How to Repair Dry Hair with This 100% natural DIY Oil
Spoiler: There are just four ingredients in my natural DIY oil — and it works like magic.
My sister had a love-hate relationship with her hair. Thick, slightly wavy, and battle-worn from years of colouring, heat styling, and endless “miracle” products — her hair had seen it all.
Nothing helped. Until one night, she looked at me across the kitchen, sighed, and said,
“I just want something that actually works. My hair feels like straw.”
Yep. That’s how this whole thing started.

So, I did what any skincare formulator-slash-big-sister would do: I rummaged through my oils, whipped up a quick natural DIY Oil — and handed her a little bottle of hope.
A few weeks later, she turned up at my door, swishing her now-soft, luscious hair, grinning like a cat who got the cream:
“I’ve tried everything — and you just throw this together, and it’s AMAZING. I’ve had so many compliments.”
It’s not magic — it’s science (and a little bit of soul).
Let’s Talk Hair Science (Briefly, I Promise)
Your hair isn’t just dead protein — it’s a delicate structure that responds to how you treat it.
Each strand has:
- Cuticle → the outer shield, made of tiny scales
- Cortex → the middle, holding strength + colour
- Medulla → the soft core (sometimes absent in fine hair)
When the cuticle is damaged, moisture escapes, the hair weakens, and your once-glossy strands turn rough, dull, and break-prone. Oils help smooth and reseal that outer layer, making hair soft, elastic, and resilient again.
My Simple DIY Oil Recipe
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Here’s the blend that brought my sister’s hair back to life:
- 2 tablespoons Castor Oil
- 2 tablespoons Hemp Seed Oil
- 10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 10 drops Vitamin E Oil
To make:
Mix everything in a (preferably dark-coloured) glass bottle, shake gently, and store in a cool spot.
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.
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 protector
- Seals the cuticle, locks in moisture, and boosts scalp circulation
- Hemp Seed Oil → the lightweight nourisher
- Rich in omegas, it softens, hydrates, and improves elasticity
- Rosemary Essential Oil → the circulation hero
- Stimulates hair follicles, supports growth, and adds uplifting aroma
- Vitamin E → the antioxidant defender
- Protects from free radical damage, extends shelf life, and enhances scalp health
How to Use the Oil (and Get Results)
My sister’s exact routine looks like this:
- 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.
- She massages it in for a couple of minutes to stimulate the scalp.
- Then, she leaves it on for 30 minutes (though overnight is a great option for deeper repair).
- 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.
Bonus tip: Wrap hair in a towel while it soaks — it locks in warmth and helps the oils absorb even better.
So why did this simple blend work for my sister when nothing else did?
Unlike silicone-heavy commercial products, this oil:
- Deeply nourishes, not just coats
- Protects and strengthens the cuticle
- Supports long-term scalp health
- Smells beautifully herbaceous, thanks to rosemary
It’s honest, simple care — no fluff, no fillers.
Customise It 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:
- Fine or oily hair? Swap castor for jojoba oil
- Want extra softness? Add argan or sweet almond oil
- Play with aroma: Try lavender, cedarwood, or peppermint essential oils
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: A Small Ritual With Big Impact
There’s something incredibly empowering about blending your own beauty treatments. What started as a sisterly favour has turned into a ritual — one that’s transformed not just her hair, but her confidence.
If your strands are craving love, or you’re tired of the endless product hunt, give this recipe a go. Make it your own. Create a ritual around it. And when you do —
tag me, message me, or join the BFF Collective on Instagram. I’d love to see your results and hear your story.
Because sometimes, your best hair day is just one natural DIY oil blend away.