Apply hair oil to dry hair, section by section, using about 10 drops on the scalp. Massage it in for 2–3 minutes, smooth the rest through the lengths, leave it on for 2–4 hours, then wash it out with shampoo. Repeat 3–4 times a week.
Step by step
- Start with dry hair. Apply the oil to dry hair, before you wash it. Oil spreads and absorbs better on dry hair than on wet hair.
- Part your hair into sections. Divide your hair into 4–6 sections so you can reach the scalp, not just the top layer.
- Apply about 10 drops to the scalp. Put a few drops on your fingertips and apply them along each parting. About 10 drops in total is enough; use 5–8 for an oily scalp or fine hair.
- Massage for 2–3 minutes. Massage the scalp gently with your fingertips in small circles. Don't scratch with your nails.
- Smooth the rest through the lengths. Run what's left on your hands through the mid-lengths and ends, which are usually the driest part.
- Leave it on for 2–4 hours. Leave the oil on for 2–4 hours. Tie your hair up or cover it with a cap or towel to protect pillows and clothes.
- Wash it out with shampoo. Apply shampoo to the oiled hair before adding much water, lather, then rinse. Shampoo a second time if hair still feels oily.
- Repeat 3–4 times a week. Consistency matters more than quantity: 3–4 times a week, every week, for at least 2–3 months.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using too much oil. More oil isn't more effective; it just makes hair harder to wash.
- Only oiling the ends. For scalp care, the oil needs to reach the scalp.
- Not washing it out. Leaving oil on for days can make the scalp feel heavy and attract dirt.
- Adding water first when washing. Shampoo on the oiled hair first, then water: it lifts the oil much more easily.
- Giving up too early. Hair grows slowly; judge results after months, not days.
Which oil to use
Herba Luxe Hair Growth Oil ($21, 100 ml) is a ready-to-use blend of jojoba, argan, castor, coconut, rosemary, lavender, grapeseed and sweet almond oils with vitamin E. One bottle lasts several weeks at about 10 drops per use. It contains sweet almond oil, so avoid it if you have a nut allergy. For washing it out, Herba Luxe Shampoo is made for normal and oily scalps. For more, read rosemary oil for hair and hair oil for an oily scalp.
FAQ
Should I apply hair oil to wet or dry hair? Dry hair, before washing. Oil spreads and absorbs better on dry hair, and you wash it out afterwards.
How much hair oil should I use? About 10 drops for the scalp is enough for most people. Use 5–8 drops if your scalp is oily or your hair is fine.
How long should I leave hair oil in? Two to four hours before washing. That's the direction for Herba Luxe Hair Growth Oil and works well for most hair.
How do I wash hair oil out easily? Apply shampoo directly to the oiled hair before adding much water, lather, then rinse. Shampoo again if needed.
Can I apply hair oil only to the ends? You can for dry ends, but for scalp care the oil needs to be massaged into the scalp itself.
Published: October 2026