6 Nourishing Benefits Of Using Baby Oil On Your Hair

Baby oil is formulated for babies. Therefore it is safe to use. But, is baby oil good for your hair? It definitely offers many advantages. For example, it is cheaper than the fancy oils on the market, and most baby oils are from reputed brands. The question, however, still looms.

Well, yes, baby oil is good for your hair. It is mild, lightweight, and extremely gentle on all hair and skin types. In fact, you can also use this multipurpose oil for removing makeup and treating winter frostbite. Baby oil is a good option for making your hair healthy as well as for other purposes.

This article lists out all the benefits of baby oil for hair – from boosting hair growth to adding luster and shine. Read on to get all the details!

Can You Put Baby Oil In Your Hair?

One can guess that the question such as ‘Is baby oil good for your skin?’ might bring up some obvious answers. But can the same be said about applying baby oil on your hair?

Baby oil is just mineral oil with some fragrance and other ingredients added to it. It keeps your skin healthy and is often used in makeup removers as well as shaving creams. However, the physical properties of the oil make it appropriate to use on your hair, too. Dr. Roshan Vara, MBBS, a hair transplant surgeon, says, “Baby oil can protect your hair from further damage as it provides a barrier between your hair and the environment. Similar to a gel, it helps to keep your hair in place and can help to prevent already damaged hair from becoming worse.” However, he also cautions that baby oil should never be applied to the scalp, and only to your hair. He adds, “Baby oil can clog your hair follicles, which can minimize hair growth and cause scalp irritation.”

While there is not much research to prove how beneficial baby oil is for your hair, people worldwide claim it is safe to use. Just apply a few drops on your hair and scalp and massage in a gentle circular motion.

Gently rubbing the oil in can be effective in keeping frizz down and makes hair soft. However, using too much baby oil can make your hair greasy. As such, it might be helpful to use just a little amount every session.

Caution: While baby oil is well-tolerated, it can cause an allergic skin reaction in people who have sensitive skin. So, before going all out, make sure to do a patch test on your skin.

Follow these steps to test the baby oil before use:

1. Take a small amount of baby oil and apply it to your elbow.
2. Leave it on for about 24 hours.
3. If you see any redness, itching, or irritation, discontinue use immediately.

Also, please note that this oil may cause eye irritation. So while it is safe for leaving in your hair, refrain from using it on your eyebrows and eyelashes.

Now, let us understand how baby oil works and how it can help your hair grow faster and longer.

The Science Behind How Baby Oil Helps Hair Grow Faster

I. Common Ingredients Of Baby Oil

Baby oil is essentially mineral-based or vegetable-oil based.

That said, some variations may contain additives such as vitamin E oil, aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado oil, or an added fragrance for extra appeal.

The choice of ingredients ultimately depends on the brand you buy, but not all of them might be suitable for your hair. So, pick wisely!

II. How Baby Oil Works: What Does Baby Oil Do To Your Hair?

It is common knowledge that our hair is made of a protein-rich component called keratin.

Ordinarily, most people experience hair growth at a rate of half an inch a month.

But, if you have dry and damaged hair, your hair strands may stop growing on account of being dead. This is where using a good-quality baby oil truly shines.

Dr. Vara adds, “Baby oil is a petroleum-based product, which means it sits over the top of things, rather than soaking in to provide moisturizing benefits. It does, however, help to smooth out dry, frizzy hair, which can help when trying to minimize breakage due to dry hair.”

Though it is not well-researched, it is said that baby oil can work well for split ends. Simply running some baby oil through the ends of your locks can hydrate them and help them grow without a hitch.

The non-penetrating properties of mineral oils also make them last longer on the surface of dry, frizzy hair. Thus, mineral oils like baby oil add shine to your tresses.

A study found that coconut, olive, and sunflower oils can penetrate the hair shaft and thus disappear from the hair’s surface. However, mineral oil does not penetrate the shaft and stays on the surface for longer (1).

Moreover, it prevents your hair from becoming dry, brittle, and weak by moisturizing the hair shaft.

Nicoletta, a YouTube vlogger, left baby oil on her hair overnight to boost her hair health. She shares, “My hair looks like it grew longer and shiny, not frizzy at all. It is so moisturized and feels the softest ever, and it is easy to run my fingers through my hair (i).”

Here is a DIY baby oil hair care ritual for people who have normal to dry hair:

1. Take 4-5 drops of baby oil onto your palm.
2. Gently distribute it all over your hair and massage for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rinse off after a couple of hours.

Alternatively, you can make the best use of this oil by applying a small amount to your hair ends (and not the scalp) and skin after a bath. This extra measure will keep your skin and hair hydrated and moisturized.

III. Using Baby Oil As A Scalp Massage Oil

Much like hair, your scalp also needs gentle massaging from time-to-time as it can increase blood circulation. How does this help?

Basically, if you have nutrient-rich blood flowing to the follicles, your hair is bound to grow faster and thicker (2). Plus, the mere act of massaging stimulates the production of natural oils, which can maintain moisture in dry hair.

Additionally, it ensures that the ends of your hair are well-coated with this nourishing, hydrating oil. Anecdotal evidence claims that this prevents split ends and eliminates any unnecessary breakage.

The wide-ranging benefits of baby oil, whether for skin or hair, are yet to be proven medically. However, personal accounts suggest that it is good to put baby oil in your hair. So, if you are wondering about its proposed benefits, check out the next section.

Top 6 Hair Benefits Of Baby Oil

1. Hydrates And Moisturizes Your Hair

While there is little research to support this claim, anecdotal evidence states that baby oil can seal in moisture and lubricate the skin. The oil does not evaporate and acts as a barrier to prevent moisture loss from your skin.

In the same vein, baby oil keeps the scalp moisturized by sealing each cuticle. This hair benefit comes in handy if you are someone who engages in excessive blow-drying and heat styling.

2. Relieves Dry Scalp, Parched Hair Ends, And Other Scalp-Related Issues

A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. After all, the scalp is the foundation on which your hair grows.

On the other hand, a dry, flaky scalp is cause for concern and essentially paves the way for the onset of dandruff and other hair care problems. Moreover, a dry scalp can slow down hair growth and damage your hair roots.

One of the uses of baby oil for hair is lubricating the scalp. Simply massage your scalp with a few drops of moisturizing baby oil before washing your hair. This can eliminate much of the dryness and flakes.

Another area where you can use baby oil is if your baby suffers from a cradle cap. Cradle cap is an issue that causes a baby’s scalp to form crusty white or yellow scales and dandruff-like irritation. A study shows that baby oil may be a better alternative to natural oil-based remedies for cradle cap in infants, especially when caused by the Malassezia yeast (3). You can use baby oil to massage their scalp and get rid of the dry, scaly skin.

Additionally, personal findings suggest that putting a few drops of regular baby oil helps nourish the scalp and reduces the risk of hair loss.

3. Makes Your Hair Stronger

Tiny holes in your hair shaft can stop it from growing and increase the chances of breakage. This characteristic also makes your hair porous and leads to plenty of water absorption.

Naturally, too much water makes your strands swell, causing it to become brittle, weak, and damaged. Add to the mix excessive hair pulling (especially if you comb your hair wet) and harsh chemical treatments, and we have a real problem.

So, here is the solution – why not use baby oil as a pre-treatment ritual before shampooing?

Baby oil behaves differently than other oils. Mineral oils like baby oil cannot penetrate the hair shaft and are less effective in retaining protein in the hair (4). However, since it is not very absorbent, putting baby oil in your hair can keep water out of it.

Baby oil’s lubricating properties can also prevent breakage, detangle the hair naturally, and reduce frizz.

4. Smoothens Your Hair

As mentioned earlier, baby oil can help seal your hair cuticle. Adding 2-3 drops of baby oil to freshly washed hair can make your hair smoother. This, in turn, gives your locks natural protection from blow-drying or other harmful heat-styling treatments.

In fact, instead of using a chemical-based hair serum, you could simply opt for baby oil as a post-shower hair serum. While there is not enough data to support this claim, it is widely claimed that baby oil adds a frizz-free, healthier, and shinier look to your tresses.

5. Acts As A Hair Protectant

If your hair is exposed to the sun, pollution, or swimming pool chemicals regularly, baby oil can act as an excellent hair protectant. Many people claim that baby oil prevents harmful pollutants from damaging your hair by adding a protective layer to it. However, note that this claim is not scientifically proven. So while you can apply the oil before you step out in the sun or go for a swim, there is little proof that it will help against any long-term damage.

Quick Tip

Use baby oil sparingly, as it may cause scalp build-up. Also, unlike most hair oils, it may stain your clothes or pillowcases if used in excess.

6. Can Help Get Rid Of Lice

Baby oil is considered a popular home remedy to get rid of head lice and lice eggs in both adults and children. It may help loosen their grip on the hair strands and make it easy to remove by combing them out.

Here is how you can use baby oil on your scalp to eliminate lice:

1. Simply apply the baby oil to your scalp and hair, moving from the roots to the tips.
2. Leave it on overnight before rinsing it off.
3. If you have a rather aggressive lice infestation, pair this oil with doctor-approved chemical treatment for best results.

While there is no concrete scientific evidence for baby oil itself, a study suggests that mineral oil-based shampoos may effectively combat lice (5).

From moisturizing to treating scalp conditions, baby oil can help you in several ways. And if you are wondering how to apply oil on hair, learn more about the same in the next section.

How To Use Baby Oil For Hair

• As A Massage Oil:

Warm some baby oil in between your palms and massage your scalp gently with the oil in circular motions. Wash off later with a mild shampoo.

• As A Pre-Shampoo Treatment:

Apply a small amount of baby oil onto your scalp and throughout the length of your hair. Gently massage your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and a shampoo of your choice.

• As a Leave-In Treatment

After washing your hair, put a small amount of baby oil on the ends of your damp hair. This helps seal in moisture, making your hair look smooth and shiny all day long while also preventing dryness.

Quick Tip

If you use baby oil as a leave-in oil for hair shine, apply only 2-3 drops. Excess use of this oil may cause scalp irritation.

Risk Factors And Important Pointers To Keep In Mind When Using Baby Oil On Hair

• Baby oil can block your skin pores and irritate your scalp if used in excessive amounts.
• It can make things worse for acne-prone skin and cause breakouts on the hairline and forehead if too much oil trickles down in the said areas.
• Using this oil excessively can make your hair and skin look greasy.
• If you have oily hair, apply the oil only at the ends to prevent them from breaking. This way, you will not be weighing your hair down and making it look super greasy.
• Baby oil can leave stains on the surfaces it touches, so make sure to put a towel on your pillow if you plan to leave it on overnight.
• The biggest drawback of baby oil is the lack of scientific studies to back it up as an effective hair care product. Its effects are likely to vary based on how your hair responds to oil in general.

Final Verdict: Is Baby Oil Good For Your Hair?

Baby oil is a mineral oil that adds shine and softness to the hair. Moreover, it is typically considered to be safe to use.

Infographic: Pros And Cons Of Using Baby Oil For Hair

It is definitely tempting to use baby oil for hair. After all, hair products for babies have got to be great for you, right? Well, only partly, as you just read above. Check out the infographic for a quick rundown of the essential benefits and drawbacks of using baby oil for your hair.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you leave baby oil in your hair overnight?

Darrius Peace, a hairstylist, says, “Leaving baby oil on hair overnight can result in heavily weighed-down tresses. It can sometimes make the hair look stringy.”

When should I apply baby oil to my hair?

According to Dr. Vara, “If you are looking to apply baby oil to your hair to reduce frizziness, you want to apply it in the mornings as a styling product. You should never use heat with baby oil as this can actually increase damage as you are heating your hair with oil on it. Therefore, styling your hair before applying the oil is best.”

Is baby oil good for curly hair?

Yes, baby oil is suitable for curly hair. It detangles the curls and smoothens them.

Discover the amazing benefits of using baby oil for your hair. From nourishing dry strands to taming frizz, this video reveals 8 hair-transforming secrets using this everyday product. Unlock the beauty of your hair today!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

   

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

Read full bio of Dr. Shruti Chavan

• 
  Darrius PeaceLicensed Master Barber & Stylist Darrius Peace is a licensed master barber and stylist with over two decades of experience. He is the owner of Hayah Beauty and a natural hair expert. He is an alumnus of the Alabama Barber and Styling College, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and has authored a book titled My Hair Ain't Nappy: A Black Man's Introspection on Natural Hair.
  
  Darrius Peace is a licensed master barber and stylist with over two decades of experience. He is the owner of Hayah Beauty and a natural hair expert. He is an alumnus of the Alabama Barber and Styling College, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and has authored a book titled My Hair Ain't Nappy: A Black Man's Introspection on Natural Hair.
• 
  Dr. Roshan VaraMBBS Dr Roshan Vara, MBBS, is a hair transplant surgeon with six years of experience. He is an alumnus of King’s College London and a full medical member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery.
  
  Dr Roshan Vara, MBBS, is a hair transplant surgeon with six years of experience. He is an alumnus of King’s College London and a full medical member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery.

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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