January 13, 2023

How Scalp Oiling Transformed My Hair

We often overlook what we can’t see, which is why most of us don’t take care of our scalp. The skin on our scalp has a very similar anatomy to the skin on our face – so why don’t we care for our scalp like we do for our faces?! Like queen Taylor Swift says, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me”.

Over the past 3 months, my TikTok FYP has pushed the “oiling”, “hair oiling” or “scalp oiling” content on me HARD. I should’ve taken it as a much-needed sign, but I completely ignored this brilliant idea thinking that the last thing I wanted to do was add oil onto my straight, thin, already-oily hair! Boys, girls and theys, little did I know I was about to prove myself wrong.

Keep reading for my hair transformation using scalp oiling!

What is scalp oiling?

Scalp oiling is the practice of applying oil onto the scalp and strands to deliver intense moisture, strengthen roots, encourage hair growth and promote general hair health. Massaging oil into the scalp also improves blood flow, releases itchiness and prevents dandruff + dermatitis. Coating your ends in an oil of choice is an easy way to nourish and rejuvenate your mane and add extra shine and volume. Who doesn’t love a healthy, shiny head of hair?! I know I do.

This trend may have been blown up on TikTok recently, but the scalp oiling practice itself isn’t new. It has been practised for many centuries and is popular amongst Indian cultures. The TikTokers I saw have been using a variety of oils to “oil” their scalps and hair. Argan oil, jojoba oil and rosemary oil are among the most commonly used oils.

@ashnagray Reply to @taliaaa2144 healthy hair starts at the scalp :) I’m using the @Fable & Mane ♬ Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham - Kris Bowers

What do I need to oil my scalp?

Your favourite oil.
We recommend a highly nourishing oil such as almond oil, argan oil or jojoba oil. Our newly launched Super Serum is an oil-based elixir that contains the powerful argan oil and caster oil. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅) and quinoa extracts are superheroes when it comes to repair and protection. She’s thick, but she’s not heavy. Its texture is so lightweight you won’t feel greasy at all.
A paddle brush with soft bristles.
At Mermade, we’re brush fanatics. Our Everyday Brush is made from soft nylon plastic and natural fibre ballpoints tip, so it’s gentle on your scalp. In our demonstrative video, we’re using our soon-to-be-launched Detangle Brush which is even more perfect for this routine.
A killer playlist.
Yeah because you’re gonna leave your hair up for a few good hours, so it’s best to do with the best beats while you’re multitasking - think housework and cooking. Check out our Mermade Hair Spotify Playlist.

How do I oil my scalp?

Step 1: Detangle and smooth hair with a brush. You need to get rid of any knots and tangles. Smooth out those waves, baby! Plus, this helps stimulate the scalp and improve blood flow.

Step 2: Apply 1-2 drops to each section of your scalp. The strategy is “less is more” here. You don’t want to soak your scalp in oil - a little goes a long way. Repeat this process until your whole scalp is covered.

Step 3: Don’t forget those sad split ends - they desperately need some TLC too. Use 2-3 drops on each section and twist them to ensure that they’re covered properly. You can go in with a bang with these ones.

Step 4: Put your hair in a protective hairstyle. Some people braid their hair, but I for the life of me don’t know how to do that without looking like Annabelle the doll, so I just use our Claw Clip.

Step 5: Leave it on for 2-4 hours if you have long, thick hair (and probably have time too). For my thin, Asian hair ladies, one hour will do.

Step 6: Wash it off with a shampoo that doesn’t require you to do a second wash - *cough cough* shameless plug our Styling Shampoo is literally designed for that purpose. Your hair will feel clean and refreshed without needing double washing. I put some hydration and moisture back on with the Styling Conditioner as well.

Step 7: Blow dry your hair (with heat protection of course - we gotta do better in 2023) and voila, you’re done! Say goodbye to lacklustre hair and get real with your brand new and shiny hair. If you want to go a bit extra like me, use the Blow Dry Brush + Styling Primer + Mermade Mist combo for a bouncy blowout. This blow wave lasted me 3 days - I didn’t have to stress out about what my hair looked like for work every morning.

Watch the tutorial

@mermadehair We often overlook what we can’t see 👀, which is why most of us don’t take care of our scalp on a regular basis or don’t know how to take care of it properly 😩 Here is our guide to scalp oiling 101 💆🏻‍♀️ Check out our blog post too for extra info - link in bio 📱 #mermadehair #scalpcare #scalpoiling #hairoiling #haircare #haircareroutine ♬ original sound - Mermade Hair