Unless you've been living under a rock, by now you've heard about hair oiling and its many benefits. Applying hair oil to your strands is great for promoting healthy growth and leaving it shiny, but rinsing it out correctly is even more important. If you don't rinse out your hair oil correctly, it can leave a greasy residue on your scalp that can clog pores and cause breakouts — or worse, clog follicles and lead to hair damage or loss.. This is why it's crucial to know how long to wait before showering after oiling your hair. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your hair after applying oil.

Step 1 Make Sure The Oil Has Been In Your Hair Long Enough

Don't rush to rinse your hair oil out of your strands. You need to give it a chance to work its magic on your scalp and hair. The time it takes for hair oil to fully penetrate your scalp and hair depends on the type of oil you use. Some oils are very light, while others are more viscous. If you have fine hair, it may take longer than those with thicker strands. The best way to tell if your hair oil has been absorbed is by looking at the tip of your strands. If there is still residue or buildup, then it's not ready to be rinsed out yet. While some people want a quick fix and only leave their oil in for ten minutes, we recommend leaving it in for at least one hour for the best results.

Step 2 Use The Right Shampoo 

Don't just use any shampoo after oiling your hair. You want to make sure you're using a clarifying shampoo that will thoroughly cleanse your scalp and remove excess oil build-up. If you're not sure what type of shampoo to use, opt for a sulfate-free formula that won't strip your hair's natural oils. It's also important to note that you should never use a shampoo that contains sulfates on your hair if you've recently oiled it. Sulfates are detergents that strip away the natural oils on your scalp, which can cause dryness and breakage.

We recommend TO112 Shampoo For Fine Hair & Oily Scalps, this formula gently yet thoroughly cleanses the scalp so you can be sure it will wash all the hair oil out of your tresses.

Step 3 Give Your Scalp & Hair A Thorough Cleanse 

Once you’ve found the right clarifying shampoo for your needs, it’s time to use it. Put a small amount of shampoo in your hands, then rub them together to create a lather. Apply the lather to your scalp and massage for 1-2 minutes with a TO112 Shampoo Brush. Be sure to use warm water, as cold water can make some oils solidify on your stands and nobody wants that! We recommend double cleansing to ensure you're getting the oil out.

Pro tip: as with any sulfate free shampoo make sure you are emulsifying your TO112 shampoo in your hands before applying and massaging into your scalp.

 

@abbeyyung This makes the HUGEST difference! #shampoohacks #shampoohair #hairwash #hairwashday #learnhow ♬ STAY - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

 

Step 4 Use A Hair Rinse

To ensure you get rid of excess oil (especially from the scalp) try using a hair rinse. The type of hair rinse you use will depend on your hair type, but there are several rinses available on the market OR you can opt for your own DIY rinse by using lemon or apple cider vinegar. The acidity of lemon or apple cider vinegar helps to kill bacteria, which will help prevent dandruff and acne. To make your own hair rinse, simply take a cup of water and add two tablespoons of lemon juice OR apple cider vinegar. Then apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. Let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Step 5 Don’t Skip On Conditioner

The final step in washing out your hair oil is finishing with conditioner. After you've used your clarifying shampoo and rinse your hair is ready for added moisture. Even though we sound like a broken record, we're here to remind you once again that conditioner is for your hair and shampoo is for your scalp so be sure to pick a conditioner depending on your hair concerns. 

If you have dry hair, a hydrating or moisturizing conditioner like our TO112 Conditioner for Dry Hair formulated with tamanu oil, camellia extract, and shea butter to increase flexibility and manageability in a never greasy formulation.

If you have fine limp hair and want soft, silky strands without weighing them down, then use a light conditioner like our TO112 Conditioner for Fine Hair. Fortified with rice and wheat proteins for an added volume boost, this weightless conditioner brings bounce to even the finest hair.

If your hair is damaged or brittle and prone to breakage, look for a deep conditioning treatment that contains proteins like keratin or collagen. Our TO112 Collagen Hair Mask is a protein-based hair mask with keystone collagen and keratin, to boost strength reviving damaged hair. This deeply conditioning blend of botanicals and proteins nourish damaged and delicate hair to help it feel new again.

What Else To Know About Hair Oiling

Should I keep oil in my hair overnight?

The short answer is no. While many people swear by the overnight method, we don't recommend leaving oil in your hair for that long. It can cause all kinds of issues, including acne on your scalp and blocked hair follicle that can lead to hair loss. To get the best results from an oil treatment, only leave it on for one to two hours. If you have low porosity hair you can let it sit for three to five hours.

Do I have to wash my hair after hair oiling?

Yes! It's crucial to wash your hair after applying oil, otherwise residue will weigh down water-based products (such as leave-in treatments) so they can't penetrate your hair. This may also make your scalp look oily and unkempt. In fact, it's a good idea to wash your hair after using any product that coats the strands. This includes mousse and gel.

Can I remove the oil without washing my hair?

You can remove oil from your hair by using other products like apple cider vinegar, lemon, and soap. However, these methods are not as effective as shampoo. They can also irritate a sensitive scalp and cause infections. Shampooing is the most effective way to remove oil from your hair. 

Will rinsing with water properly remove hair oil?

Washing your hair with shampoo, rather than just rinsing with water, is the best way to cleanse your scalp and remove excess oil. This helps you get the most out of oil treatments, without over-stripping your hair and causing damage. In addition to keeping your scalp healthy, proper cleansing also makes it easier to manage your hair and prevents damage.

Alternatives To Hair Oiling

While hair oiling is a process where you apply oil to dry hair, a hair mask is applied after shampooing and conditioning to damp hair. For best results leave your chosen hair mask in from twenty minutes to one hour before rinsing out and styling as usual. In addition to helping maintain moisture, masks can also be used to repair damage and make hair softer.

There are several different types of hair masks, from overnight treatments to weekly nourishing masks. The best type for you depends on your hair type and needs. If you have dry, damaged or color-treated hair, opt for a protein-based mask like our TO112 Collagen Mask. If your hair is dry and dehydrated, our TO112 Mega Moisture Mask will give you maximum moisture infusion with a blend of the best ingredients for intense hydration.

But is your hair damaged or just dry and dehydrated? It’s important to know the difference because knowledge is power, and selecting the right hair mask is the key to getting your gorgeous hair back. Learn about the difference between damaged and dehydrated hair in this blog.