Oil Rinsing for Natural Hair: The Secret to Softer Curls, More Shine & Easier Detangling?

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

From the Crowning Glory Archives — Originally Published August 10, 2015 | Refreshed October 2026

Hello, My Beautiful Naturalistas!

Ladies, have you ever finished washing your natural hair, only to discover that your strands still feel dry, rough, or difficult to detangle?

You shampooed.

You conditioned.

You followed your usual routine.

But somehow, those beautiful curls and coils are still asking for a little extra attention!

Well, today we're revisiting a hair-care technique that caught my attention years ago.

Oil rinsing!

Now, I know what some of you are thinking.

"Lady Summerset, you want me to put MORE oil in my hair?"

Yes, ladies, but there's a method to the madness!

Oil rinsing became popular among naturalistas looking for ways to improve softness, shine, and manageability during wash day.

And while this technique isn't a miracle treatment, it may be a useful addition to certain natural hair routines.

So let's explore what oil rinsing actually does, how it differs from pre-pooing, which oils you might consider, and whether it's worth trying on your beautiful crown.

From the Archives: Why I Originally Wrote About Oil Rinsing

When I first published this article in August 2015, many of us were experimenting with techniques to help manage dry natural hair.

We were discussing the LOC method, pre-poo treatments, deep conditioning, hot oil treatments, and the wonderful world of natural oils.

Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and castor oil were familiar names in the natural hair community.

The original article explored how oil rinsing might improve softness, shine, and detangling.

Looking back, I still appreciate the basic idea behind the technique.

However, we've learned more about how oils interact with hair, and I believe it's important to distinguish traditional hair-care practices from scientifically established benefits.

Because, ladies, healthy natural hair care is about understanding what works—not simply following every trend!

What Exactly Is Oil Rinsing?

Oil rinsing is a hair-care technique that involves applying a small amount of oil during your cleansing and conditioning routine.

Unlike applying oil as a finishing product, oil rinsing usually takes place while the hair is wet or damp.

Depending on the technique, the oil may be applied after shampooing and before conditioning, or alongside a rinse-out conditioner.

The purpose is to provide additional lubrication to the strands.

This may help improve the way the hair feels during detangling and styling.

Some naturalistas also enjoy the added sheen that oils can provide.

But here's an important distinction.

Oil doesn't moisturize hair in the same way water does.

Water contributes to hair hydration, while oils primarily provide lubrication and can influence how readily water moves into and out of hair fibers.

The exact results depend on the oil, how much is applied, and the condition of your hair.

Oil Rinsing for Natural Hair — Exploring whether a little oil during wash day can improve softness, shine, and manageability.

Oil Rinsing vs. Pre-Pooing: What's the Difference?

Ladies, this is one of the questions that frequently comes up.

Aren't oil rinsing and pre-pooing basically the same thing?

Not exactly!

Although both techniques may involve applying oil to the hair, they are used at different stages of the wash-day process.

Pre-Pooing

A pre-poo treatment takes place before shampooing.

Some women apply a small amount of oil or conditioner to their hair before cleansing.

The purpose may be to reduce friction during washing or make strands easier to manipulate.

Certain oils, particularly coconut oil, have been studied for their ability to reduce protein loss from hair under some conditions.

However, that doesn't mean every oil penetrates hair equally or produces the same results.

And despite what older articles sometimes recommended, leaving oil on overnight is not necessary for everyone.

Oil Rinsing

Oil rinsing generally takes place during wash day, often after shampooing and before the final conditioning rinse.

Instead of leaving the oil on for many hours, it's usually applied briefly and then rinsed away.

Some people use oil rinsing to improve detangling and softness.

Others prefer their conditioner alone.

And that's perfectly fine!

The goal is not to add unnecessary steps but to discover whether this technique offers something useful for your hair.

Four Popular Oils for Oil Rinsing

Let's revisit four oils that have been popular in natural hair care for years.

1. Coconut Oil — A Popular Hair-Care Classic

Coconut oil contains a high proportion of lauric acid.

Research has shown that coconut oil can penetrate hair under certain conditions and reduce protein loss.

That makes it one of the more extensively studied plant oils in hair care.

But coconut oil doesn't work beautifully for everybody!

Some naturalistas report that their strands feel stiff, coated, or unpleasant after using it.

If your hair doesn't respond favorably, there's no reason to force it into your routine.

2. Olive Oil — For Slip and Shine

Olive oil is popular because of its rich consistency and lubricating properties.

When used sparingly, it may help strands feel smoother during handling.

However, ladies, this oil can be heavy!

If you have fine strands, start with a very small amount.

We're oil rinsing—not preparing our curls for the frying pan!

3. Avocado Oil — A Conditioning Option

Avocado oil contains fatty acids that can contribute to a smoother, more conditioned feel.

Some women enjoy incorporating it into their wash-day routines.

However, the benefits depend on the product and your individual hair characteristics.

And remember: a plant oil is not necessarily better simply because it's natural.

What matters is how well it performs on your strands.

4. Castor Oil — Rich and Heavy

Castor oil has a thick consistency that makes it popular in many natural hair routines.

It can provide lubrication and shine.

But because it is so viscous, it may be difficult to rinse away and may leave fine hair feeling coated.

And let's clear up a common misconception.

There is not convincing scientific evidence that castor oil directly stimulates faster hair growth.

For oil rinsing, I would generally suggest using it sparingly, especially if you're working with fine strands.

How to Oil Rinse Your Natural Hair

If you're curious about trying oil rinsing, here's a gentle method to consider.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Hair

Begin by washing your hair with your regular shampoo.

Pay attention to your scalp and rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Divide Your Hair Into Sections

Working in sections can make product application easier.

This is especially helpful for thick, tightly coiled, or longer natural hair.

Step 3: Apply a Small Amount of Oil

Begin with a few drops.

Smooth the oil gently over the mid-lengths and ends of your damp hair.

Avoid saturating your scalp, particularly if you are prone to irritation or buildup.

Step 4: Follow With Conditioner

Apply your usual rinse-out conditioner.

Gently detangle using your preferred technique.

You may use your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or a suitable detangling brush.

Always avoid unnecessary pulling.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the oil and conditioner from your hair.

Pay attention to whether your strands feel softer, smoother, and easier to separate.

If your hair feels greasy or coated, you may have used too much oil.

Step 6: Style as Usual

Follow with your preferred leave-in conditioner and styling products, if needed.

And remember, ladies:

A little oil can go a long way!

What Are the Possible Benefits of Oil Rinsing?

Now let's discuss what oil rinsing may realistically offer.

Improved lubrication: Oils can reduce friction between strands, potentially making hair easier to handle.

Additional shine: Some oils can create a smoother-looking surface that reflects light.

Improved manageability: Certain hair types may feel easier to detangle after a small amount of oil is applied.

Reduced friction during styling: Lubricated strands may experience less resistance during gentle handling.

However, there is limited direct clinical research evaluating oil rinsing as a complete technique.

It has not been established that oil rinsing makes hair grow faster, permanently repairs damaged strands, or prevents every instance of breakage.

Those claims deserve careful consideration.

Could Oil Rinsing Help With Fairy Knots?

Oh, those dreaded little fairy knots!

If you've ever encountered single-strand knots, you know how frustrating they can be.

Because natural curls and coils bend and loop around themselves, individual strands may sometimes form tiny knots.

Oil rinsing may help improve lubrication during handling.

In theory, reducing friction could help minimize certain forms of tangling.

However, we don't have strong evidence demonstrating that oil rinsing specifically prevents fairy knots.

Gentle detangling, appropriate conditioning, low-tension hairstyles, and caring for weathered ends remain important.

And if you discover a tightly formed single-strand knot, avoid yanking it apart.

Sometimes carefully trimming the affected strand is preferable to causing further breakage.

A Special Word for Fine, Low-Porosity Hair

Now, ladies, you know I have to speak about fine, low-porosity natural hair!

As someone with this hair combination, I've learned that my strands don't always appreciate heavy product layering.

Sometimes too much oil leaves my hair looking limp rather than full and bouncy.

And low-porosity hair can require a little experimentation when choosing conditioners, oils, and styling products.

But remember:

Porosity and strand thickness are different characteristics.

Low porosity doesn't automatically mean every heavy oil will be unsuitable.

Nor does fine hair mean you must avoid oil altogether.

The key is finding the smallest amount that produces the results you want.

If your conditioner already provides excellent slip, you may not need an additional oil rinse.

And that's okay!

When Should You Avoid Oil Rinsing?

Although oil rinsing may be enjoyable for some naturalistas, it's not the best choice for everyone.

Consider skipping it or seeking professional advice if:

• You experience scalp irritation, dermatitis, or an active scalp condition.

• Oils consistently make your hair feel heavy, sticky, or coated.

• Your strands become difficult to cleanse after oil applications.

• You experience a sensitivity or allergic reaction to a particular oil.

• Your regular conditioner already gives you the softness and manageability you need.

And ladies, please avoid applying excessively hot oils to your scalp.

There is no need to risk burns in pursuit of softer hair!

What About Oil Rinsing During Winter?

My original article discussed choosing different oils for cooler weather.

And while coconut oil can become more solid at lower temperatures, that doesn't automatically make it harmful during winter.

An oil's texture and behavior depend on its temperature and composition.

More importantly, seasonal hair care should respond to your actual hair and scalp needs.

During colder weather, you may notice dryness from indoor heating, increased friction from hats and scarves, or changes in your styling routine.

Consider those factors when choosing products.

Rather than selecting an oil solely because of the season, choose one that works well with your strands.

My Final Thoughts: Is Oil Rinsing Worth Trying?

Ladies, looking back at my original article, I'm reminded of how exciting it was to discover different natural hair techniques.

We were experimenting, sharing our experiences, and learning how to care for our beautiful curls, coils, and kinks.

Oil rinsing is one of those techniques that may work wonderfully for some women and provide little benefit for others.

And that's perfectly normal.

The goal isn't to follow every trending routine.

The goal is to learn your hair.

If a small amount of oil makes your strands easier to manage during wash day, wonderful!

If your favorite conditioner already does the job, there's no reason to complicate your routine.

Because sometimes the best hair-care discoveries aren't about adding more products.

They're about discovering what we no longer need.

Healthy hair care doesn't have to be complicated to be effective!

Let's Talk, Naturalistas!

Now, I want to hear from you!

Have you ever tried oil rinsing?

Which oil did you use?

Did your hair feel softer, shinier, or easier to detangle?

Or did the technique leave your curls feeling a little too oily?

And here's another question:

Are you Team Oil Rinsing, Team Pre-Poo, or Team Good Old-Fashioned Conditioner?

Share your experiences in the comments below.

I love hearing what works for your beautiful crowns!

Until next time, embrace your natural texture, be gentle with your strands, and remember that your hair is beautifully unique.

Happy Curls to You!

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

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© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.