3 Hair Oiling Mistakes You Shouldn't Ignore For Healthy Hair Growth 

If you want to facilitate faster hair growth, you should have a hair oil (or many) in your repertoire. These vials of liquid gold boast ingredients that either stimulate the follicles and promote circulation on the scalp, clear inflammation-causing buildup, or moisturize your lengths and protect them from physical stress—all of which are necessary for encouraging inches.

We'll start with the most obvious: "When it comes to hair oils, one common mistake is over-application," says Godbee. This might not be as much of an issue if you're applying as a pre-shampoo treatment or slicked-back style, but if you're planning on styling your hair post-application, you might not want to go overboard. "Using too much can weigh hair down or leave it greasy," Godbee adds, especially if you have finer locks. 

Trust that a little goes a long way with a spectacular formula. "Start with a few drops and build as needed," Godbee advises. She suggests a lightweight yet deeply penetrating oil, like Virtue's Healing Oil, which contains a proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku protein to smooth and fill in the cracks of broken hair bonds. 

I should also note that some oils are often meant to strengthen the strands themselves (like the aforementioned Virtue number), whereas other oils are targeted specifically for scalp health and are best used as an overnight or pre-shampoo treatment. It's important to know the difference here, as you can be a bit more generous with an overnight application. 

As you can probably tell, different oils have unique densities—some are lightweight and airy, while others are quite rich and silky. You can totally cocktail different oils together to take advantage of their extra nutrients, but according to Godbee, it's essential to understand their properties.

"Some oils, like coconut or olive, can be heavy, while others, like argan or jojoba, are lighter," she notes. "It's wise to avoid mixing oils with vastly different densities to maintain the desired texture and absorption." However, you could pair lightweight oils (such as argan or grapeseed) to amplify their benefits without weighing down the hair, she says. 

"Lastly, timing matters," says Godbee. "Applying oil to damp hair can help lock in moisture, while using it sparingly on dry hair can add shine without making it look greasy." You can also massage an oil into your scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment—your application methods will depend on your timing. And of course, consistency is key: You can't expect to see any hair growth benefits without time and effort.