Herbal Secret Hair Oil: Ingredients, How to Use It and How Long to Leave It On

Herbal Secret Hair Oil is a coconut-oil based Ayurvedic hair oil made by the classical Kerala method with amla, bhringraj, neem, kalonji (black seed) and Indian borage (karpooravalli), plus a traditional herb blend. For best results, part your hair, apply it to the scalp with the comb-applicator cap, massage for 5 minutes, leave it on for at least an hour (or overnight), and wash with a mild shampoo, two to three times a week.

What is in Herbal Secret Hair Oil?

Here is each ingredient, what it is, and why it has a place in Indian hair-oiling tradition.

Coconut oil (the base)

Coconut oil is the heart of Kerala hair care. It is light enough to spread easily over the scalp and is well known for coating hair and helping it feel soft, smooth and less prone to tangles and breakage when you comb. It carries the herbs in this oil.

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

Indian gooseberry is one of the most famous hair herbs in Ayurveda, traditionally used in oils and rinses for hair that looks dark, thick and glossy.

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

Its Sanskrit name is often translated as "king of hair". Bhringraj is traditionally used in Ayurveda in oils for the scalp and for strong, lustrous-looking hair.

Neem

Neem has a long tradition in Indian scalp care, used to keep the scalp feeling clean and fresh. It adds a slightly herbal note to the oil.

Black seed oil / kalonji (Nigella sativa)

Kalonji has been used in hair preparations across India, the Middle East and North Africa for generations. Its oil adds nourishment and a light, warm aroma.

Indian borage / karpooravalli / patharchur (Plectranthus amboinicus)

A fragrant, fleshy-leaved plant grown in many Kerala and Tamil homes. Its leaves are traditionally added to hair oils for a fresh, cool feeling on the scalp.

Traditional herb blend

The oil also includes a traditional herb blend, with hibiscus and curry leaves among the herbs commonly used in Kerala hair oils for soft, shiny-looking hair.

What does "classical Kerala method" mean?

In traditional Kerala oil-making, fresh and dried herbs are slowly simmered in the oil over a low flame until their goodness passes into it, then the oil is filtered. It is a slow process, quite different from simply mixing extracts into mineral oil. It is also why the oil has a natural herbal colour and aroma. You can read more about the ritual itself in our Ayurvedic hair oiling routine.

How do I apply hair oil with the comb cap?

The bottle comes with a comb-applicator cap that puts oil directly on the scalp instead of on the outside of your hair.

1. Start with dry or slightly damp hair. Comb out tangles first.
2. Warm the oil (optional). Stand the closed bottle in a cup of warm water for 3 to 5 minutes. Never microwave it.
3. Make a parting. Begin at the centre parting.
4. Place the comb tips on the scalp along the parting and squeeze the bottle gently while drawing the comb back slowly. A thin line of oil follows the teeth.
5. Move across the head. Make a new parting about 2 to 3 cm away and repeat, working from the front to the crown, then the sides and back.
6. Massage for 5 minutes with your fingertips (not nails), using small circular movements. Gentle pressure is enough.
7. Run the remaining oil through the lengths and ends, which are often the driest part of the hair.

How much oil? Roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons for short hair and 1 to 2 tablespoons for long or thick hair. Start with less; you can always add more.

How long should I leave hair oil on?

• Minimum: about 1 hour gives the oil time to soften hair.
• Traditional: many Kerala families oil in the evening and wash next morning. Cover your pillow with an old towel if you leave it overnight.
• Not recommended: leaving oil on for days. Oil on the scalp collects dust and sweat, especially in summer.

How do I wash the oil out?

1. Apply a small amount of mild shampoo to the oiled hair before adding much water, and work it in. This helps lift the oil.
2. Add lukewarm water, lather and rinse.
3. Shampoo a second time if your hair still feels heavy.
4. Finish with a cool rinse and pat dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing hard.

Traditional herbal hair-wash powders such as shikakai also work well if you prefer them.

How often should I oil my hair?

Who should patch test first?

Everyone using a new hair oil should patch test, and it is especially important if you:

• Have sensitive skin or have reacted to hair or skin products before.
• Are allergic to coconut, nigella (kalonji) or any plant listed above.
• Have any scalp condition, cuts, or broken or irritated skin. Please see a dermatologist before oiling.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are oiling a child's hair. Check with your doctor first.

Is there anything else I should know?

• Because coconut oil is the base, the oil may thicken or turn cloudy in cold weather. This is natural; warm the bottle as described above.
• Herbal Secret Hair Oil is a cosmetic hair oil. It is not a medicine for hair loss or any scalp disease.
• Consistency matters more than quantity. A regular weekly routine gives the best feel.

Prefer reading in Hindi? See हर्बल हेयर ऑयल लगाने का सही तरीका.

Key takeaways

• Coconut-oil base with amla, bhringraj, neem, kalonji and karpooravalli, made by the classical Kerala method.
• Use the comb cap along partings to oil the scalp, then massage for 5 minutes.
• Leave on for at least 1 hour or overnight; wash with mild shampoo applied before water.
• Oil 2 to 3 times a week, less for an oily scalp.
• Patch test first; see a dermatologist for any scalp condition.

Herbal Secret Hair Oil (100 ml) is ₹499 (MRP ₹599). Order it on the Herbal Secret Hair Oil page or on WhatsApp; cash on delivery is available across India.