5 things to do besides oiling to boost hair growth

We all know oiling is the most important thing when it comes to hair care in most Indian households, our grandmothers swore by it, and so do we. But here’s the truth: if you’re relying on oiling alone to get those Rapunzel-like locks, you might be missing out on a few extra tricks. Hair growth is a combination of scalp care, nutrition, lifestyle habits, and even stress levels. So, let’s talk about five things you can do alongside oiling to make your hair grow faster, thicker, and healthier.

Hair isn’t just what you put on it, it’s also what you feed it. A protein-rich diet is essential because hair is basically made of keratin, a type of protein. Load up on eggs, lentils, paneer, fish, and nuts to give your hair the building blocks it needs. But don’t stop there, healthy fats from avocados, seeds, and ghee can make hair shinier and more resilient. And let’s not forget iron and zinc; deficiencies here can lead to serious hair fall. If you’re vegetarian, think leafy greens, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and dates. Basically, think of your plate as your hair’s personal nutrition plan.

An oily scalp full of sweat, dust, and product build-up is the perfect environment for clogged hair follicles, which can stunt growth. Washing your hair 2–3 times a week with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo can help keep things clean without stripping your scalp of natural oils. If you work out daily or live in a humid city, consider using a mild cleanser or even just rinsing with water in between washes. A clean, balanced scalp implies happy, growing hair.

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You exercise for your body, but your scalp also loves a little workout, in the form of massage. We’re not talking about oil massages here, but dry scalp massages using just your fingertips. Spend five minutes a day massaging your scalp in circular motions; this stimulates blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. You can even flip your head upside down while doing it for an extra circulation boost. Trust us, it feels amazing and your hair will thank you.

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You can be feeding your hair the best nutrients and still lose length if you’re constantly damaging it. Excessive heat styling, tight ponytails, and even rubbing your wet hair with a towel can weaken strands and cause breakage. Switch to a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to gently blot hair dry. Use silk pillowcases to reduce friction while you sleep. And if you can’t give up your straightener or curling wand, always use a heat protectant spray before styling. Remember, growing hair is one thing, keeping it long is another.

If you’ve been losing hair during stressful times, it’s not in your head, well, actually, it is in your head, but you know what we mean. High stress levels can push hair follicles into a “resting” phase, which means your hair stops growing and starts shedding. Yoga, meditation, walking in nature, journaling, or even just putting your phone away for an hour can make a big difference. Better sleep also plays a massive role; aim for 7–8 hours of rest every night to give your body (and hair) time to repair.

Oiling is a wonderful tradition and definitely helps with hair nourishment, but think of it as part of a bigger picture. Your hair thrives when you combine good scalp care, the right diet, gentle handling, and a stress-free mind. So, next time you’re massaging in that oil, remember these five extra steps. It’s all about creating an environment, inside and out, where your hair can grow to its full potential.