Rosemary, Castor, Jojoba: Which Oils Work in a Scalp Oil Applicator?

The short answer: almost anything that pours. Rosemary blends, jojoba, argan, amla, coconut (melted), castor, scalp serums and the blend your family has made for generations all work in a scalp oil applicator.

The longer answer is about thickness. Thin oils flow quickly through the tips. Thick oils flow slowly, and need a little help. This guide sorts the common ones and explains what to do with each.

A note before we start: this is about how oils behave in an applicator, not what they do for your hair. For that, follow the guidance on your oil and talk to a professional if you have a scalp condition.

Thin oils: fill and go

These flow easily and give you the most even lines.

• Jojoba. Light, clear, and one of the easiest to work with. A good base for blends.
• Argan. Light and smooth. Flows freely.
• Sweet almond and grapeseed. Light carrier oils that move through the tips without effort.
• Most scalp serums. Usually water-thin. Check the label for anything that should not be stored in a container between uses.

Medium oils: easy, with a slower glide

• Rosemary oil blends. Most ready-made rosemary hair oils are rosemary in a carrier oil, so they behave like the carrier. Pure rosemary essential oil is strong and is normally diluted before it goes anywhere near skin; follow the bottle's directions.
• Amla oil. Usually sold in a light carrier and flows well.
• Olive oil. A little heavier than jojoba. Draw the comb a touch more slowly.

Thick oils: warm or blend first

• Castor oil. The thickest common hair oil. Straight from a cold bottle it moves slowly. Warm the bottle in your hands or in a bowl of warm water for a minute, or blend it with a lighter oil like jojoba (half and half is a good start).
• Coconut oil. Solid below about 24°C (76°F). Melt it gently first, and use it in a warm room, or it will set in the tips.
• Batana and other butters. Too thick for an applicator unless thinned with a light oil.

How to fill an applicator without spills

1. Stand the comb upright on a towel or the sink edge.
2. Use a dropper (the NIB COMB includes one) to add about 4 ml to the reservoir.
3. Don't overfill. Leave a little air at the top.
4. Cap it. With the silicone sleeve on, the reservoir stays sealed until you are ready.

Blends worth trying

• Light everyday: jojoba on its own, or jojoba with a few drops of a ready-made rosemary blend.
• Richer weekly: half castor, half jojoba, warmed.
• Family recipe: whatever you grew up with. If it is thick, thin it a little with a light oil so it flows.

Cleaning between oils

Switching oils? Rinse the tips and reservoir with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, swirl and rinse well. Our cleaning guide covers it step by step.

Still unsure about your oil? Read the FAQ or email info@nibcomb.com and tell us what you use.