How to Repair Dry Hair with This 100% natural DIY Oil

Learn how to repair dry hair naturally with my super simple DIY oil recipe using castor, hemp, rosemary, and vitamin E.

My sister has always had a love-hate relationship with her hair. It’s thick, slightly wavy, and has been through years of colouring, heat styling, and trying every “miracle” product on the shelf. But nothing—and I mean nothing—seemed to truly help her dry, damaged strands. That is, until I “chucked” something together in my kitchen.

Yep. That’s how this whole thing started.

One evening, after another hair product disappointment, she turned to me and said, “I just want something that actually works. My hair feels like straw.” So, I pulled out a few of my trusted oils, did a quick blend, and handed her a little bottle to try to repair her dry hair.

After just a couple of weeks, she invited herself over to proudly show me her soft, luscious locks:

“I have not been able to find anything that works, and you chuck something together for me, and it is amazing. My hair feels so soft.”

It’s not witchcraft; the ingredients in this blend do a lot of heavy lifting. So, in today’s post, I’m sharing the DIY oil recipe, how to use it, and why it works—right down to the science of your strands.

Let’s Talk Hair Science (Briefly, I Promise)

To understand why certain oils work magic on dry and damaged hair, it helps to know what hair is actually made of.

Each hair strand is made up of three layers:

1. Cuticle – The outer layer made of tiny overlapping scales—like the tiles on a roof or the surface of a pinecone. When they lie flat, your hair feels smooth and shiny. But when they lift or break, hair becomes rough, dry, and more prone to damage.
2. Cortex – the middle layer, where keratin and pigment live. This gives your hair strength, texture, and colour.
3. Medulla – the spongy, air-filled innermost core (often absent in finer hair).

When your hair is dry or damaged, it usually means the cuticle is rough, lifted, or broken—making hair feel coarse, tangle-prone, and dull. Moisture escapes, and external aggressors (heat, pollution, chemicals) get in. Hair oils, when chosen and used correctly, help to reseal the cuticle, improve elasticity, reduce breakage, and restore softness.

The DIY Oil Recipe That Can Repair Dry Hair Naturally:

I have added links to ingredients that I love and trust. Some of the links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you.

Here’s the blend I made for my sister:

• 2 tablespoons Castor Oil
• 2 tablespoons Hemp Seed Oil
• 10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
• 10 drops Vitamin E Oil

To make:

1. Pour the castor and hemp seed oils into a clean glass bottle or jar (ideally amber to protect from light).
2. Add the vitamin E oil and rosemary essential oil.
3. Shake or stir gently to combine.
4. Label and store in a cool, dark place.

Real-Life Tip for Using Vitamin E:
Vitamin E oil is wonderfully nourishing—but it’s also really thick! If you’re using a dropper, the drops might come out slower and larger than essential oils. Don’t stress about being exact—around 8 to 10 drops is perfect. It helps protect your oil from going off and adds a hit of scalp-loving antioxidants too. A little extra won’t hurt!

Tips:

• Use a small funnel for easy pouring into your choice of bottle.
• Preferably store in a dark amber glass bottle to protect the oils from light.
• Keep in a cool, dry place—it should stay fresh for 6–12 months.

It’s a simple 4-ingredient recipe—but each one plays a vital role. Let’s break it down.

Castor Oil – The Glossy Repairer

Castor oil has been a hair care staple for centuries, and for good reason.

• Ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid found in abundance in castor oil, helps boost circulation to the scalp. That means better blood flow to hair follicles—and better conditions for growth.
• It’s also naturally antimicrobial, so it supports scalp health and helps reduce dandruff or minor irritation.
• But most importantly? Its thick, glossy texture coats the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and locking in moisture like a protective barrier.

It’s a heavier oil, which makes it ideal for dry, coarse, or highly damaged hair—but it needs a good shampoo to rinse out fully.

Hemp Seed Oil – The Lightweight Nourisher

If castor oil is the protective overcoat, hemp seed oil is the silky cashmere underneath.

• It’s rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.
• Unlike some heavier oils, hemp seed oil absorbs quickly, helping to hydrate the inner layers of the hair shaft without weighing it down.
• It’s also a natural emollient, softening the hair and improving elasticity—which is essential to prevent breakage when detangling or styling.

Together, castor and hemp seed oil make a dream team: one seals, the other penetrates.

Rosemary Essential Oil – The Circulation Booster

Rosemary essential oil is a hero in natural haircare. Several studies have shown that it can be just as effective as minoxidil (a common hair-growth drug) in encouraging hair regrowth when used regularly.

• It stimulates blood flow to the scalp, creating the perfect environment for stronger, longer hair.
• It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that support a healthy scalp microbiome.
• And let’s not forget its beautiful herbal aroma—a refreshing and uplifting scent that adds a touch of luxury to the experience.

Important note: Essential oils must always be diluted. In this blend, 1% is enough to be effective while staying within safe dermal limits.

Vitamin E – The Antioxidant Protector

Vitamin E is the unsung hero of many oil blends. Here’s why:

• It acts as a natural preservative, helping to slow down oxidation and extend the shelf life of your oil.
• More importantly, it’s a powerful antioxidant. It helps fight free radicals (which damage your hair and skin over time), protects hair from UV exposure and pollution, and may help strengthen the scalp and follicles.
• It also adds a touch of silkiness to the final texture of the oil.

How to Use the Oil (and Get Results)

My sister’s exact routine looks like this:

1. She applies the oil to dry hair, working it through the scalp, mid-lengths, and ends. A little goes a long way—start with a teaspoon and build up if needed.
2. She massages it in for a couple of minutes to stimulate the scalp.
3. Then, she leaves it on for 30 minutes (though overnight is a great option for deeper repair).
4. Finally, she shampoos it out thoroughly, then uses her usual conditioner.

That’s it. Once a week. No fancy tools, no salon trips. Just a little ritual—and a lot of nourishment.

Why It Worked for Her (When Nothing Else Did)

My sister’s hair is naturally dry and has been through years of colouring and heat styling. Conventional products she’d tried were often packed with silicones, which give a temporary smooth feel but don’t actually nourish the hair. Others were too lightweight or simply not targeted enough for real repair.

This oil blend gave her hair:

• True, deep hydration, thanks to hemp seed oil.
• Cuticle protection and shine from castor oil.
• Scalp support from rosemary oil.
• Antioxidant care from vitamin E.

It’s real, honest care—no fillers, no fluff.

Customising the DIY Oil Blend for Your Hair Type

This blend is ideal for dry, damaged, coarse, or curly hair. But if your hair is on the oily or fine side, here are a few swaps you can try:

• Replace castor oil with jojoba oil (closest to the scalp’s natural sebum).
• Add argan oil or sweet almond oil for added softness.
• Try lavender, cedarwood, or peppermint essential oils for different scalp benefits and aromas.

A Note on Essential Oil Safety:

Essential oils are powerful plant extracts and should be used with care. Some are not suitable during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for use on young children. It’s important to get to know your oils and understand how to use them safely. If you’re ever unsure, seek guidance from a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts: Small Rituals, Big Results

There’s something really special about making your own beauty blend—especially when it transforms someone you love.

What started as a quick DIY to help my sister turned into a little ritual she now looks forward to. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. A few simple, high-quality ingredients can outperform an entire shelf of synthetic products.

So, if your hair needs a little love—or if you’re fed up with disappointing bottles—give this blend a go. Make it your own. Massage it in. Wrap your hair in a towel. Put your feet up. Let the oils do their work.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes. Love this super simple DIY hair oil? Tag me, message me, or click here to subscribe to my newsletter for more DIY recipes straight to your inbox.

Your healthiest hair might just be one natural blend away.