5 Hair Oils You Should Avoid Using in Winters
Discover five hair oils to avoid during winter and learn healthy alternatives for nourished hair
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Olive Oil
Mineral Oil
Mustard Oil
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Winter is harsh on your hair.
Cold air outside and dry indoor heating strip moisture from the scalp, weaken hair strands, and increase breakage.
That’s why many people turn to hair oils during the colder months — but here’s the surprising truth:
👉 Not all hair oils are good for winter.
Some oils actually make dryness, dandruff, breakage, and hair fall worse.
To protect your hair during the cold season, it"s important to understand which oils to avoid and why.
Here are five hair oils that you should stay away from in winter, plus the science behind how they affect your hair.
1. Coconut Oil — Too Thick and Hardens in Cold Weather
Coconut oil is usually praised for hair care, but winter is the one season where it can cause more harm than good.
Why it’s a problem in winter:
Coconut oil solidifies in cold temperatures
It stiffens the hair shaft
It can make already dry hair even more brittle
It blocks moisture instead of allowing absorption
It may worsen dandruff on dry scalps
What happens to your hair:
When coconut oil hardens inside the hair strand, it reduces flexibility, causing your hair to snap easily — especially if your hair is already weak or colored.
Who should avoid it:
People with dry or frizzy hair
Anyone living in very cold climates
People with a flaky or sensitive scalp
Safe winter alternative:
Use argan oil or marula oil, which stay lightweight and hydrating.
2. Castor Oil — Too Heavy and Blocks the Scalp
Castor oil is famous for promoting hair growth, but it’s extremely thick and sticky.
During winter, when your scalp is already dry and irritated, castor oil becomes difficult to wash off and may clog pores.
Why it’s not ideal in winter:
It’s too dense to spread easily
It blocks airflow to the scalp
It traps dead skin and flakes
It can trigger scalp irritation
It causes buildup that increases dandruff
What this buildup leads to:
Itchy scalp
Increased hair fall
Heavy, greasy-looking hair
Difficulty washing products out
Who should avoid it:
People with oily scalps, dandruff, or sensitive skin.
Safer alternative:
Try grapeseed oil, which is light and soothing.
3. Olive Oil — Causes Greasiness and Attracts Dust
Olive oil is great for cooking, but not so great for winter hair care.
Why olive oil is unsuitable in cold weather:
It has large molecules that sit on top of the hair, not inside it
It attracts dust, dirt, and pollutants
It weighs your hair down
It increases scalp oiliness
It can worsen fungal dandruff
During winter, when pollution levels are often higher and hair is drier, olive oil traps impurities — making the scalp uncomfortable.
Effects on your hair:
Sticky roots
Clogged follicles
Weaker hair growth
Heavy, flat appearance
Who should avoid it:
People with oily or combination scalps.
A better alternative:
Jojoba oil, which mimics natural scalp oils, is ideal for winter.
4. Mineral Oil — Blocks Moisture and Irritates the Scalp
Mineral oil is found in many cheap hair products.
It coats the hair but does not nourish it.
Why mineral oil is harmful in winter:
It creates a barrier that blocks real moisture
It causes product buildup
It irritates sensitive scalps
It prevents oils and treatments from penetrating
It may worsen dryness
Why it’s especially bad during winter:
Your hair needs hydration during cold weather, not surface-level shine.
Mineral oil only gives a temporary glossy look — while preventing deeper nourishment.
Common signs of mineral oil damage:
Greasy roots but dry ends
More split ends
Flaking
Rough texture
A healthier option:
Look for products labeled mineral oil–free and choose sweet almond oil instead.
5. Mustard Oil — Too Strong and May Cause Scalp Burning
Mustard oil is popular in some cultures, but winter magnifies its downsides.
Why mustard oil is risky:
It has a strong, irritating smell
It may cause scalp burning or redness
It traps heat inside the scalp
It increases sensitivity in dry weather
It can trigger allergic reactions
In cold weather, your scalp becomes more fragile.
Mustard oil’s heat-producing properties may worsen dryness or inflammation.
What people often experience:
Strong odor that lasts for days
Burning sensation
Redness or rashes
Scalp sensitivity
Better alternative:
Use avocado oil, which is soothing, rich in nutrients, and perfect for winter dryness.
Bonus Tip: Always Use Lighter Oils During Winter
Because winter air is dry and cold, your hair needs oils that:
Stay liquid
Don’t block moisture
Absorb quickly
Nourish the scalp gently
The best winter-friendly oils include:
Argan oil
Jojoba oil
Almond oil
Avocado oil
Marula oil
These oils keep your hair soft, shiny, flexible, and healthy throughout the season.