Hair oiling has been hailed as a miracle ritual for shiny, healthy hair — but according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, the popular routine may not be as effective for hair growth as many believe. In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Liu broke down why applying oil to the scalp might actually do more harm than good, especially for those struggling with thinning or inflammation.
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Why Hair Oiling Isn’t Enough For Growth
Dr. Liu began by clarifying that oils aren’t the enemy. “Oils are great at adding softness, smoothness, and shine to hair, and even protecting hair from potential breakage,” she said. She also highlighted that coconut oil has the strongest data supporting its ability to reduce hydro fatigue—the swelling that happens when hair strands absorb water, which can lead to damage over time.
However, Dr. Liu warned that the way people are using oils on social media isn’t effective for promoting hair growth. “People are massaging oil onto their scalp, leaving it in for a couple of hours, and then shampooing it off,” she explained. “This contact time is not going to be enough for stimulating hair growth.”
She pointed out that studies often cited to support oiling, such as those on rosemary oil, used specially formulated lotions with concentrated bioactives, applied twice daily to thinning areas—not a simple oil mask once a week. “At best, you’re just helping reduce breakage,” Dr. Liu said. “But don’t expect this to work like Minoxidil.”
And for those with scalp issues like dandruff, oiling could actually make things worse. “If you suffer from dandruff, oiling can add to more inflammation that could contribute to more hair thinning,” she cautioned.
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The bottom line
Hair oils can be a great addition for conditioning and protecting the hair shaft, but when it comes to actual hair growth, science doesn’t back up the hype. Dr. Liu’s advice? Focus on scalp health, manage inflammation, and look for clinically proven treatments — because not all viral beauty trends deliver on their promises.
