone. If you already have an oily scalp, heavy oils like coconut might feel too much. They can make your scalp greasy and uncomfortable. Lighter oils like argan or jojoba may suit you better.

Dry scalp? Heavier oils can actually help. It’s not about which oil is best. It’s about what works for your hair.

Not Washing It Out Properly

This one is common. If you don’t shampoo properly after oiling, residue stays behind. That leftover oil attracts more dirt, which leads to greasy roots and sometimes even more shedding.

Use a gentle shampoo and cleanse thoroughly. If you oil regularly, using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help remove buildup.

Oiling Isn’t The Villain

Oiling isn’t bad. Doing it carelessly is. When done right, it can improve shine, reduce dryness, and make hair feel softer. Warm the oil slightly, apply a small amount, focus more on mid-lengths and ends especially if your scalp gets oily, and wash it off within a few hours.

You can even add a drop of rosemary or tea tree oil if your scalp is prone to dandruff.

Here's What Matters

Hair care isn’t about blindly following what we’ve always been told. It’s about understanding what your scalp actually needs. Change your oiling routine. Be gentle, be consistent and give it a few weeks. And you might just notice less hair in that shower drain.