Is it recommended to do a hair spa after oiling?

Yes,‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ a hair spa can be performed after oiling, but the decision depends on your purpose and how you schedule the two steps. Typically, it is advisable for most people not to do an in-salon hair spa with stumbling an intense oiling on the same day but to rather separate the two events.

Can you do a hair spa after oiling?

The main purpose of the traditional hair spa is to thoroughly cleanse the scalp, balance the oil, and allow the masks/creams to penetrate the hair shaft. If you come with a very oily hair, the first shampoo will concentrate on removing the extra oil, so the spa mask might not penetrate as much. That implies you are not really getting the benefits of the treatment you have paid for. Thus, almost all professionals advise that you come un-oiled or lightly oiled a day or two before the spa, but not just before.

Perfect routine: oiling + spa

What about a well-balanced routine oiling + spa instead of the risky planning?

Firstly doing a luxurious oil massage at home once or twice a week is certainly one of the greatest hair care habits. Retaining it for a few hours or even overnight, then rinsing with a mild shampoo and conditioner is the right method.

Secondly, hair spa in a salon would be a good idea only once every 2–4 weeks, depending on one’s hair needs. Deep repair, detox, and hydration can be achieved with this intensive treatment.

With this plan, oil masseur keeps to strengthening hair and scalp and the spa treatment is able to deliver a great shine and softness without overdosing with product on the hair surface.

When can you combine oiling and spa?

If you want to have both on the same day, the oil massage should be kept very light and done at least a few hours before your appointment. After the oil removal at home, wash once to remove most of the oil, then let the salon do a more thorough cleanse followed by the spa mask and massage. Staying away from saturating the scalp with thick oils just before, as that can lead to over-cleansing and dryness.

Who shouldn’t perform a hair spa after oiling?

Oily, dandruff-prone scalps: Over-layering of oil and rich spa creams can clog follicles and increase flakes.

Extremely thin or fine hair: Using heavy oil and intensive spa masks can result in thinning and greasiness of hair.

Delicate scalps: Continuously using strong shampoos in one session (to remove oil before spa) can cause scalp irritation.

Quick client tip

If the question is "Is it recommended to do a hair spa right after oiling?" the safer answer would be "no". Clients should consider oil massage and spa as complementary but separate rituals. Oiling is the step that you do weekly at home to strengthen your hair, and hair spa should be your monthly deep treatment performed on relatively clean, product-free hair in order to obtain the best ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌results.