What are the common misunderstandings about using hair oil?
This answer is a draft. It stays unpublished until legal review and source verification are complete.
Hair oil has become a staple worldwide, but "when, where and how much" can turn the result from glossy to greasy. In Japan it is sold as a type of leave-in conditioner (洗い流さないトリートメント, arainagasanai torītomento), and the way to use it is fairly settled. This article sets out that approach, and what a hair oil may legally claim here.
Guidelines
| Hair length | Amount (guide) | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 1 drop to half a pump | Ends |
| Medium | 2–3 drops (1 pump) | Ends to mid-lengths |
| Long | 3–4 drops (1–2 pumps) | Ends to mid-lengths |
| When | Purpose |
|---|---|
| After towel-drying, before the hair dryer | Protects the hair surface from heat and friction (the main use) |
| Finishing a style | Shine and taming frizz. A very small amount |
| Dryness or static during the day | A little on the ends |
- Spread and warm it well between your palms, then apply in the order ends → mid-lengths → surface. Do not apply to the scalp or roots.
- Hair oil is a cosmetic. The effects it may claim are within the 56 items, such as "gives hair body and resilience", "makes hair supple" and "supplies and retains moisture and oil in the hair". Wording such as "repairs hair" cannot be used for a cosmetic under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (Japan's cosmetics and drugs law).
[Verify] Check the 56 items against MHLW notice Yakushoku-hatsu 0721 No. 1. Follow the product label for amounts.
Misunderstanding 1｜It is pointless on wet hair
Towel-dried, damp hair is the main place to use it. It is applied to protect the surface from the heat and friction of the dryer.
Misunderstanding 2｜Putting it on the scalp moisturises it
It causes clogged pores and greasiness. Scalp products are a separate category (scalp lotions and the like).
Misunderstanding 3｜More oil means softer hair
It weighs hair down, attracts dust, and what is not washed out stains the pillow. Start small and add.
Misunderstanding 4｜Hair oil restores damaged hair
Hair is made of dead cells, and damaged parts do not recover. Oil coats the surface to improve feel and shine; legally, too, it cannot be called "repair".
Misunderstanding 5｜Hair oil can be used on the skin as well
Avoid using on the skin any product not labelled for face or body. The fragrance and other ingredients are formulated differently. Follow the use stated on the label.
---
Sources
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, notice "Revision of the scope of cosmetic efficacy claims" [化粧品の効能の範囲の改正について] (Yakushoku-hatsu 0721 No. 1)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/file/06-Seisakujouhou-11120000-Iyakushokuhinkyoku/kesyouhin_hanni_20111.pdf
- Japan Cosmetic Industry Association, "Guidelines for Appropriate Advertising of Cosmetics" [化粧品等の適正広告ガイドライン]
https://www.jcia.org/user/business/advertising
- Japanese Dermatological Association, "Dermatology Q&A — Hair disorders" [皮膚科Q&A 髪の毛の病気]
https://www.dermatol.or.jp/qa/qa17/index.html
⚠️ Editorial note: the source URLs above were identified by search. Our working environment cannot reach go.jp domains, so the contents have not been checked against the text. Verify every source before publication and record who checked it and when.
About this article
What we share here are ideas and everyday practices passed down among people living in Japan, together with general information drawn from public sources. They are not official recommendations, and they are not professional instruction. Practices vary between households and regions.
This is general information. Results vary from person to person and depend on your own conditions and surroundings.
Please decide for yourself, using your own judgement, whether any of this suits your situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from following this article.
Cosmetics are not medicines and are not meant to diagnose, heal or prevent any condition. If your skin reacts, stop using the product and see a dermatologist.
Sources
Tell us if this has changed
Approved contributions keep the contributor's name, shown in five languages.
Related questions
Other languages：日本語 ／ 简体中文 ／ 繁體中文 ／ 한국어
Value Village is not a government body. Always confirm procedures on the official site.
Written by Value Village from public sources. Nothing here is reproduced from another site.