Himanshu Saini July 2, 2025
Hair oiling is a popular way to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and strong. People have been using oils for hair care for hundreds of years, and today, there is more demand for natural hair oils.
From traditional Ayurvedic oils to modern cold-pressed and essential oil-based formulas, each type has its own benefits. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this blog, we’ll explain the most popular types of hair oil formulations, what makes them different, and how they can help your hair look and feel its best.
1. Ayurvedic Hair Oils
Ayurvedic hair oil formulations are inspired by traditional Indian medicine. These hair oil formulas are made by infusing carrier oils (like coconut, sesame, or castor oil) with herbs, roots, flowers, and natural extracts mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
Common Ingredients:
- Bhringraj – for hair growth and scalp health
- Amla – for strengthening and preventing greying
- Brahmi – for calming the mind and promoting healthy hair
- Neem – for dandruff and itchiness
- Ashwagandha – for reducing stress-related hair loss
Benefits:
- Deeply nourishes hair roots
- Balances scalp health based on your dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
- Promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall
- Often supports mental relaxation too
Best For:
- People looking for holistic, all-natural hair care
- Those with stress-related hair issues
- Anyone wanting a traditional remedy for hair fall or thinning
Tip: Massage Ayurvedic oils into the scalp and leave on for a few hours or overnight before washing.
2. Cold-Pressed Oils
Cold-pressed oils are made by mechanically pressing seeds or nuts without using heat or chemicals. This method preserves more nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids compared to refined oils.
Common Types:
- Cold-pressed coconut oil – for hydration and shine
- Cold-pressed castor oil – for thickening and regrowth
- Cold-pressed almond oil – for softness and nourishment
- Cold-pressed argan oil – for frizz control and styling
Benefits:
- Retains natural vitamins and antioxidants
- Nourishes both scalp and strands
- Lightweight and safe for sensitive skin
- It is versatile and can be used as a leave-in or rinse-off treatment
Best For:
- People looking for a single-ingredient, chemical-free oil
- Those with dry, damaged, or frizzy hair
- Great for both oiling and light styling
Tip: Look for oils labelled “virgin” or “unrefined” for the highest quality.
3. Essential Oil-Based Hair Oils
These formulations of hair oil include essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender. These are highly concentrated plant extracts that need to be diluted with carrier oils.
Common Essential Oils for Hair:
- Rosemary – improves circulation and supports growth
- Tea tree – fights dandruff and scalp infections
- Lavender – soothes scalp and reduces hair loss
- Peppermint – refreshes the scalp and promotes blood flow
Benefits:
- Targets specific hair and scalp concerns
- Stimulates follicles and promotes hair growth
- Helps reduce dandruff, itching, and irritation
- Natural alternative to synthetic fragrances
Best For:
- People dealing with scalp problems like dandruff or inflammation
- Those looking to boost hair growth naturally
- Anyone who loves aromatic, relaxing hair treatments
Tip: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) before applying to the scalp. Never use essential oils directly on skin.
4. Herbal Infused Oils
Herbal hair oil formulations are created by soaking dried or fresh herbs in a base oil (like olive or sunflower oil) for days or weeks. This process allows the active compounds of the herbs to slowly release into the oil.
Popular Herbs Used:
- Calendula – soothing and healing
- Rosemary and thyme – stimulating growth
- Chamomile – calming for sensitive scalps
- Lavender buds – for a relaxing, aromatic treatment
Benefits:
- Customizable and can be made at home
- Gentle on the scalp and hair
- Rich in vitamins and plant-based nutrients
- Multipurpose can be used for skin too
Best For:
- DIY lovers
- People with mild hair concerns who prefer gentle care
- Those wanting completely natural and customized oils
Tip: Store herbal oils in dark glass bottles to preserve their potency and extend shelf life.
5. Mineral Oil-Based Hair Oils (Commercial/Drugstore Oils)
These custom hair oil formulations are common in many commercial brands and usually contain mineral oil or petroleum-based ingredients, often mixed with small amounts of herbal extracts or fragrances.
Common Additions:
- Perfumes
- Synthetic preservatives
- Colorants
- Silicones
Benefits:
- Affordable and widely available
- Gives immediate shine and softness
- Often has a long shelf life
Downsides:
- Can clog pores or weigh down hair
- Not nourishing in the long term
- May cause buildup on the scalp
Best For:
- Occasional use or as a styling product
- Those on a tight budget
- People who prefer store-bought convenience over natural formulations
Tip: Check ingredient lists; if mineral oil or paraffin is the first ingredient, it’s likely not giving long-term hair benefits.
6. Blended/Multifunctional Hair Oils
These are carefully custom formulated products that combine several types of oils (like coconut, castor, and almond) with herbs, essential oils, and vitamins. They aim to offer a “complete solution” in one bottle.
Common Additions:
- Vitamin E
- Argan oil
- Onion extract
- Biotin
- Green tea extract
Benefits:
- All-in-one solution for multiple hair concerns
- Usually backed by dermatologists or cosmetic science
- Often includes modern and traditional ingredients
Best For:
- Busy users who want convenience without compromising on quality
- People with multiple hair issues like hair fall, frizz, and dandruff
- Those who prefer science-backed formulations
Tip: Check for transparency in labelling; brands that list percentages of active ingredients or show clinical results are more trustworthy.
Which Hair Oil Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
| Oil Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
| Ayurvedic | Traditional, holistic users | Deep nourishment, stress relief |
| Cold-pressed | Minimalists, sensitive scalps | Pure nutrients, no chemicals |
| Essential Oil-Based | Scalp issues, hair regrowth seekers | Targeted, powerful benefits |
| Herbal Infused | DIY lovers, gentle care enthusiasts | Mild, customizable, multi-use |
| Mineral Oil-Based | Budget buyers, occasional users | Instant shine, not long-term care |
| Blended/Formulated | Convenience seekers | All-in-one solution with proven results |
Final Thoughts
Hair oils are more than just a beauty product; they’re a ritual, a treatment, and for many, a connection to their culture or wellness practice. Whether you prefer a cold-pressed argan oil for styling, an Ayurvedic blend for hair fall, or a rosemary-infused mix for regrowth, there’s a perfect oil out there for you.
The best part? You don’t have to pick just one. Mix, match, experiment, and most importantly, listen to your hair.
If you’re a brand looking to create your own hair oil business, you can contact the top hair care manufacturers and suppliers in India for the hair oil manufacturing process.
FAQs
Q. What’s the difference between Ayurvedic oil and regular hair oil?
Ans. Ayurvedic oils are made using herbal infusions based on traditional Indian medicine. They often include herbs like amla, bhringraj, and neem. Regular hair oils may be simpler in ingredients or include synthetic additives.
Q. Are cold-pressed oils better than refined oils?
Ans. Yes. Cold-pressed oils retain more nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants because they’re made without heat or chemicals. This makes them more beneficial for hair and scalp health.
Q. Can I mix different oils together?
Ans. Absolutely! Many people mix oils like coconut, castor, and almond to get multiple benefits. Just make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Q. Are essential oils safe to apply directly to the scalp?
Ans. No. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) before applying to the scalp.
Q. Which oil is best for hair growth?
Ans. Oils like castor, bhringraj, rosemary, and amla are known to promote hair growth. Blended oils that combine these ingredients are often very effective.
