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How do I Choose the Best Scalp Oil?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated May 17, 2024
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One of the things to ponder when choosing a scalp oil is the ingredients it contains. You should also try to determine if you have any scalp conditions, such as flakiness or itching, when making a decision. Try to determine how often this product might need to be applied, and the method of doing so, in order to see if this type is practical for you to use.

Read the product label carefully to determine what ingredients this product is made from. Many times, scalp oil is derived from greasy or waxy products that stick to the hair, but do not penetrate the scalp. Try to choose those that contain natural ingredients, such as almond, coconut, or sesame oil, as these tend to moisturize the scalp without leaving a build-up behind.

In addition to the oil itself, many brands contain other ingredients to help stimulate healthy hair growth or repair damage from heating appliances. These can include hibiscus, amalaki, and brahmi, to name a few. Other times, the essences of flowers, like lavender or jasmine, might be added to give scalp oil a light but pleasant fragrance.

Know the condition of your scalp so you can be aware of any problems you have. This way, you can choose scalp oil designed to treat these unique characteristics. Many products exist to treat specific things, such as dandruff, a condition usually noted by flaking skin near the hair follicles. Be aware of broken skin or infections when you are buying a product, because, in many cases, you may must wait until these have completely healed before applying this kind of product.

Different types of scalp oil are applied in different ways. Check with the manufacturer to see how a particular type might be used. Some varieties may require you to leave this product on your head for an extended period of time, while others can simply be massaged into the head. You might also want to know how often to apply this treatment, so you can know whether or not you have the time to devote to a regimen with a particular brand.

Scalp oil can be a helpful product for people who need to condition their hair or scalp. It can also be used to treat various problems associated with these. Choosing the right product to use can be an important decision, as the wrong brand may not effectively meet your needs or may be cumbersome and time-consuming to use.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By burcinc — On Aug 20, 2013

If anyone is planning to use a scalp oil with henna in it, beware, it turns hair slightly red. I think henna scalp oil is best for redheads. It can be a disaster for other hair colors.

My favorite scalp oils are coconut oil with lemon, amla (Indian gooseberry) and hibiscus scalp oil. All of these have therapeutic properties. They make hair stronger and healthier and improve scalp circulation. They also decrease hair loss and make hair shiny.

I usually use Indian brands of scalp oil. Indian women use a lot of hair oil and they seem to have more variety.

I'm also planning to try Chinese rose scalp and hair oil next. I heard it leaves a beautiful rosy scent behind.

By ZipLine — On Aug 19, 2013

@donasmrs-- I can recommend a scalp oil to you but what are you planning on using it for?

If you're looking for an oil to nourish your scalp and hair, then I recommend olive oil or coconut oil.

If you have dry and flaky scalp, then jojoba oil is good. If you have an oily and itchy scalp, then you can use a few drops of tea tree oil diluted with another carrier oil.

So the type of oil you should use depends on what your scalp needs. Not every scalp oil is going to work for everyone.

By donasmrs — On Aug 18, 2013

Can someone recommend me a good scalp oil, to use once or twice a week? Is castor oil good?

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