Oil Pulling for Hair: What Is It and Does It Work?

Oil pulling for hair growth is a growing trend on TikTok, with many influencers claiming it can help make your hair grow longer and thicker – but does this trend really work? Here, I’ll explain the historical uses and science behind oil pulling for hair and skin benefits, as well as explain some of the best oils to use if you want to try this trend.

Traditionally, oil pulling is an Ayurvedic medicine practice that involves swishing specific types of oil in your mouth to detoxify the body and improve oral hygiene. This same concept has been adapted for other modern uses, including to help promote hair growth and scalp health. Oil pulling for hair involves massaging the scalp with oil, allowing it to sit for a period of time, and then washing it out. The idea is that the oil can help to draw out impurities, nourish your scalp, and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Although it is called “oil pulling,” this method does not involve pulling oil through the strands of your hair, but rather focuses on nourishing the scalp, where hair growth starts. By doing so, oil pulling for hair is believed to help balance the natural oils on your scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth. 

With this technique in mind, oil pulling for hair may offer a range of benefits to your scalp and hair. The exact benefits, however, can vary based on the type of oil that you choose to use. Generally speaking, some of the main benefits of oil pulling for hair include:

• Nourishing and hydrating your scalp. Oils commonly used in oil pulling, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil, are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to nourish, hydrate, and protect your scalp
• Reducing dandruff. Oil pulling can help to keep your scalp hydrated, reducing the dryness, flakiness, and itching associated with dandruff.
• Promoting hair growth. Massaging your scalp with oil can help to stimulate healthy blood circulation, which can encourage hair growth by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
• Reducing hair breakage. The nutrients in many oils can penetrate and protect the hair shaft, making your hair stronger, shinier, and less prone to breakage.
• Balancing scalp oil production. For those with naturally oily skin, oil pulling may help to balance your scalp’s natural oil production, preventing the overproduction of sebum that can lead to greasy hair.

If you're simply looking for my favorite oil for hair pulling, check out this one!

Oil pulling for hair can be beneficial for a variety of specific conditions, including dry scalp or dandruff, damaged or brittle hair, and fine or thin hair. If you are struggling with any of these conditions, oil pulling for hair using the right oil for your skin type and specific needs may be able to help improve symptoms and the overall health of your hair.

Oil pulling for hair is generally safe and fine to try for most skin types. However, there are a few potential side effects to watch out for if you are going to try this trend:

• Clogged pores on the scalp. Using heavy oils or not washing the oil out thoroughly may lead to clogged pores, which can cause scalp acne or folliculitis. If you notice these side effects, stop oil pulling for your hair or try using a different oil that is better suited for your skin type.
• Greasy hair. While oil pulling for hair can help to regulate sebum production, it can also have the opposite effect and make your hair look and feel greasy if too much oil is used or if the oil is not properly washed out.
• Allergic reactions or skin irritation. Some people may have allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain oils used in oil pulling for hair, which can lead to redness, itching, and skin irritation. 

The evidence for the benefits of oil pulling for hair are largely anecdotal, with limited scientific studies on this specific practice. There are no convincing studies that this method works to turn hair into a growth phase.  However, there is a fairly large body of research on the benefits of specific oils used on the scalp.

Coconut oil, for example, has a uniquely low molecular weight and straight chain structure, allowing it to effectively penetrate the hair shaft where it can help to protect against breakage and split ends. Argan oil and castor oil are both well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties and high vitamin E content, which allow them to reduce scalp inflammation and dryness.

You can use a variety of different oils if you want to try oil pulling for your hair, but some of the most commonly used include:

• Coconut oil. Known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, coconut oil is the most traditionally-used oil for oil pulling. As noted above, the molecular structure of coconut oil gives it the unique ability to very effectively penetrate the strands of your hair, where it can impart moisture and create a protective barrier to reduce damage and frizz.

• Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, two important components for both nourishing and hydrating hair. Argan oil is also lightweight and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for most hair and skin types. One of my favorite organic argan oils is a brand called PAORR.

• Jojoba oil. This oil is very similar in composition to your scalp’s natural sebum, or oil, making it an excellent option for balancing oil production for those with oily skin types.

• Castor oil. Packed with beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, flavenoids, and ricinoleic acid, castor oil can be particularly beneficial for anyone dealing with hair thinning or bald spots.

(Argan oil is my personal favorite, and this is my favorite brand of Argan oil):

You can try incorporating oil pulling into your hair care once or twice a week to help promote hair growth and shine. Here are the steps if you want to try it:

1. Choose the right oil. Use an oil or oil combination that suits your scalp and hair type. If you don’t know your skin type, take the quiz to find out so you can pick the best oil for your hair and skin.

2. Warm the oil. Slightly warm the oil to make it easier to apply and to help it penetrate the scalp better.

3. Massage the oil into your scalp. Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp in circular motions. This helps stimulate blood flow and ensures the oil is evenly distributed.

4. Let the oil sit. Allow the oil to sit on your scalp for at least 30 minutes. For deeper conditioning, you can leave it on overnight.

5. Rinse thoroughly. After the oil has had time to penetrate the scalp and hair, wash it out with a gentle shampoo, making sure all the oil is rinsed out.

The oil pulling for hair TikTok trend can be worth trying if your scalp is dry or itching.  While it may not work miracles, side effects are generally minimal, if any, and many people find that adding oil pulling to their hair routine can make their hair look and feel healthier. Just make sure you choose the right oil for your hair type and avoid overdoing oil pulling for your hair so you don’t create new problems like clogged pores.

If you are having thinning hair, hair vitamins have much more data to show they help hair grow faster, so I recommend using a hair Vitamin instead.

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1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Lupi, A., Tenni, R., Vignali, F., Torricelli, P., Giardino, R., & Nicoli Aldini, N. (2013). Argan oil-based emulsion improves skin hydration, elasticity, and cutaneous barrier integrity. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1-7.
4. Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 54(2), 175-192.