What Age Can You Put Oil in Baby Hair?

New parents often wonder whether oiling a baby’s hair is safe, and if yes—when to start. Hair oiling has been a long-standing practice in many cultures, especially in India, but modern parents rightly want evidence-based, skin-safe guidance.

The good news: you can start oiling your baby’s hair from birth, as long as the oil is gentle, natural, and free from harsh additives. A newborn’s scalp is delicate, and the goal of oiling is nourishment—not stimulation or cosmetic shine.

Baby hair oiling helps moisturise the scalp, support the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and gently care for early hair growth. The key lies in choosing the right oil and using it correctly.

Which Oils Are Safe to Use on Newborn Babies?

Not all oils are baby-safe. Newborn skin absorbs ingredients faster than adult skin, so oils must be pure, non-irritating, and food-grade where possible.

Safe oils for newborn babies include:

• Coconut oil (cold-pressed, unrefined)

• Almond oil (only if there’s no family history of nut allergies)

• Sesame oil (traditionally used, warming)

• Sunflower oil (linoleic-acid rich, skin-friendly)

• Oils specifically formulated for babies

Avoid mineral oil, artificial fragrances, essential oils, parabens, and synthetic colours. These can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance and may cause irritation.

Research Insights

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Advises gentle scalp care and avoidance of harsh ingredients for infant skin

• National Eczema Association: Recommends mild emollients and oils to support skin barrier function in babies

• Paediatric Dermatology Journals: Note that newborn skin absorbs products more readily, reinforcing the need for minimal, gentle formulations

(These organisations consistently stress simplicity, mildness, and ingredient transparency for infant care.)

Can Baby Hair Oil Help With Cradle Cap?

Yes—baby hair oil can help soften cradle cap, but it does not “cure” it overnight.

Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis) causes flaky, yellowish scales on the scalp. Gentle oiling:

• Loosens dry flakes

• Reduces scalp dryness

• Makes flakes easier to remove during washing

Apply a small amount of oil, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then wash with a mild baby shampoo. Avoid leaving oil on for too long, as excess oil can worsen flaking.

Research note: Paediatric dermatology guidelines recommend emollient use (like mild oils) to soften scales before cleansing.

Best Natural Oil for Baby Hair Growth

Hair growth in babies is mostly genetic, but healthy scalp care supports stronger, healthier hair over time.

The best natural oils for baby hair growth:

• Nourish the scalp

• Prevent moisture loss

• Strengthen hair roots

• Support skin barrier development

Look for blends that combine multiple gentle oils, rather than single heavy oils, and avoid products claiming “fast hair growth” or “thick hair instantly.”

Should I Oil Baby Hair Before or After Bath?

Always oil before a bath, not after.

Why?

• Oil helps prevent moisture loss during washing

• Softens dry scalp and flakes

• Reduces friction while shampooing

Post-bath, baby hair and scalp are already clean and balanced. Adding oil afterward may trap moisture improperly or attract dust.

For best results, oil → wait → wash → gently towel dry.

You can also read our detailed guide here: How to use baby hair oil for hair growth?

How Often Should I Oil My Baby’s Hair?

Less is more.

• Newborns (0–3 months): 1–2 times a week

• Infants (3–12 months): 2 times a week

• Toddlers: 2–3 times a week if needed

Over-oiling can clog pores and make the scalp greasy. Use a few drops, not a soak.

Are Herbal or Ayurvedic Hair Oils Safe for Babies?

Not always.

Many herbal or ayurvedic oils are designed for adults and may contain:

• Strong essential oils

• Heating herbs

• Concentrated extracts

These can irritate baby skin. If choosing herbal oils, ensure they are specifically formulated for babies, clinically tested, and free from active botanicals meant for adults.

Indimums Baby Hair Oil: How It Fits This Guidance

Indimums Baby Hair Oil is designed keeping newborn scalp physiology in mind.

Key points aligned with baby-safe hair oiling:

• Made with 17 pure, natural oils like almond, rosemary, amla, etc

• No artificial fragrance, mineral oil, or chemical fillers

• Gentle, lightweight texture that doesn’t clog pores

• Builds healthy scalp foundation in early years

• Strengthens roots to support natural hair growth

• Addresses hair fall by nourishing at root

• Supports better hair texture over time

• Reduces dryness, hairfall & breakage

Unlike many commercial oils that rely on synthetic fragrance or heavy mineral oil bases, Indimums focuses on barrier-friendly nourishment, making it suitable from newborn stage onwards.

Comparison: Indimums Baby Hair Oil vs Other Baby Hair Oils