Hair Oil Selection Criteria
How we decide which scalp and hair treatments deserve a place here
Most commercial hair oils in India are actually "Mineral Oil" disguised with 1% herbal extracts and heavy synthetic perfumes. Our role is to ensure your hair oil nourishes the follicle without clogging pores or disrupting your hormones.
1. Our Non-Negotiable Exclusions (The "Toxic-Five" Gate)
Any product containing these is automatically disqualified:
❌ Mineral Oil (Liquid Paraffin)
- A petroleum byproduct that creates a plastic-like film
- Clogs scalp pores (folliculitis) and provides zero nutritional value
Our position: We use only plant-derived lipids that the skin can actually metabolize.
❌ Synthetic Fragrance (Parfum)
- Usually contains Phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors
- "Jasmine" or "Rose" scents in mass-market oils are almost always chemical mimics
Our position: Scent should be a byproduct of the ingredients or pure essential oils.
❌ Cyclopentasiloxane & Silicones
- Used to give "instant shine," but they coat the hair shaft
- Prevents moisture from entering, leading to long-term brittleness
Our position: True shine comes from a healthy cuticle, not a chemical coating.
❌ BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
- A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent rancidity
- Suspected carcinogen and skin irritant
Our position: Stability should come from Vitamin E (Tocopherol) or stable base oils.
❌ Artificial Colors
- Dyes like "Sunset Yellow" or "Tartrazine" added to make oils look "herbal"
- Serve no purpose and can cause scalp sensitivity
Our position: The color should reflect the natural herbs used.
2. Approved Actives (What We Look For)
We prioritize oils that penetrate the hair cortex and support the scalp's microbiome.
✅ Cold-Pressed Base Oils
- Virgin Coconut (penetrates the shaft)
- Black Seed (Kalonji)
- Moroccan Argan
- Sesame (deeply warming/penetrating)
✅ Hair Growth Promoters
- Bhringraj – The "King of Hair"
- Rosemary Essential Oil – proven comparable to Minoxidil for blood circulation
- Brahmi
✅ Scalp Clarifiers
- Tea Tree or Neem for anti-fungal properties (dandruff control) without stripping natural oils
✅ Follicle Strengtheners
- Amla – Vitamin C powerhouse
- Hibiscus – mucilage for conditioning
- Fenugreek (Methi) – for protein
3. The "Extraction Method" Stance
How the oil is made is as important as the ingredients.
Cold-Pressed/Kacchi Ghani
Mandatory for base oils. Heat-processed oils lose their vital fatty acids and antioxidants.
Kshir Pak Vidhi
We highly value the traditional Ayurvedic method where herbs are decocted in milk and oil over a slow fire. This ensures the oil "absorbs" the fat-soluble nutrients of the herbs.
Hexane-Free
We reject any oils extracted using chemical solvents.
4. Transparency & Purity
100% Disclosure
We reject brands that say "Oil Base Q.S." They must specify if the base is Sesame, Coconut, or Sunflower oil.
Essential Oil Safety
We check that essential oils are within dermal safety limits (usually <2%) to prevent scalp burns or sensitization.
5. Scoring Logic
Every hair oil is scored (0–100) on:
- Penetration Ability: Ratio of small-molecule oils (like Coconut) to sealants
- Scalp Health: Absence of comedogenic (pore-clogging) synthetic fillers
- Nutrient Density: Concentration of active herbal extracts
- Rancidity Protection: Use of dark glass packaging to prevent UV oxidation
What This Means For You
If a hair oil appears here, it won't just sit on top of your hair making it greasy; it will actually feed the root. You won't have to worry about "forehead acne" caused by oil runoff or long-term thinning caused by scalp inflammation.