Should I oil my hair before bed
Have you ever stood in front of the bathroom mirror at night, looking at your hair, and wondered whether you should apply a nourishing hair oil before bed to help with dryness, or whether doing so will help nourish your hair? Or has the thought literally only occurred the moment before you started searching for a hair care solution to this problem online?
Either way, it is a common question and one that comes with mixed opinions across Google Search, TikTok, hair forums and even stylist chairs, so you’re not alone! The truth is that oiling your hair before bed can be incredibly beneficial, but only when you match your routine to your hair type and your styling habits.
The quick answer is that nighttime oiling can give your hair the “big drink of water” feeling it craves. It can help reduce breakage, smooth frizz and bring back a glossy shine. Yet for some people, too much oil or the wrong application technique leads to limp hair, clogged scalps and next-day greasiness.
So, how do you know if your hair is the perfect candidate?
Well, that’s where Voduz expert advice comes in. So, let us break it down properly, exploring how to get the best results when using hair oil in the evenings.
If you want more information, then our longer, more detailed answer to common questions around this topic can be found below.
What actually happens when you oil your hair at night
A lot of people assume hair oiling is simply “moisture in, frizz out”. However, this is not entirely true, since hair oil does much more. This is why understanding what a nourishing hair oil will actually do and which hair types and conditions benefit will help you plan your hair care routine – so keep reading!
The three main things hair oiling does
- It reduces moisture loss by creating a protective barrier
- It softens rough, dry or brittle ends
- It helps smooth the cuticle for shinier, silkier hair
Unlike conditioners or masks, oils do not hydrate the hair from within. Instead, they seal moisture in and protect against friction from pillows or tossing around during sleep.
This is why oiling pairs beautifully with styling routines that use heat. If you regularly blow-dry or curl, your ends are more porous, and oil helps keep them intact for longer.
Which hair types benefit the most from oiling before bed
Not every hair type needs heavy oiling. In fact, some hair types react better to lighter oils or shorter timeframes.
Best candidates for nighttime oiling
- Dry hair
- Thick or coarse hair
- Curly and coily hair
- Colour-treated hair
- Hair damaged by heat styling
If your hair is naturally dry, textured or thirsty, nighttime oiling acts as a cushion and creates a smoother base for styling the next morning.
Hair types that need a gentler approach
- Fine or flat hair
- Oily scalps
- Low porosity hair
These hair types may still benefit from oiling, but they need lighter oils and careful amounts. Heavy oils can leave the hair feeling weighed down or greasy.
If you have low porosity hair, it naturally resists absorption, which, in this instance, means that using too much hair oil may cause a buildup rather than nourishment.
Should you oil your scalp before bed
This is a big “People Also Ask” question that we see all the time, and for good reason..
When scalp oiling helps
- If you have a dry, flaky or tight-feeling scalp
- If your scalp feels irritated after heat styling
- If you are looking to support healthy hair growth
A gentle scalp oil massage boosts circulation and can help nourish your roots.
When you should avoid it
- If you have an oily scalp
- If you are prone to dandruff
- If your scalp becomes itchy easily
Oil can trap dead skin and worsen flaking if your scalp is already oily or sensitive.
If you experience itchiness, try hydrating products rather than pure oils. A product like Prep + Protect before styling can also help maintain scalp comfort without clogging.
How to safely oil your hair before bed
This is where technique matters. Oiling is not about drenching your hair until it looks like a chip pan. A little goes a long way.
Step-by-step nighttime routine
1. Start with dry hair
- Oils do not penetrate well when the hair is wet.
2. Warm the oil between your hands
- This helps it glide evenly and prevents heavy patches.
3. Apply from mid-lengths to ends
- Most people do not need oil at the root.
4. Use a wide-tooth comb
- Distribute the oil evenly and avoid tangles.
5. Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf
- This prevents friction and stops your pillow from absorbing the oil.
6. Shampoo thoroughly in the morning
- One wash is usually enough if you did not over-apply.
How much oil should you use
- Fine hair: one to two drops
- Medium hair: two to three drops
- Thick or curly hair: three to six drops
If you can see wetness or feel heaviness, you have used too much. It’s fine to start with a smaller amount, and you will know through gradually applying how much your hair requires.
How often should you oil your hair before bed
Online Search suggests people commonly ask, “Is it OK to oil hair every night”.
Our answer to this is: Generally, no. Oiling every night can weigh the hair down, attract dust and clog the scalp.
A balanced routine would be:
- Once a week for most hair types
- Twice a week for very dry or curly hair
- Every two weeks for fine or oily hair
Consistency is better than overloading.
The best oils for nighttime hair care
Every oil has its own strengths.
Best lightweight oils
- Argan oil
- Macadamia oil
- Jojooba oil
Perfect for fine or easily weighed-down hair.
Best rich, nourishing oils
- Coconut oil
- Castor oil
- Olive oil
Ideal for thick or coily hair types.
Best balanced oils
Oils blended with chosen oils that complement each other work beautifully for styling routines, giving slip, shine and heat protection without heaviness.
Our R'Oil - Hydrating Hair Oil, for example, is formulated with a blend of Macadamia, Jojoba oils and Ternifolia Seed Oil, which is designed to strengthen, moisturise, and protect every strand, regardless of your hair type. It conditions deeply, leaving your hair healthier, shinier, and stronger!
So, should you oil before bed??
The answer to this will be obvious by now. But the answer is Yes!, but only if you tailor the oil and routine to your hair type. When done correctly, nighttime oiling cushions your hair against breakage, supports sleeker styling, and boosts shine.
Haircare is not one-size-fits-all. It is about building a routine that makes your hair feel like yours, whether that is smooth, bouncy or full of personality. As we say at Voduz, it is all about creating your own crown and feeling your best with every style you shape.