Hair oiling, once a quiet, nearly secret ritual passed through generations, has evolved into a global beauty movement. Since 2020, this once-traditional practice has gained widespread popularity, becoming a central element of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ led by Gen Z. What was once an understated South Asian or Middle Eastern custom is now a mainstream trend, celebrated by influencers and beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
For decades, grandmothers swore by the power of oils like coconut, amla, and castor for their strength, shine, and growth benefits. What was once viewed as “too greasy” or “too heavy” is now the cornerstone of a minimalist beauty movement that champions natural radiance. The same sleek buns and glossy strands defining this aesthetic owe much of their shine to practices that have long been part of South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
Gone are the days when hair oiling was confined to homemade mixtures or DIY treatments. The West has embraced it, often rebranding and repackaging traditional oils into high-end products. Rosemary oil, argan oil, and cold-pressed coconut oil have become the go-to oils for influencers promoting hair growth and scalp health. These oils are now marketed as luxurious elixirs, blending self-care with scientifically backed benefits. Hair oiling has gone beyond a beauty practice—it’s about wellness, embracing not just aesthetics but functionality.
A decade ago, however, oiling hair was far from trendy. Many South Asian girls were teased for their “greasy” hair, mocked for embracing a practice that was intrinsic to their cultural identity. The same oil-based hair looks that are now celebrated as effortlessly chic were once sources of ridicule. The slick-back bun, once considered the realm of ballet dancers and corporate professionals, is now the go-to style for models, celebrities, and influencers who flaunt their scalp oiling routines proudly.
This shift in beauty standards highlights a larger trend of revisiting and reinvention. The rise of hair oiling is a nod to how beauty practices are cyclic, evolving with each decade. And while many now rave about luxurious hair oils, let’s not forget the humble coconut oil jar sitting on Grandma’s shelf—it turns out, she was ahead of the curve all along.
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