How to Use Mustard Oil for Hair Growth?

If you grew up in India, chances are you’ve had a Sunday “champi” with sarson ka tel at least once. The inviting aroma of warmth and spice, the gentle caress of a slow scalp massage, and hair neatly styled in a loose braid—truly a timeless combination. Trends may change and flow - one year it's onion juice, the next it's rice water - but mustard oil has remained a steadfast favourite in countless households. The reason is straightforward: when applied correctly, it proves to be highly effective for scalp care.

Kachi Ghani Vs Refined: Which Mustard Oil is Best for Hair?

When shopping, you’ll see kachi ghani (cold-pressed) and refined mustard oil. For hair care, most people prefer cold-pressed oils because it’s less processed and retain more of their natural aroma and compounds.

How to Apply Mustard Oil for Hair Growth (Step by Step)

What You’ll Need:

• 2–3 tbsp mustard oil (more for long/thick hair)
• Optional: 1–2 tbsp coconut oil or almond oil to mellow the scent and feel
• A small bowl and spoon
• A cotton ball or a dropper
• Old T-shirt/towel

Method:

1. Pre-Warm the Oil (Optional): Place the bowl of oil in a mug of hot water for 2–3 minutes. It should feel warm, not hot.
2. Detangle Dry Hair: Gentle comb through to reduce tugging later.
3. Section Your Hair: Create 4–6 sections for easier access to the scalp.
4. Dot Along the Scalp: Use a dropper or cotton ball to apply oil in thin lines along each parting.
5. Massage 3–5 minutes: Use finger pads, not nails. Small circular motions, light to moderate pressure. Focus on the crown, hairline, and nape.
6. Coat the Lengths Lightly: Rub a few drops between palms and smooth over mid-lengths to ends to reduce frizz.
7. Wrap and Wait: Then clip your hair up and cover with a soft towel, then leave it for 30 to 45 minutes or till your scalp tolerates it well. You can also leave it overnight.
8. Shampoo Well: Combine with a little water, massage your scalp, then rinse it. Most people need two gentle shampoos to remove oil fully.
9. Condition Ends: Keep conditioner to the lengths only; rinse cool.

Pro Tip: If oil feels heavy, add 1–2 tsp aloe gel to your palms after shampooing and before conditioner for a lighter, bouncier finish.

How Often Should I Use Mustard Oil for Hair?

• Dry Scalp / Dry Hair: 1–2 times per week.
• Normal Scalp: Once a week.
• Oily Scalp / Fine Hair: Every other week or use a lighter blend (see below).
• If You Style Daily With Heat: Weekly pre-washing oiling can reduce dryness at the ends.

Consistency matters more than quantity. A tablespoon used well beats a cup used randomly.

Best Mustard Oil Blends 

1) Mustard + Coconut (Balanced Classic)

• 2 parts mustard oil: 1 part coconut oil
• Why: Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft; mustard supports scalp comfort and slip.
• For: Normal to dry hair; winter months; pre-wash “champi.”

2) Mustard + Almond (Smooth & Glossy)

• 1:1 blend
• Why: Almond adds lightness and shine; reduces the strong smell.
• For: Frizz, dull ends, split-end prevention.

3) Mustard + Castor (Thicker, for Edges)

• 1 part mustard: 1 part castor
• Why: Castor is viscous and occlusive; suits edges and ends.
• For: Protective styling days; braid/twist ends.
• Note: Can feel heavy—use sparingly and shampoo well.

4) Mustard + Methi (Fenugreek) Infusion

• Warm 3 tbsp mustard oil with 1 tsp methi seeds on very low heat for 5–7 minutes. Cool, strain.
• Why: Traditional pick for a calmer-feeling scalp and softer lengths.
• For: Seasonal flaking, rough texture.

5) Mustard + Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta) Infusion

• A handful of washed, dried leaves gently warmed in oil for 4–5 minutes; cool and strain.
• Why: Old-school household recipe for adding a “fresh” feel and shine.
• For: Dull hair, post-monsoon frizz.

Skip Harsh Mixes: Be careful mixing with onion juice or undiluted essential oils—they can irritate the scalp. If you must, keep the onion to 1–2 tsp in 2–3 tbsp oil and patch test first.

Can I Leave Mustard Oil Overnight?

Yes—if your scalp tolerates it. Start with 30–45 minutes the first time. If there’s no itching, redness, or bumps the next day, try 2–3 hours next time, then overnight. Always wash out by morning. If you’re acne-prone around the hairline or back, overnight oiling may worsen breakouts—keep it to shorter sessions.

Mustard Oil vs Coconut Oil vs Almond Oil: Which Is Better for Hair Growth?

There’s no single winner—it’s about your scalp type and hair goals:

• Mustard oil (Sarson): Warming, great slip for massage, supportive for dry/flaky scalp.
• Coconut oil (Nariyal): Best penetration into the hair shaft; strong at reducing protein loss; can feel heavy on some scalps.
• Almond oil (Badam): Light, great for shine and softness; lovely finishing oil for ends.

Try This: Use Mustard for scalp massage, Coconut mid-lengths pre-wash, and Almond as a pea-sized post-wash finisher on damp ends. Balanced and effective.

If you want to learn more about the Health Benefits of Sarso ka Tel, you can read our article: Amazing Health Benefits of Mustard Oil.

Does Mustard Oil Stop Hair Fall?

It can reduce breakage and keep the scalp comfortable, which often looks like “less hair fall” in the shower. True hair fall from root causes (thyroid changes, iron deficiency, postpartum shifts, PCOS, severe stress) needs medical evaluation. Treat the cause; use oiling as a supportive ritual.

Diet, Stress, and Lifestyle: The Hair Growth Trifecta

Even the best oil can’t outdo a poor routine. For visible results:

• Protein: Add dals, paneer, eggs, fish, tofu.
• Micronutrients: Iron (greens, jaggery + vitamin C), B12, vitamin D, zinc (pumpkin seeds).
• Stress & Sleep: Chronic stress tightens the scalp and can push hair into shedding phases; aim for walks, yoga, or simple breathwork.
• Gentle Handling: Satin pillowcase, loose braids at night, minimal harsh brushing on wet hair.

A 4-Week Mustard Oil Routine

Week 1–2 (Build Tolerance):

• Once a week, 30–45 minutes pre-wash: mustard + coconut (2:1), gentle massage, double shampoo, condition ends.

Week 3–4 (Consistency):

• Two sessions per week if scalp is comfortable.
• Add methi infusion every second session.
• Use a pea-sized drop of almond oil on damp ends after washing.

What to Expect: Softer hair, fewer rough ends, calmer scalp. Growth is gradual—think months, not days.

If you want to learn more about the Benefits of Coconut oil, you can read the full article here: Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Cooking

Final Do’s and Don’ts 

Do

• Warm the oil slightly; massage gently for 3–5 minutes.
• Start once a week; increase only if your scalp is happy.
• Use double shampoo and a cool rinse.
• Pair with protein-rich meals and iron-vitamin C combos.
• Store oil away from heat and sunlight.

Don’t

• Scrub with nails or pull at the roots.
• Leave on for days—wash within 12 hours.
• Mix undiluted essential oils directly into scalp oil.
• Expect overnight miracles; give it 8–12 weeks of consistency.

Pair it with good nutrition, low-heat styling, and patient care, and your hair will thank you.