HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil
HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil
Product Description
A cult-favourite, award-winning pre-wash hair and scalp treatment oil from Fable & Mane. This lightweight Ayurvedic blend is massaged into dry hair and scalp before shampoo, led by strengthening ashwagandha, nourishing castor oil and a 10-root dashmool complex to support healthier-looking roots, reduced breakage and a glossy, well-conditioned mane โ all wrapped in the brand's signature Madurai jasmine-sambac fragrance.
โจ Texture & Feel
Strengthens at the Root
Ashwagandha and a 10-herb dashmool root complex are massaged into the scalp to support the look of stronger, healthier hair from the base.
Reduces Wash-Day Breakage
Applied before shampoo, the oil coats strands to limit water swelling (hygral fatigue) so hair is less prone to snapping during cleansing.
Shine & Softness
A blend of safflower, sesame, jojoba, olive and grapeseed oils smooths the cuticle for visibly glossier, softer-feeling lengths.
A Ritual, Not a Chore
The signature Madurai fragrance of jasmine, champaca, almond and cedarwood turns weekly oiling into a calming self-care moment.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical and rinsed out, so absorption is low โ but it contains fragrance allergens and ashwagandha, which some guidance advises caution with. Check with your doctor first.
Rich in fatty-acid plant oils and esters that can feed Malassezia. Not recommended if you are prone to scalp seborrheic dermatitis or fungal acne.
Contains parfum plus benzyl salicylate, linalool and isoeugenol. Patch test if you have a sensitive scalp or known fragrance allergies.
A pre-wash, rinse-out hair product, so it does not conflict with facial actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA used in your skincare routine.
Free from silicones, sulfates, parabens and mineral oil. Reef-safe and PETA-recognised cruelty-free.
Generally considered safe for and gentle on dyed and chemically treated hair when used as a weekly pre-wash treatment.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract Hero active Promising
The brand's signature root. Ashwagandha is a revered Ayurvedic adaptogen, rich in antioxidant withanolides, used traditionally to strengthen and revitalise hair and soothe the scalp.
- Antioxidant: Withanolides help neutralise free radicals that can stress the scalp and follicle.
- Traditional use: Long history in Ayurveda for scalp wellness; modern topical hair-growth data is still early-stage.
๐ง Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil Key oil Proven
A thick, ricinoleic-acid-rich oil famed in hair care for adding slip, sheen and a feeling of thickness while sealing moisture into the strand.
- Emollient: Coats and lubricates the hair shaft, reducing friction and breakage during detangling and washing.
- Humectant-like: Ricinoleic acid helps the strand hold onto moisture.
๐ช Dashmool 10-Root Complex Signature blend Promising
"Dashmool" means ten roots. This Ayurvedic complex spans Tribulus Terrestris, Stereospermum Suaveolens, Solanum Xanthocarpum, Solanum Indicum, Premna Serratifolia, Gmelina Arborea, Desmodium Gangeticum, Aegle Marmelos, Pueraria Lobata and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) root extracts.
- Soothing: Traditionally used to calm and balance the scalp environment.
- Licorice root: Glycyrrhiza Glabra is studied for soothing, comforting properties on irritated skin.
๐ซ Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) Fruit Extract Botanical Promising
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the most prized fruits in Ayurvedic hair care, naturally high in vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants.
- Antioxidant-rich: Vitamin C and tannins help defend against oxidative stress.
- Traditional tonic: Classically used to support shine, darkness and scalp condition.
๐ฑ Eclipta Prostrata (Bhringraj) Extract Botanical Promising
Known as bhringraj, the "king of hair" in Ayurveda, this herb is one of the most researched botanicals for hair among the traditional roots.
- Animal data: Some rodent studies suggest extracts may support the hair-growth cycle; human topical evidence is limited.
- Conditioning: Valued traditionally for softness and scalp comfort.
๐ฟ Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) Leaf Extract Botanical Promising
Brahmi is a classic Ayurvedic herb associated with calm and balance, included here for its antioxidant content and scalp-conditioning reputation.
- Antioxidant: Contains bacosides and other antioxidant compounds.
- Conditioning: Traditionally paired with bhringraj and amla in hair tonics.
๐ข๏ธ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride + Carthamus & Sesamum Oils Carrier base Proven
The lightweight delivery system: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (a silky coconut-derived ester) leads the formula, blended with Carthamus Tinctorius (safflower) and Sesamum Indicum (sesame) seed oils.
- Lightweight feel: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride gives the oil its non-heavy, fast-sinking texture.
- Emollient: Safflower and sesame oils smooth the cuticle and add slip.
๐ Jojoba, Olive & Grapeseed Oils Conditioning oils Proven
Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba), Olea Europaea (olive) and Vitis Vinifera (grapeseed) seed oils round out the conditioning blend with a spread of fatty acids and natural antioxidants.
- Jojoba: A liquid wax ester similar to skin's own sebum, light and well tolerated.
- Grapeseed: High in linoleic acid and a lighter feel than many oils.
๐ก๏ธ Squalene, Beta-Sitosterol & Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Skin/scalp lipids Proven
A trio of skin-identical lipids and antioxidants: squalene and beta-sitosterol for barrier-friendly conditioning, plus tocopherol (vitamin E) as a natural antioxidant.
- Vitamin E: A well-established antioxidant that also helps protect the oils from going rancid.
- Squalene: A lightweight, skin-mimicking emollient that softens without heaviness.
29 ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Parfum, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Bacopa Monnieri Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Root Extract, Stereospermum Suaveolens Root Extract, Solanum Xanthocarpum Root Extract, Solanum Indicum Root Extract, Premna Serratifolia Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Beta-Sitosterol, Gmelina Arborea Root Extract, Desmodium Gangeticum Root Extract, Aegle Marmelos Root Extract, Squalene, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Salicylate, Isoeugenol, Linalool.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
This is the very first step of wash day. Apply to dry hair and scalp, leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, then shampoo as usual. Use once or twice a week.
๐ How to Use
Section dry hair
Start with dry, brushed hair. Part it into a few sections so you can reach the scalp easily.
Apply with the dropper
Dispense a few dropperfuls and apply directly to the scalp and roots, then smooth any remaining oil down the lengths and ends. A little goes a long way.
Massage in
Massage the scalp with fingertips for 5โ10 minutes to work the oil in and boost circulation. This is the relaxing part of the ritual.
Let it sink in
Leave for at least 30 minutes, or wrap and sleep in it overnight (use an old pillowcase or towel). The longer it sits, the more conditioned hair feels.
Shampoo out
Rinse and shampoo thoroughly โ you may need two cleanses โ then continue with conditioner and your usual routine.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, dull, or stressed hair and a dry, tight scalp
- You want to build a weekly pre-wash oiling ritual
- You enjoy a rich, long-lasting floral fragrance
- You want a vegan, silicone- and sulfate-free formula
- Your hair is medium, thick, coarse, curly or coily
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are sensitive to fragrance or fragrance allergens
- You have very fine hair that weighs down easily
- You are prone to scalp fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis
- You want a leave-in finishing oil (this rinses out)
- You expect guaranteed new hair growth rather than conditioning
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Where this oil shines โ deeply nourishes a tight, flaky scalp and quenches dry, brittle lengths.
Thirsty, textured hair drinks it up; castor oil adds the slip and sheen these types love.
A gentle, silicone-free pre-wash treatment that helps restore softness to processed hair.
Soothing roots help, but the fragrance and allergens mean a patch test is wise.
Use sparingly and rinse well โ castor and heavier oils can weigh fine hair down.
Fatty-acid oils can feed Malassezia; not ideal for seborrheic dermatitis or scalp fungal acne.
๐ Results Timeline
Softer, calmer, conditioned
Right after the first wash-out, most users report noticeably softer, smoother, more manageable hair and a less tight scalp.
~90% noticed softnessLess breakage, more shine
With weekly use, hair tends to look glossier and feel stronger, with less snapping during brushing and washing.
~96% reported less breakageHealthier-looking density
Over consistent months of use, many report a fuller-looking, healthier mane. Note: results reflect conditioning and reduced breakage rather than guaranteed new growth.
~92% felt hair looked thickerโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Leaves hair noticeably soft, shiny and conditioned
- Lightweight for an oil โ sinks in, doesn't sit heavy
- Beautiful, long-lasting Madurai jasmine fragrance
- A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts
- Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone- and sulfate-free
- Turns wash day into a relaxing ritual
โ Criticized
- Premium price for a 1.8 oz / 55 ml bottle
- Fragrance can be too strong for sensitive users
- Growth claims are modest โ it conditions more than it regrows
- Heavier oils can weigh down fine hair if overused
- Not suitable for fungal-acne-prone scalps
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A wildly popular drugstore multi-use scalp oil with rosemary, mint and biotin. Far cheaper and larger (59 ml), but herbal-mint scented rather than the luxe floral, and less of an Ayurvedic root story.
A traditional Indian Ayurvedic hair oil with herbs like amla and henna. Captures the heritage pre-wash oiling concept for a fraction of the price, but with a coconut base and a much more basic, drugstore feel.
Castor-oil-forward strengthening treatment for breakage and dryness. Overlaps on the castor and strengthening angle, but lacks the wider ashwagandha and dashmool botanical blend.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Fable & Mane HoliRoots (This Product)
~$38Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil
~$10Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
~$48JVN Complete Nourishing Hair Oil
~$32๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep the oils fresh.
Glass bottle with a dropper applicator for precise scalp application.
Yes โ the 55 ml bottle is well under the 100 ml carry-on limit (a 5 ml mini is also available).
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It is a topical, rinse-out hair oil, so absorption into the body is low and it contains no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone. However, it does include fragrance allergens and ashwagandha, an herb some guidance advises caution with during pregnancy. There is no specific data confirming it is unsafe, but to be responsible we recommend checking with your doctor or midwife before use.
No. The formula is built on fatty-acid plant oils (sesame, safflower, olive, grapeseed) and esters, which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you are prone to scalp fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis, this oil is not recommended.
Yes. This is a pre-wash hair and scalp product that is shampooed out, so it does not interact with the retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA you use in your facial skincare routine. Just avoid letting it sit on acne-prone facial skin.
It performs best on dry, dull or stressed hair and dry, tight scalps, and on medium, thick, coarse, curly or coily hair textures. Fine, oily or fungal-acne-prone scalps should use it sparingly or choose a lighter option.
Softness and shine are usually noticeable from the first wash. Reduced breakage and improved condition tend to appear over 2โ4 weeks of weekly use, while a fuller, healthier-looking mane builds over roughly 8โ12 weeks of consistent use. Results reflect conditioning and less breakage rather than guaranteed new growth.
It is the very first step of wash day. Apply to dry hair and scalp, massage in, leave for 30 minutes up to overnight, then shampoo and continue with conditioner and the rest of your routine. Use once or twice a week.
It has a moderate comedogenic profile (around 3/5), mainly from sesame and castor oils. Because it is washed out of the hair, scalp pore-clogging risk is limited for most people, but those prone to scalp congestion or facial breakouts should keep it off the hairline and rinse thoroughly.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and because a little goes a long way, one bottle typically lasts many months of weekly use.
Verdict: Fable & Mane's HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil is a beautifully made, genuinely lightweight pre-wash treatment that delivers on softness, shine and a luxurious oiling ritual, powered by ashwagandha, castor oil and a 10-root dashmool blend. It is a standout for dry, dull or textured hair that loves a weekly pre-wash. The trade-offs are an undeniably premium price for the small bottle, a strong fragrance that not every scalp will love, and growth claims that are more about conditioning and reduced breakage than dramatic regrowth. If you want heritage-inspired, clean-formula indulgence and a calming routine, it earns its cult status โ bargain hunters and fragrance-sensitive or fungal-acne-prone users may want to look at the alternatives above.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Parfum
Masking, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Withania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
Irritation
|