How to Use Batana Oil: The Complete Guide by Hair Type
You've bought Batana oil — great. But now the questions start: how many drops is enough? Dry hair or wet? On the scalp or just the lengths? How often? Is more better, or less? This guide answers all of them, with 5 different application strategies to suit your hair type and goals. For more about Batana oil itself, see our in-depth guide.
The golden rule: less is more
The first and most important rule — too much oil is worse than too little:
- Hair looks greasy and flat
- It's harder to wash out with shampoo
- It can trigger acne-like irritation on the scalp
- The oil is wasted — your money quite literally goes down the drain
Rule of thumb: start with less and add more if needed. It's always easier to add than to remove.
How many drops for your hair type
The ideal amount of oil depends on the length, thickness and density of your hair:
| Hair type / length | Number of drops |
|---|---|
| Short (up to shoulders), fine | 2-3 drops |
| Short, thick | 3-4 drops |
| Medium length (to the upper back), fine | 3-5 drops |
| Medium length, thick | 5-7 drops |
| Long (below the upper back), fine | 5-7 drops |
| Long, thick / curly | 7-10 drops |
This is your starting amount. After 2-3 uses you'll see whether your hair absorbs more or less.
5 application strategies
Strategy 1: The classic overnight treatment
The traditional method that first made Batana oil popular:
- In the evening, before bed — put your chosen number of drops into your palms
- Rub your palms together to spread the oil evenly
- Massage into the scalp with circular movements for 2-3 minutes (this boosts circulation)
- Work it through the lengths, paying special attention to dry areas (ends, mid-lengths)
- Leave your hair loose on the pillow or put it up in a "high bun" (kinder to your pillow)
- In the morning — wash thoroughly with shampoo
- You may need to shampoo twice to remove the oil completely
Pros: the deepest nourishment, as your hair has 6-8 hours to absorb the oil.
Cons: requires a thorough wash in the morning and may stain your pillow (use an old pillowcase).
Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
Strategy 2: Quick pre-shampoo treatment
Ideal if the overnight option isn't for you:
- 30-60 minutes before showering — put the oil into your palms
- Massage into the scalp and work through the lengths
- You can put on a shower cap (the extra warmth helps it penetrate deeper)
- After 30-60 minutes — into the shower
- Wash out with shampoo
Pros: quicker and easier to wash out (the oil has less time to penetrate deep into the hair fibre).
Cons: less deep nourishment than the overnight option.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
Strategy 3: Post-shampoo for the ends
The easiest option, for everyday care:
- After showering, when hair is 70% dry (towel-dried)
- Put 1-2 drops into your palms
- Rub your palms together
- Apply ONLY to the ends and mid-lengths
- Avoid the scalp — this method is for the lengths only
- Comb or brush as usual
Pros: very quick, suitable for daily use and doesn't weigh hair down.
Cons: not suitable for nourishing the scalp.
Frequency: daily or every other day.
Strategy 4: Added to your shampoo or conditioner
Ideal if you want a simpler routine:
- Add 2-3 drops of Batana oil to your usual amount of shampoo or conditioner
- Mix in your palm
- Use as usual
Pros: very simple and fits into your existing routine.
Cons: less effective than direct application — much of the oil is rinsed away with the shampoo.
Frequency: every time you wash your hair.
Strategy 5: With a mask (the deepest nourishment)
The premium option, especially for damaged hair:
- 5-7 drops of Batana oil + 1 tablespoon of Grossty Batana Hair Mask
- Mix together
- Apply to damp hair after shampooing
- Leave on for 15-30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
Pros: the deepest nourishment, ideal for damaged hair.
Cons: takes time (15-30 min) and is the most expensive option.
Frequency: 1-2 times a week.
By hair type — which strategy works best
Dry, damaged hair
Strategy 1 (overnight) + Strategy 5 (mask once a week). Maximum nourishment. Find out more in our article on dry hair.
Thick, curly hair
Strategies 1 and 2 — both work well. This hair type can handle more oil.
Fine, oily hair
Strategy 3 (ends only) + the occasional Strategy 2 (once a week). Avoid the scalp.
Hair with dandruff or a dry scalp
Strategy 1 (overnight) — but with a longer scalp massage. Find out more about the scalp in our scalp health guide.
Colour-treated hair
Strategy 5 (mask) + Strategy 3 (daily) — protects your colour and nourishes damaged hair.
Hair after chemical treatments (perm, bleaching)
Strategy 5 (mask) — 2-3 times a week for the first month after the treatment.
When you'll see results
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Softer hair that's easier to comb, with less static |
| 3-4 weeks | More shine, less dry ends |
| 1-2 months | Hair looks "healthier" overall, with less breakage |
| 3+ months | Full potential reached — hair looks thicker and stronger |
Common mistakes
Mistake 1: Using too much oil at the start
"If a little is good, more must be better" — no. Too much will leave hair feeling greasy with no added benefit. Start with the minimum and only increase if needed.
Mistake 2: Using it once and giving up
Batana oil needs to be used regularly. A single use gives a cosmetic effect (softness, shine), but not a structural benefit. You need 4-12 weeks of consistent use.
Mistake 3: Applying it to dirty hair
Oil applied to hair with product build-up or sebum doesn't penetrate as well. Best: 12-24 hours after shampooing.
Mistake 4: Washing too harshly
If you use a harsh shampoo (loaded with sulphates) after Batana oil, you'll strip away not just the oil but also your hair's natural oils. Ideally, use Grossty Batana Shampoo, which has a gentler formula.
Mistake 5: Not matching the method to your hair type
Oily scalp + overnight oil on the scalp = a recipe for disaster. Choose your strategy based on your hair type.
A practical 4-week starter plan
Week 1
Strategy 2 (quick pre-shampoo) twice a week. Great for beginners — low commitment.
Week 2
Strategy 1 (overnight) 1-2 times a week + Strategy 3 (post-shampoo) daily.
Week 3
Strategy 1 (overnight) twice + Strategy 5 (mask) once a week.
Week 4
A steady routine based on how your hair responds. By now you know how much oil you need and which method works best.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it with other hair oils?
Yes, but keep an eye on how your hair reacts. The best combinations: Batana + jojoba (for a balanced effect), Batana + castor (to encourage growth). Avoid: Batana + coconut (can be too much oil).
Is it suitable for daily use?
Only Strategy 3 (ends only). For the other strategies, 2-3 times a week is ideal. Any more can upset your hair's balance.
My hair feels heavier after using Batana oil. What should I do?
You're probably using too much. Cut the amount in half. If it still feels heavy, switch to Strategy 3 (ends only) or Strategy 4 (in your shampoo).
Is it safe to use on coloured hair?
Yes, but be careful the first time. With long-term use, some oils can slightly affect the colour of dyed hair. Keep an eye on it after the first 2-3 uses.
Do I need to comb the oil through my hair?
It helps distribute it, but it isn't essential. After massaging it in, you can gently run your fingers or a wide brush through your hair. Avoid fine-toothed combs on wet or oiled hair — they can damage the hair structure.
Summary
Using Batana oil well is an art, not a science — but with the 5 strategies we've described, you can find the one that suits your hair and lifestyle. The key rules: start with less and increase if needed; choose a strategy based on your hair type; be patient (4-12 weeks); regular use matters more than occasional intensive use. Grossty Batana Oil works with all 5 strategies — its 100ml bottle lasts 2-3 months with regular use. Discover the rest of the range in the Grossty Batana collection.




