Oil rinsing has been popular for quite some time and has been known to alleviate several hair woes such as dry hair, frizzy hair, and hair prone to tangling.

This article will discuss oil rinsing benefits, best methods for practicing oil rinsing, oil rinsing vs hot oil treatments, and the differences between oil rinsing low porosity and high porosity hair.

What is Oil Rinsing?

Oil rinsing is a technique used to lock moisture into the hair while in the process of washing and conditioning. It is very similar to the LOC Method, except it’s done in the shower. It is usually done with oils that have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft. We recommend NJoy’s Long & Healthy Prepoo & Moisture Seal Oil because, not only does it contain oils that penetrate the shaft but it also contains ceramides. Ceramides strengthen the hair while maintaining elasticity and using no proteins. Other oils that penetrate the shaft are olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. Other natural oils can be used, as well, but overall, penetrating oils will give the best results.

Oil rinsing is slightly different from hot oil treatments or adding oils to your deep conditioner. The purpose of oil rinsing is to lock in moisture, prevent the hair from drying out and eliminate frizz. So, let’s look at the benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Oil Rinsing?

1. Moisture Retention

2. Softens the Hair & Reduces Single Strand Knots (SSKs)

3. Makes Detangling Easier

4. Shinier Hair

How to Oil Rinse

There are two methods commonly used:

Method 1

Shampoo your hair with your favorite sulfate free shampoo.

Rinse your hair thoroughly then coat your hair with your preferred oil and smooth throughout the hair.

Wait five minutes then rinse out with warm to hot water to loosen the oil.

Apply a moisturizing rinse out conditioner like Aussie Moist Conditioner, It’s A 10 Silk ExpressMiracle Silk Conditioner, and Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner. Use this time to detangle your hair as well.

Wait a few minutes then rinse out with cold water.

Method 2

Shampoo your hair with your favorite sulfate-free shampoo.

Rinse your hair thoroughly then coat your hair with your preferred oil and smooth throughout the hair.

Layer your preferred deep conditioner over the oil and smooth through your strands in sections.

Twist and pin up your hair.

Sit under a hair steamer or plastic cap under hooded dryer for 30 minutes.

Rinse out with cool water and finish off with a final blast of cold water.

Oil Rinsing vs Hot Oil Treatment

Though these may sound similar, they’re actually two different types of treatments for hair.

Oil rinsing is a step between shampooing and conditioning your hair while a hot oil treatment takes place before you shampoo your hair, aka a pre-Poo* (pre-shampoo). We’ll address prepoo’g at a later time.

Oil Rinsing Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair has a hard time letting moisture in. You need a regimen that will raise your cuticles sufficiently to let moisture and the benefits of hair treatments in. Method 2 may work best since applying heat will open up your cuticles.

Oil Rinsing High Porosity Hair

High porosity, on the other hand, has a hard time retaining moisture and dries out quickly. In this scenario, method 1 seems to work best for high porosity hair.

Incorporating oil rinsing into your regimen will lead to improved hair texture over time. Either method can help. Feel free to try both to see which one works best for your hair.