Hair Oiling for Curly and Coily Hair

To oil curly or coily hair, work in four to eight sections, apply the oil along each parting at the scalp, smooth the rest over the lengths and ends, rest for 20 to 30 minutes and then shampoo the scalp thoroughly. Gentle hands and enough sections matter more than the amount of oil.

Why sections matter

Curls and coils hold together, so oil poured onto the top of the head rarely reaches underneath. Working one section at a time means every part gets a light, even coat, and detangling stays gentle. Clip each finished section away so you can see what is left.

Step by step

1. Section: divide dry or slightly damp hair into four sections for looser curls, six to eight for dense coils.
2. Scalp first: warm a few drops between your palms and press them along the parting of the first section.
3. Lengths and ends: smooth the oil down the section, adding a drop or two to the ends, where curls often feel driest.
4. Detangle gently, if you want to: with the oil on, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up.
5. Twist or clip: loosely twist the section and move on to the next.
6. Massage: once every section is done, fingertips in slow circles across the scalp for a minute or two.
7. Rest: 20 to 30 minutes, under a loose wrap or towel if you like.

How much oil

Hair	Starting amount
Short curls	Around half a dropper
Shoulder-length curls	About a dropper, spread across sections
Long or very dense coils	Start with a dropper and add per section

More is not always better. The right amount leaves curls soft and defined after the wash, without feeling heavy. If your hair still feels coated, use a little less next time. More detail is in How Much Hair Oil to Use.

Washing it out

Keep your hair in its twists or sections. Work shampoo into the scalp of each section before adding much water, then rinse; the lather running down is usually enough for the lengths. Shampoo the scalp a second time if needed, then condition as usual. If you prefer a gentle, low-lather wash, Sidr leaf powder is a traditional alternative. Our guide to washing oil out has more tips for thick hair.

After the wash: a finishing drop

Many people with curls like a finishing oil too. While hair is still damp, rub one or two drops of a single oil such as Pure Argan Oil or Pure Jojoba Oil between your palms and glaze them over the lengths. The difference between the two steps is explained in Pre-Wash or Finishing Oil?

How often

Once a week, on your usual wash day, is a good place to start. Keep note of the amount you used and how your curls felt; after a few wash days you will know your own measure. Our weekly wash-day routine shows the full week, and How to Make Your Own Hair Oil Blend includes a richer blend for thick or curly hair.

Good to know

• Test any new product on a small area of skin first (here is how), and keep oil away from the eyes.
• If your hair is colored or recently bleached, try a small, discreet strand first.
• Pull gently: never force a comb through knots.
• The Botanical Hair Ritual Oil contains sesame and wild pistachio (a tree nut).

At FAYNAN

Work the Botanical Hair Ritual Oil through in sections before you shampoo. If you prefer a single oil, Pure Date Seed Oil, Pure Pumpkin Seed Oil and Pure Garden Cress Seed Oil are used the same way, before the wash. See How to Choose a Hair Oil and The Ritual, or explore all hair oils.