Himanshu Saini July 1, 2025
Hair oil has been a part of beauty routines for generations. From boosting hair growth to fighting dandruff, people love using it to care for their hair. But what if you want to turn that love into a business?
Starting a hair oil brand might seem tough, but with the right steps, you can go from a simple idea to a real product on the market and even grow it into something big.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to start hair oil business, build a brand, sell it online, and grow your business step by step.
1. Start with a Strong Product Concept
Your product is the heart of your brand. Before thinking about packaging or marketing your hair oil business, you should focus on creating a hair oil that solves real problems for real people.
Identify Your Niche
The hair oil market is broad. Instead of targeting everyone while starting a hair product business, narrow down your niche considering the booming demand for natural hair oils:
- Hair growth
- Anti-dandruff
- Scalp nourishment
- Frizz control
- Ayurvedic or herbal formulations
- Products for curly, textured, or colour-treated hair
Formulate Thoughtfully
Work with a chemist or cosmetic custom formulator to create a high-quality, safe formula. Focus on:
- Natural ingredients (e.g., coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil, bhringraj, amla)
- Scalp-friendly, non-toxic, and cruelty-free claims
- Avoiding synthetic fragrances or unnecessary chemicals
Also, test your formula extensively. Consider stability testing, allergy testing, and user trials during the hair oil manufacturing process to ensure the product works and remains safe over time.
2. Build a Brand That Resonates
Your brand is the promise you make to your customers; hence, you should:
Choose a Memorable Name
Your brand name should be:
- Easy to pronounce and spell
- Relevant to hair care or wellness
- Available as a domain name and social media handle
Design a Visual Identity
Hire a designer or use tools like Canva to create a logo, colour palette, brand fonts, etc. Your visual branding should communicate the personality of your product, whether that’s modern and minimalist, or earthy and Ayurvedic.
Define Your Brand Story
Consumers love a good story. Share your “why” – what inspired the brand? Maybe it started with your grandmother’s recipe or your own hair loss journey. Make it relatable and authentic.
3. Take Care of Legal and Manufacturing Basics
To build a scalable business, start with solid foundations.
Register Your Business
Choose a business structure – sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation – based on your goals and get it legally registered. You’ll also need:
- Business bank account
- GST or tax registration (depending on your country)
- Insurance (product liability and general business)
Source Ingredients and Packaging
Find reliable suppliers for contract manufacturing for hair oil:
- Oils and active ingredients that are known as the best ingredients for hair oil business.
- Bottles (glass or plastic), droppers, caps
- Labels and boxes
Always request samples and negotiate Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). Start with small batches to test the market before scaling.
Find a Manufacturer (If Not DIY)
You can either:
- Make it yourself at home (great for small batches)
- Hire a contract manufacturer with cosmetic certification
If you’re outsourcing, ensure the private label hair oil manufacturer meets safety and hygiene standards. Ask for documentation like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and lab test results.
4. Test and Refine Your Product
Before going all-in, do a soft launch. Create a batch of 100-200 units and sell to friends, family, or early supporters.
Collect feedback on:
- Texture and scent
- Packaging usability
- Visible hair benefits
Use this input to refine the formula, eco-friendly packaging, and pricing before scaling.
5. Build a Strong Online Presence
Even if you sell offline later, online branding is essential today. Here are some branding tips for hair oil business:
Launch a Website
Build a clean, user-friendly e-commerce site. Platforms like Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce make it easy.
Your website should include:
- Product listings with clear photos and descriptions
- “About Us” page sharing your story
- Testimonials or reviews
- A blog with hair care tips
- Easy checkout and shipping options
Create Social Media Channels
Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are ideal platforms for beauty brands. Post consistently, and use reels and short videos since they perform better in terms of reach.
6. Price It for Profitability and Value
Don’t just match competitors’ prices; build your pricing based on costs, value, and positioning.
Here are some factors you should consider:
- Cost of goods (ingredients + packaging + labour)
- Operational expenses (marketing, website, etc.)
- Profit margin (aim for at least 30%-50%)
- Perceived value (luxury vs. affordable)
You can also consider bundles or subscription options to increase customer lifetime value.
7. Plan a Scalable Marketing Strategy
Once your product is live, marketing will drive growth. Here’s how to do it without burning out or overspending.
Influencer Collaborations
Partner with micro-influencers (1k–50k followers) who align with your brand. Offer free products or small payments in exchange for honest reviews and videos.
Paid Ads (Start Small)
Run targeted ads on:
- Instagram and Facebook (great for visuals)
- Google Shopping (for search-based buying)
- YouTube pre-roll ads (for product education)
Start with a low budget ($5–$20/day), and scale what works.
Email and SMS Marketing
Collect emails from your website visitors. Send welcome offers, product education, hair care tips, launch announcements, and restock alerts.
8. Collect Reviews and Build Trust
Social proof is powerful. Encourage customers to leave reviews with:
- Follow-up emails
- Discounts on their next purchase
- Review contests or giveaways
Highlight top testimonials on your website and social channels. Video reviews work especially well.
9. Prepare for Scaling
If your product gains traction, you’ll need to grow without compromising quality.
Here’s how you can do scaling:
- Larger production batches
- Outsourcing fulfilment and shipping
- Expanding to retail or salons
- Launching new SKUs (like shampoos or serums)
- Hiring a small team (social media, customer service)
Plan your supply chain and cash flow early so you’re ready to scale sustainably.
Final Thoughts
Building a hair oil brand is exciting, but it takes patience, persistence, and smart decisions. The best brands are built on trust, consistency, and a genuine desire to solve customer problems.
Start small, learn quickly, and never lose sight of your mission. With the right product and a strong brand story, your hair oil can find a loyal customer base and grow into a household name.
FAQs
Q. Do I need a cosmetic license to sell hair oil?
Ans. Yes, in most countries you need to register your product or obtain a licence from the local health or cosmetic authority. Check your country’s specific regulations to ensure compliance.
Q. Can I start making hair oil at home?
Ans. Absolutely! Many small brands start by handcrafting their products at home. However, make sure your space is clean and follows basic hygiene standards. As you grow, consider moving to a certified manufacturing facility.
Q. How do I choose the right ingredients for my hair oil?
Ans. Focus on ingredients that match your brand promise and solve specific hair problems (e.g., coconut oil for nourishment, castor oil for growth). Research well and test your formula on different hair types.
Q. Where can I find packaging suppliers?
Ans. Look online (Alibaba, IndiaMART, Uline, or local cosmetic packaging suppliers) or visit trade shows. Always order samples first to check quality and compatibility with your product.
Q. Should I sell my hair oil online or in stores?
Ans. Start online; it’s cost-effective and easier to reach customers. Once your brand grows and gains trust, you can pitch to salons, spas, or retailers for offline sales.
