The Truth About Hair Oils for Curly Hair: Stop Over-Oiling

Hair oiling is a deeply rooted tradition in India, passed down through generations. While oiling has benefits, curly hair behaves very differently from straight hair — and too much oil can actually harm curls. During my global curl education, I learned that many curl problems are caused not by lack of products, but overuse of oils. This inspired us to refine The Alchemic Beauty’s signature way of cutting, colouring and treating curly and wavy hair, tailored for Indian curl textures and cultural habits.

Here’s the truth about oils and curls:

1. Oils do NOT moisturise curly hair
Moisture comes from water — not oil. Oils can seal hydration, but they cannot replace it. When curls are already dry, adding oil makes them feel greasy, heavy and dull.

2. Too much oil causes severe build-up
In India’s humid and polluted environment, oil mixes with sweat, dust and residue, creating thick build-up on the scalp and strands. This prevents curls from absorbing real moisture and often leads to frizz and breakage.

3. Oils can block curl definition
Over-oiling keeps curls from clumping properly, making them stringy or weighed down. Curl creams, like The Curl Co. Curl Cream, give far better definition without heaviness.

4. Use oils only as a final step — if needed
A drop of lightweight oil can be used after styling to scrunch out the crunch or add shine, but only in tiny amounts.

Our salons across Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Delhi help clients shift from traditional over-oiling to moisture-based routines that truly support curl health. And with our online booking system, you can easily schedule a curl consultation to learn what works best for your pattern.

Healthy curls don’t need more oil — they need more moisture, the right products, and the right technique.