As a trichologist, I often emphasize that oiling your hair is only half the battle – the proper way to wash the oil from your scalp and strands is equally important. Oiling is a popular hair care method, especially among those concerned about natural shine, elasticity, and resistance to damage. However, if the oil isn't removed thoroughly, it can cause more harm than good.
Why is proper washing of oil from hair so important?
Remains of an oily film on the hair and scalp can lead to:
- load on the strands and loss of volume,
- accelerated oiliness of the scalp ,
- clogging of hair follicles , which in the long run may even increase hair loss,
- weakening the effect of subsequent care treatments, because hair covered with oil absorbs nutrients less well.
Therefore, knowing effective methods for removing oil—without excessive drying or irritation—is crucial to maintaining healthy hair. In this article, I'll show you how to gently yet effectively remove oil from your hair , based on trichological knowledge and professional practice.
How does oil work on hair and scalp?
Hair oiling is a treatment that coats the hair shaft with a protective lipid film , preventing excessive water loss (TEWL – transepidermal water loss). Depending on the type of oil, we can achieve different results:
- Light oils (e.g. jojoba, grape seed) smooth the hair surface and add shine without weighing down the strands.
- Medium and heavy oils (e.g. coconut, castor) penetrate deeply into the hair structure, filling in gaps and increasing its resistance to mechanical damage.
At the scalp level, oils:
- provide fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins,
- may have anti-inflammatory properties (e.g. neem oil, black cumin oil),
- support the regeneration of the hydrolipid barrier.
However, from a trichologist's perspective, it's important to remember that oil is a hydrophobic substance —it doesn't dissolve in water. This means that simply rinsing your hair in the shower won't be enough to remove it completely. Unwashed oil can "seal" the surface of the hair and skin, blocking the absorption of nutrients and making your hair feel heavy.
Therefore, in the next part of the article I will describe which washing methods and products are best for washing off oil – so as to retain its caring benefits but avoid the negative effects of excess oil.
The most common mistakes when washing off oil
In my trichology practice, I see that many people oil their hair correctly but lose the benefits by improperly washing out the oil . This results in weighing down their hair, irritating the scalp, or even worsening its condition. These are the most common mistakes I see in my patients.
Washing with just water or too mild a detergent
Oil is hydrophobic – it doesn't mix with water. Rinsing your hair with water alone, even very warm water, won't completely remove it. A shampoo that's too gentle (e.g., a "low poo" type) may also struggle to remove heavy oils like castor or coconut oil, especially if they've been left in your hair for many hours.
Using too strong a shampoo
Strong detergents (SLS, SLES in high concentrations) will wash away the oil, but they may:
- excessively degrease and dry out the scalp,
- open the hair cuticles, which increases the risk of frizz and breakage,
- irritate the scalp, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin.
This is the most common reason why hair may look worse, not better, after oiling.
No emulsification step
Emulsification is a crucial step for gentle yet effective oil removal. It involves applying a conditioner or mask to your hair before shampooing , which binds the oil with water and makes it easier to rinse out. Skipping this step means using more shampoo, which can increase the risk of dryness.
Uneven washing of the scalp
Patients often focus on the length of their hair, forgetting about the scalp. However, this is where oil accumulates, mixed with sebum, dirt, and cosmetic residue. An uncleaned scalp can cause itching, dandruff, and weakened hair follicles.
Wash only once
In case of heavy oils or long periods of time on the hair, it may be necessary to wash it twice :
- first – removes most of the oil and dirt,
- secondly – it removes the residues and restores freshness to the scalp.
Trichologist's advice:
For best results, follow oiling with an emulsifying conditioner, followed by a gentle but effective shampoo . This will remove excess oil while preserving its nourishing benefits.
Methods for effectively washing oil from hair
Properly washing oil from hair is key to ensuring maximum results from oiling. As a trichologist, I recommend methods that remove excess oil without damaging the scalp's hydrolipid barrier. Here are some proven methods.
OMO method (conditioner – wash – conditioner)
This is one of the most effective and safest techniques, especially for dry, damaged or chemically treated hair.
How to do it step by step:
O – Conditioner – Apply an emollient conditioner (silicone-free) to dry or slightly damp, oiled hair. Distribute evenly from roots to ends.
Choose:
Wait 5–10 minutes – the conditioner emulsifies the oil, breaking down the fat molecules.
M – Wash – Rinse the conditioner with warm water and then wash your hair with a gentle shampoo (without strong, high-concentration sulfates).
Choose:
O – Conditioner – Apply conditioner again, this time concentrated on the lengths and ends of your hair.
This effectively removes oil without drying it out.
Emulsifying oil with a conditioner or mask
This method can also be used on its own if the hair does not require additional strong cleansing.
Why does it work?
Conditioners contain emollients and mild surfactants that bind fat with water, making it easier to rinse off.
How to do it:
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner or mask (preferably silicone-free, with vegetable oils and humectants) to dry, oiled hair.
- Massage the product into the length of the hair and scalp.
- Wait 5–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- If necessary, wash your hair with a mild or medium strength shampoo.
Washing with shampoo – gentle or stronger
- Gentle shampoo (e.g. with glucosides, betaine) – for thin, dry hair and for frequent oiling.
- Medium strength shampoo (e.g. with cocamidopropyl betaine + mild anionic surfactants) – for oils that are more difficult to wash off.
- Strong shampoo (with SLS/SLES) – only occasionally, e.g. after using castor oil, which is extremely thick and sticky.
Check out the shampoos:
Ayurvedic hair shampoo JASMINE and ALMOND
Ayurvedic GINGER and LEMONGRASS hair shampoo
Ayurvedic NEEM and GREEN TEA Hair Shampoo
Two-step hair washing
Recommended for heavy oils or when leaving the oil on the hair for a long time (e.g. overnight).
Stages:
- First wash – a gentle shampoo removes most of the oil.
- Second wash – the same or a milder shampoo removes residue and leaves the skin clean, but not dry.
Trichologist's advice:
For best results, combine emulsifying with conditioner and gently washing with shampoo. This will maintain the protective oil film where it's needed (along the length of the hair) while simultaneously cleansing the scalp of excess oil and impurities.
How to choose the right oil removal method for your hair type?
As a trichologist, I know that there's no one-size-fits-all method. How you wash oil from your hair depends on its porosity, condition, type of oil, and scalp condition . Below are some recommendations to help you choose the best cleansing method to leave your hair feeling light, shiny, and nourished after oiling.
Thin and oily hair
- Goal: Thoroughly remove oil without weighing down the strands.
- Method: emulsification with a light conditioner + medium strength shampoo (e.g. with cocamidopropyl betaine and glucosides).
- Avoid: heavy emollient masks when emulsifying – they may cause hair to become flat.
- Trichologist tip: reduce the time you leave the oil on to 30–60 minutes to make it easier to wash off.
Dry, brittle and highly porous hair
- Goal: to preserve some of the lipids from the oil to rebuild the hair structure.
- Method: full OMO (conditioner – wash – conditioner) or emulsification with a conditioner/mask with a large amount of emollients.
- Avoid: strong detergents (SLS/SLES) which can wash out too much oil and further dry out the hair.
- Trichologist's tip: you can keep the oil in longer (even 2-3 hours), but always emulsify before shampooing.
Hair after coloring or chemical treatments
- Purpose: protection of hair color and structure.
- Method: gentle shampoo (sulfate-free) + emulsification with low pH conditioner to close the hair cuticles.
- Avoid: too hot water – it accelerates the washing out of pigment.
- Trichologist's tip: choose mild oils (e.g. almond, marula, jojoba) that are easy to wash off.
Curly and wavy hair
- Goal: to maintain the elasticity of the curl and avoid frizz.
- Method: OMO or co-wash with oil emulsification.
- Avoid: excessive rubbing of hair when rinsing – it may break the curl.
- Trichologist's tip: after washing off the oil, apply a moisturizing conditioner with humectants (e.g. glycerin, aloe vera) and secure the curl with silicone-vegetable oil.
Trichologist's advice:
The choice of washing method should be paired with the type of oil. Heavier oils (castor, coconut) require more thorough cleansing or a two-step wash, while lighter oils (jojoba, grapeseed) come off more easily after emulsifying alone.
The role of the scalp in the oil washing process
When it comes to hair care, many people focus primarily on the hair shaft itself, forgetting that the scalp environment is crucial for hair health and growth . As a trichologist, I emphasize that if we want to effectively and safely remove oil from hair , we must first cleanse the scalp.
Why does the scalp require special attention?
The scalp, like facial skin, secretes sebum and collects impurities – dust, sweat, and cosmetic residue. Adding oil to this mix creates a lipid-impurity mixture on its surface, which:
- may block the openings of hair follicles,
- limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the bulbs,
- promotes the growth of microorganisms (e.g. Malassezia), which may intensify dandruff and irritation.
How to properly cleanse the scalp after oiling?
- Massage while washing – gentle, circular movements with your fingertips stimulate microcirculation and help separate oil from the skin.
- Emulsifying the conditioner also on the scalp – it allows for the initial dissolution of oil mixed with sebum.
- A shampoo adapted to the needs of the scalp – e.g., gentle for a sensitive scalp or medium strength for a tendency to oiliness.
- Rinse thoroughly – rinsing too quickly is one of the most common mistakes that causes some of the oil to remain on the scalp.
The importance of hydrolipid balance
The goal of cleansing after oiling isn't to completely degrease the scalp, but to restore its natural balance —removing excess oil while maintaining its protective layer. Overly aggressive cleansing can dry out the scalp, which paradoxically increases sebum production and causes hair to become oily more quickly.
Trichologist's advice:
If you struggle with irritation or oily scalp after oiling, consider using a toning or soothing lotion after shampooing. This will soothe your scalp, restore comfort, and maintain the oiling results without any negative side effects.
The most common questions patients ask about washing oil from hair
During trichology consultations, I regularly hear the same questions about oiling and cleansing hair after treatment. I answer them to dispel myths and help you choose the right method.
Can you leave the oil on your hair overnight?
Yes, but only if:
- choose a light oil that will not weigh down your hair (e.g. jojoba, grape seed, marula),
- you are not prone to scalp irritation,
- protect the pillow, because the oil may penetrate the bedding.
With heavy oils (e.g. castor oil), it is better to shorten the exposure time to 1–3 hours to make it easier to wash off.
How often can you oil your hair?
- Dry, damaged hair: up to 2–3 times a week.
- Normal hair: once a week.
-
Fine and oily hair: every 10–14 days.
The frequency should be adjusted to the condition of the hair and the type of oil used.
Can you wash oil out of your hair with just conditioner?
Yes, if you're using light oils and your hair isn't weighed down. For thicker oils or long-lasting hold times, it's better to emulsify with conditioner and a gentle shampoo .
Does warm water help wash off the oil?
Yes, but in moderation. Warm water loosens sebum and facilitates oil removal, but too hot water can dry out the scalp and hair. It's best to finish washing with lukewarm water to seal the hair cuticles.
Why does my hair feel flat after oiling even though I wash the oil off?
The most common causes are:
- using too much oil,
- insufficient washing (e.g. too short massage during washing),
- using a conditioner or mask with a large amount of silicones when emulsifying, which can additionally weigh down the hair.
Trichologist's advice:
When planning your oiling treatment, remember that its effects depend not only on the oil you choose, but also on proper washing . This step determines whether your hair will be light, shiny, and bouncy after drying, or heavy and lacking volume.
Products recommended by a trichologist for removing oil
Choosing the right hair oil remover is crucial to removing excess oil without damaging the scalp's hydrolipid barrier . A good product should effectively cleanse while also moisturizing and smoothing the hair.
Orientana Regenerating Conditioner-Mask with FiberHance™, Tsubaki and Pracaxi
This conditioner-mask is an excellent choice for emulsifying oil —the first step in washing it off. Thanks to its rich formula, it not only dissolves oil but also intensively regenerates hair after oiling.
Why I recommend oil washing:
- Emollients and vegetable oils (tsubaki, pracaxi) effectively bind to the oil on the hair, making it easier to remove.
- FiberHance™ BM Solution rebuilds the hair structure from the inside, which is especially valuable after regenerative oiling treatments.
- Provides smoothness, shine and softness to strands after the first use.
Additional advantages:
- Facilitates combing and prevents frizz.
- Protects against high temperatures (styling, drying).
- Visible regeneration effect after just 60 seconds.
Trichologist's tip : You can use this mask as the first step in the OMO method – apply it to oiled hair, wait 5-10 minutes, rinse and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Shampoos for the second stage of washing
After rinsing off the conditioner or mask, it is worth using a mild shampoo from Orientana, e.g.:
- Neem shampoo – strengthens hair follicles, regulates oiliness.
- Ginger shampoo – stimulates microcirculation, adds energy to hair.
- Trycho Lychee Shampoo – soothes irritations, supports scalp regeneration.
Thanks to this, after oiling the hair is thoroughly cleansed, light, but not too dry .
Trichologist's advice:
The Orientana regenerating conditioner-mask + Orientana gentle shampoo combination is a perfect duo that effectively removes oil, preserving its nourishing properties and supporting the health of hair and scalp.
Properly washing out oil from your hair is just as important as the oiling itself. This step determines whether your strands will be light, bouncy, and shiny after the treatment, or, on the contrary, weighed down, limp, and lacking volume. The key is choosing the right method (OMO, emulsifying with conditioner, two-step washing) and selected products that will effectively remove excess oil while nourishing the hair and scalp.
In everyday trichological practice, I recommend combining:
- Orientana regenerating conditioner-mask with FiberHance™, Tsubaki and Pracaxi – to emulsify oil and nourish hair already in the first stage of washing.
- Orientana mild shampoo – for washing the scalp and strands without drying them out.
This combination allows you to retain all the benefits of oiling, while at the same time ensuring cleanliness and lightness of the hairstyle .
Finally, a trichologist's advice:
Treat oiling and proper removal as a care ritual – repeated regularly, using the right products. After just a few weeks, you'll notice your hair becoming softer, smoother, and more resistant to damage.
Start your hair care routine today – choose the Orientana conditioner and shampoo suited to your hair type and discover how easy it can be to oil and wash off the oil in a professional, trichological way.
Check out the oils I recommend for oiling
