The Best Oils to Use on Braided Hair – And How Often You Should Apply Them
When your hair is braided, it’s protected — but not immune to dryness, breakage, or scalp irritation. That’s where the magic of natural oils comes in. Oils help lock in moisture,*nourish the scalp, and preserve your braid’s neatness, all while encouraging hair growth underneath.
But not all oils are created equal and using them the wrong way (or too often) can actually do more harm than good.
In this post,we break down:
1.The top oils for braided hair
2.How often you should use them
3.And the best ways to apply them without buildup
Why You Should Oil Braided Hair
Even though braids are a low-maintenance protective style, your natural hair underneath still needs love.
Without regular oiling, your hair and scalp may become:
- Dry or flaky
- Itchy and tight
- Prone to breakage at takedown
Oiling helps with:
- **Moisture retention
- Soothing the scalp
- Boosting hair growth
- Maintaining shine and softness
Top 5 Oils for Braided Hair
- Jojoba Oil
Best for: Scalp health & mimicking natural sebum Jojoba is lightweight and most similar to your scalp’s natural oil, making it ideal for reducing dryness and flakiness.
2.Tea Tree Oil(Use diluted!)*
Best for: Itchy or flaky scalp, dandruff Antifungal and antibacterial, this oil keeps your scalp healthy — but it’s strong, so mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
3.Coconut Oil
Best for: Deep hydration & anti-breakage Great for sealing moisture into the strands. However, if your hair is protein-sensitive, use sparingly.
- Castor Oil
Best for: Edges & growth stimulation Thick and rich, castor oil works best in small amounts around edges or for sealing in hydration after misting.
5.Argan Oil
Best for: Shine & softness Lightweight and packed with vitamin E, great for giving braids that smooth, glossy finish without greasiness.
How Often Should You Oil Your Braided Hair?
This depends on your scalp type and climate, but here’s a general guide:
|Hair/Scalp Type -Oil Application Frequency **
| Dry scalp/hair | Every 2–3 days | | Normal scalp/hair | 2–3 times a week | | Oily scalp | Once a week (light oil) |
Tip: You don’t need to oil your entire braid length — focus on the scalp and roots, and lightly smooth the rest if needed.
**How to Apply Oils the Right Way
1.Use a nozzle applicator bottle. This helps you target the oil directly onto your scalp without overdoing it.
Warm the oil slightly A few seconds in warm water helps with absorption and feels soothing on the scalp.
Massage it in After applying, massage with fingertips to stimulate blood flow and spread evenly.
Seal in moisture Mist your hair with a water-based spray or leave-in before applying oil. Oils seal moisture — they don’t create it.
Avoid Oil Buildup
Too much oil clogs pores and attracts dirt. Signs you’re overdoing it:
- Sticky or greasy scalp
- Product flakes
- Itchy, irritated skin
Stick to light layers and cleanse your scalp weekly or biweekly.
Recommended Oil Blends & Products
- Taliah Waajid’s African Healing Oyl
- Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil
- Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Growth Serum
- DIY Mix: Jojoba + Tea Tree + Argan (in a 3:1:1 ratio)
Final Word: Treat Your Braids Like Royalty
Just because your hair is tucked away doesn’t mean it should be forgotten. Oils are a key part of maintaining the health and glow of your protective style — and the stronger your real hair grows underneath, the longer your braid game will stay flawless.
Remember:A nourished scalp is a growing scalp. And your crown deserves nothing but the best.
