How To Use Japanese Hair Oil - Exploring Viral Japanese Hair Care

Japanese hair oils, such as the &honey ones have gone viral in recent years for their cute packaging and irresistible scents, but do they actually work? Are they really that effective, and should you include them in your routine? 

In this article, we’ll go over how to properly use Japanese hair oil and how to choose the one that’s best for you. 

What Is Japanese Hair Oil?

Japanese hair oils are meant to keep your hair moist and shiny. They are most commonly used after heat styling, but many like to use them as hair treatments after showering as well. Japanese hair oils work to improve hair health and appearance. 

What Are The Pros Of Japanese Hair Oil?

First and foremost, Japanese hair oils have a rich and shiny finish, so they can be especially useful for those who are concerned about dry hair, lack of shine, or even damaged hair. It helps to moisturize and condition the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and shiny. Additionally, it can help to strengthen hair, prevent breakage, and protect against damage from heat styling and environmental factors (ex: UV rays). Therefore, many people can greatly benefit from including a Japanese hair oil in their usual haircare routine. 

How To Choose A Japanese Hair Oil?

Not all Japanese hair oils are created equally, and some might be better for nourishing your hair while some may be better for styling. When choosing a Japanese hair oil, it is important to choose one that matches your hair type and the look you are going for. 

For example, if you are looking for a Japanese hair oil that takes care of damage and leaves your hair feeling soft,  you may want to look for a hair oil that has moisturizing and hair repairing properties. The &honey Deep Moist or Melty hair oils are good examples of Japanese hair oils that cater towards these needs. 

If you’re more interested in a Japanese hair oil that will leave your hair shiny, but is more suited towards hair styling, then you might want to look into the Napla Polish Oil or Elujuda Mellow Oil as these are commonly used in salons during hair styling. 

If you’re curious about other Japanese hair oils and how to choose the best one for your specific hair type, then be sure to check out this article.

How To Use Japanese Hair Oil?

So how do you properly use Japanese hair oil? We will outline how to use it as a heat protectant as well as for hair styling in this section.

Using Japanese Hair Oil Before Bed

If you want to use hair oil as part of your nighttime hair care routine, apply it while your hair is still damp.

1. After washing your hair, thoroughly towel dry it until it is no longer sopping wet. 
2. Take an appropriate amount of hair oil and apply it to the palm of your hand.
3. Starting from the middle of your hair and working towards the ends, gently massage the oil into your hair to ensure even distribution and absorption. Do NOT apply hair oil to your roots.
4. Blow dry your hair as you normally would.

Notes: If you find that your hair still feels a bit dry or tangled after blow-drying and applying hair oil, it's likely that the oil's ingredients aren't penetrating effectively. When applied to dry hair, the oil tends to form a surface film, hindering deep penetration. To ensure optimal absorption, it's crucial to apply the oil thoroughly while your hair is still damp and then proceed to blow-dry.

Additionally, if you're concerned about preserving your hair color, we recommend using a hair oil that's intended for colored hair. These oils help to prevent color fading and at the same time keep your hair hydrated to prevent dryness.

Using Japanese Hair Oil for Hair Styling

When using hair oil as a styling agent, it is recommended to apply it to dry hair.

1. Begin by blow-drying your hair to ensure it's completely dry and conditioned.
2. Take an appropriate amount of hair oil and apply it to the palm of your hand.
3. Gently run your hands through your hair, focusing on distributing the oil evenly on the ends.
4. Apply the same amount of oil to the mid-lengths of your hair, then lightly pat the surface of your hair to enhance shine.

Applying hair oil to dry hair creates a protective coating on the hair's surface, resulting in a luxurious shine. To achieve a soft, natural finish, concentrate on applying the oil to the tips of your hair, avoiding the roots and scalp.

Mistakes To Avoid When Using Japanese Hair Oil

Applying too much hair oil: If you apply too much hair oil, your hair will look oily and weighed down. It’s always better to apply less than you think you need, and then go from there. Definitely avoid applying hair oil to the roots or scalp of your hair as well, as the hair oil will cause it to become sticky. Focus on applying hair oil to the ends of your hair. 

Using hair oil as a heat protectant: Curling irons and hair straighteners use heat to manipulate the moisture within your hair to heat style it. If you apply hair oil before using a heat styler, the oil coating may prevent the heat from penetrating deep into your hair, resulting in difficulty achieving the desired hairstyle. This can lead to the need for repeated ironing, which can ultimately damage your hair.

Additionally, depending on the ingredients of the hair oil, exposure to heat from the curling iron can cause the oil to reach high temperatures, potentially causing further damage to your hair. Unless the product specifically states that it can be used as a heat protectant, it's best to avoid using hair oil as a heat protectant.

How Often Should You Use Japanese Hair Oil?

Everyone is going to have a different answer because it really comes down to your hair type. If you have dry or damaged hair, then you may benefit from using a Japanese hair oil every day or every other day (but remember, a little goes a long way!). If you have normal hair, then you may benefit from including a Japanese hair oil in your routine two or three times a week. If you have oily hair, then you may want to use a Japanese hair oil less frequently, at once or twice a week, to prevent your hair from looking overly greasy. At the end of the day, you can always play around with your Japanese hair oil and see what works best for you!

Looking for more Japanese hair oils? Definitely check out our hair oil collection to discover all of the best hair oil from Japan.