Healthy hair begins with care. Across cultures and generations, oils have been used as a nourishment for the scalp and hair. When chosen carefully, hair oils can support growth, improve strength and restore natural shine without compromising your scalp health. At Ruh Essentials, we believe that hair oiling is both a science and a ritual. In this article, we discuss why hair oiling is an effective technique for growth, strength and shine and also why herbal infusions matter. 

Why Hair Oils Matter for Hair Health?

Hair oils work in three primary ways.  a) Scalp Support: nourishing follicles and maintaining a healthy scalp. b) Fiber protection: reducing the loss of moisture and mechanical damage. and c) Ritual consistency: encouraging slow, intentional care instead of quick fixes.

Not all oils serve the same function and understanding their properties is key to using them effectively. 

Best Hair Oils for Growth

Hair growth begins at the scalp. Oils that support circulation, reduce inflammation, and deliver bioavailable nutrients create the conditions for stronger, healthier growth.

✦ Castor Oil: Rich in ricin oleic acid, castor oil is known for supporting scalp circulation and moisture retention. It’s especially beneficial for thinning areas and edges, though its thick texture works best when blended with lighter oils.

✦ Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla has been used for centuries to support hair density and scalp vitality. It’s rich in antioxidants and traditionally associated with strengthening hair at the root.

✦ Herbal-Infused Oils: When herbs like Bhringraj, Neem, Rosemary, or Hibiscus are slowly infused into carrier oils, their properties become more bioavailable to the scalp. This method allows growth-supporting compounds to be delivered gently and consistently.

Ruh Essentials' approach: Rather than relying on a single ingredient solution, Ruh Essentials uses herb infused oils to support growth through balance. 

Best Hair Oils for Strength

Hair strength is about elasticity and resilience. Oils that penetrate or reinforce the hair fiber help reduce breakage and support length retention.

✦ Coconut Oil: One of the few oils shown to penetrate the hair shaft, coconut oil helps reduce protein loss and improves tensile strength. Best used as a pre-wash or treatment oil.

✦ Olive Oil: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, olive oil supports softness and elasticity, especially for dry or coarse textures.

✦ Sesame Oil: Often overlooked, sesame oil is deeply nourishing and traditionally used in scalp treatments to support overall hair vitality.

Ruh Essentials' Approach: Strength comes from consistency. Our formulations focus on oils that nourish without coating, supporting hair’s natural structure over time.

Best Hair Oils for Shine

Natural shine is a sign of healthy cuticles and balanced moisture—not grease.

✦ Argan Oil: Lightweight and rich in vitamin E, argan oil smooths the cuticle and enhances shine without weighing hair down.

✦ Jojoba Oil: Structurally similar to the scalp’s natural sebum, jojoba oil helps balance moisture and adds a soft, natural sheen.

✦ Sunflower Seed Oil: High in linoleic acid, sunflower oil supports shine while maintaining lightness—ideal for frequent use.

Ruh Essentials' Approach: Shine should feel soft, not slick. Our blends prioritize oils that enhance light reflection while respecting scalp balance.

The Power of Herbal Infusion

What sets an oil apart is not just the carrier—but what it carries.

Herbal infusion is a slow, intentional process where botanicals are steeped in oil over time. This allows fat-soluble compounds from herbs to integrate into the oil naturally, creating a formula that works with the scalp, not against it.

At Ruh Essentials, herbal infusion is central to our philosophy. It results in oils that feel purposeful, grounding, and effective. Our Hair Oils include infusions like Rosemary, Curry Leaves, Fenugreek, Onion Seeds, Hibiscus, Amla and False Daisy.

How to Use Hair Oils Effectively

✦ For supporting growth: Massage into the scalp 2–3 times per week

✦ For strength: Use as a pre-wash treatment or overnight ritual

✦ For shine: Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, focusing on lengths

Consistency matters more than quantity. Hair oiling is a practice, not a quick fix.

Summary:

Hair oils support hair health by nourishing the scalp, protecting hair fibers, and maintaining moisture balance. Different oils aid growth, strength, and shine, with herbal-infused oils enhancing effectiveness through bioactive compounds. Consistent, intentional use is key to visible results. Explore hair care not as a trend, but as a ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is hair oiling important for overall hair health?

Hair oiling supports hair health by nourishing the scalp, protecting the hair fiber from moisture loss and damage, and encouraging consistent care. When practiced regularly, oiling helps improve strength, elasticity, and natural shine while maintaining scalp balance.

Which hair oils are best for promoting hair growth?

Oils that support scalp circulation and deliver nutrients are best for growth. Castor oil, amla, and herbal-infused oils containing botanicals like Bhringraj, Rosemary, neem, or hibiscus help create an environment that supports healthy hair growth at the root.

What makes herbal-infused hair oils more effective than single oils?

Herbal-infused oils carry the fat-soluble compounds of botanicals directly into the scalp. This slow infusion process enhances bioavailability, allowing the oil to work gently and consistently with the scalp rather than simply coating the hair.

How do I choose the right hair oil for strength or shine?

For strength, oils that penetrate or reinforce the hair fiber—such as coconut, olive, or sesame oil—help reduce breakage. For shine, lightweight oils like argan, jojoba, and sunflower seed oil smooth the cuticle and enhance natural light reflection without heaviness.

How often should I oil my hair for best results?

For growth support, massage oil into the scalp 2–3 times per week. For strength, use oils as a pre-wash or overnight treatment. For shine, apply a small amount to the lengths as needed. Consistency matters more than the amount used.