If I had to describe my hair in three words, it would be dry, damaged and dull. Between teenage health issues that caused a lot of hair to fall out and an unfortunate post-breakup bleaching experiment, it’s fair to say my poor old locks have been through a lot.
And as for growth, don’t even get me started. It takes a questionably long time for even a micron to grow, and that’s if I’m lucky. So, since I have a sad hair situation, I’m always on the lookout for a treatment that can help me get stronger hair back in no time.
Oiling your hair is the Indian-originating ritual that’s currently dominating my nightly TikTok scrolling sessions (and apparently I’m not alone: #hairoiling has over 785 million views and counting).
The treatment involves massaging the scalp with oil to stimulate hair growth, as well as soaking the hair strands to nourish them and keep them supple. The tradition isn’t new, but there’s one beauty brand that has brought it to the forefront of hair conversations today.
Hair Syrup is the independent British haircare brand you need to know by now. Founder Lucie Macleod started the brand to tackle her own hair issues, which revolved around hair loss and breakage. After developing a pre-wash treatment (now the famous Hair Syrup), it didn’t take long for the brand to become famous on TikTok.
Since she shared a video of her transformation (which I literally watched with my mouth open), the beauty community has taken notice of the benefits of oil and pre-wash treatments, and hundreds of five-star reviews have followed.
The brand launched with The Original Syrup – a nourishing treatment to restore moisture – but now the collection includes eight pre-wash treatments, each enriched with natural oils to address hair’s different needs, from growth and dryness to shine and dandruff.
Yes, I stocked up on large quantities of the growth-stimulating formula. The Rapunzel Oil (bravo for the name 👏) is enriched with grapefruit oil, flaxseed and almond extract, and also contains 14 other nourishing oils that stimulate growth and promote a healthy scalp.
First, the citrus scent is a real treat—and something I’d happily indulge in on a Sunday night while watching Good Girls. But aside from the aromatherapy benefit, this treatment has done wonders for my tragic locks.
Once a week, I section my hair and work the oil into the roots and lengths of my hair. I also gently massage my head with a scalp brush – not only does it feel like a mini spa visit, but it also helps to loosen product buildup and encourage stronger growth. I leave it on for an hour (while watching Netflix) before rinsing it out with my usual hair wash.
I also add a few drops to the ends of my hair, which makes it feel a little silkier and less straw-like. With each use, my hair feels more nourished and smoother, not to mention amazingly shiny.
The concept really makes perfect sense. For years I focused my treatments on my brittle hair ends to help them hold on a little longer – but I was ignoring (literally) the root of the problem. A saying I’ve heard countless times: “Your scalp is like the soil for your hair. If the soil isn’t right, you can’t expect a healthy flower to grow” – or something like that. It’s a little embarrassing, but it’s very true.
My efforts to maintain a healthy scalp – and pre-treatment before washing – have made all the difference. Of course, it’s not a miracle cure, but my hair is slowly regaining its strength. My lengths look less shaggy and now have a fuller body.
Of course, I also tried the viral Grows Mary oil. Unless you’ve been on a serious digital detox, you’ve probably noticed that rosemary oil is having a big moment—I mean, it’s so big that even Lewis Capaldi has jumped on the trend.
Aside from being a zesty seasoning for potatoes, rosemary is also said to have some important benefits for hair – particularly repairing damage and stimulating growth. TikTokers have extolled its virtues, but in reality, there’s little scientific evidence to support it as a genuine growth ingredient.
You won’t find any scientifically patented ingredients in Hair Syrups products – like Olaplex or K18. Instead, they are traditional oils that, according to experts, help nourish and strengthen hair.
While research is still quite limited, I have definitely noticed more baby hairs along my hairline since incorporating Hair Syrup into my routine.
It’s important to remember that oiling your hair is much more than a fleeting TikTok trend—in fact, it’s a beauty tradition that’s been around for over 5,000 years. With Ayurvedic roots, it’s one of the most sacred rituals that’s gained traction as a modern movement.
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on holistic and natural methods of healing health problems. It is believed that your outer beauty is a reflection of your inner health. Hair oiling is one of the most revered Ayurvedic traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation – and for most South Asian women, it was their first foray into the beauty industry.
If your hair is long, thick or textured, the oil doesn’t always reach the ends of each strand from the scalp, often resulting in dryness. Oiling the scalp is used to nourish the strands and promote growth, but it is also traditionally practiced as a bonding experience called “champi.”
While treatments like Hair Syrup can certainly help you grow hair, you need to make sure you’re considering all the other factors properly too. Learn to care for your hair with a silk pillowcase and a hair tie, try to avoid heat damage, and equip yourself with a great leave-in treatment (like Olaplex) to aid the process. Following the holistic approach of Ayurveda, a balanced and healthy diet is also crucial to aid growth.
Along with my newfound obsession with hair oils, I’ve been trying to incorporate all of these other factors into my hair care routine. We still have a long way to go, but I’ve already noticed a huge difference in the health and thickness of my hair.
Thanks to Hair Syrup I’m off to a good start and as the saying goes, things are only going up and up from now on.
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