Hair oil may appear to be a hot new beauty trend, but this is purely due to marketing.
In reality, they're nothing new; humans have been using natural seed and plant oils to nourish their hair since ancient times.
The Ancient Greeks used olive oil to keep their hair shiny, and coconut oil for hair has been popular in the southern hemisphere for thousands of years.
Why use hair oil?
If you could see the anatomy of a strand of hair up close, it would be clear why hair oils are beneficial.
A hair strand has hundreds of overlapping cuticles. Consider them to be roof tiles, all pointing downwards. These cuticles must all be uniform and overlapping in order to remain smooth.
Heat damage, rough handling, and excessive sun exposure can all roughen the cuticles of the hair, causing them to become uneven.
Split ends, as you may be aware, occur when a hair strand splits from the bottom and progresses up the length of the hair strand.
This is where hair oils can help. They can lubricate the hair strand and prevent further damage by sealing fraying ends and filling the gap between damaged hair cuticles.
Consider hair oils to be the grout for the tiny invisible cracks in each of your hair strands!
What is the distinction between hair oil and hair serum?
Hair oils and serums are very similar and frequently contain the same ingredients.
Hair serums, on the other hand, are often silicone-based and have a more specific styling focus, such as taming frizz caused by the weather, whereas hair oils are primarily used to nourish and improve the condition of your hair.
The most effective natural hair oils
Here are some of the best hair oils available, along with their benefits for your hair.
Moroccan oil
Moroccan argan oil is extremely popular (and aka Moroccan hair oil).
It is mostly composed of fatty acids, which explains why it is so beneficial to hair strands.
We like Miaflora Argan Oil because it is made from 100% cold-pressed argan oil, which means that none of the moisturising properties are lost during the manufacturing process.
Making an Argan Oil Hair Mask
Pour a small amount of oil into a container of hot (but not boiling) water and stir until the oil is warm.
Massage the oil into your hair and scalp after shampooing.
For 3-5 minutes, cover with a warm, moist towel.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Tea tree oil for hair can help with a dry scalp and oily roots.
Black Seed Oil
The nigella sativa plant's pressed seeds are used to make this oil.
Softening and nourishing properties are provided by black seed oil for hair and body. It's great for softening all hair types and can also be used diluted on the scalp to combat flakiness.
Coconut Oil
A popular pre-shampoo treatment and way to seal in moisture on damp afro hair types.
Coconut oil is heavy due to its high saturated fat content and can make finer hair feel greasy if used excessively.
Fushi Really Good Hair Oil, for example, contains a blend of coconut, argan, and avocado oil that will nourish all hair types without weighing it down.
Because of its moisturising properties, coconut oil is an excellent choice for dandruff caused by a dry scalp.
Coconut oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and can be used to repair hair damage caused by over-styling or bleaching.
How to Use Coconut Oil in Your Hair
The amount of coconut oil you should use is determined by your goals.
Some people apply a small amount of coconut oil to their scalp before going to bed and leave it on overnight before washing it off.
Others apply coconut oil to their hair as a hair mask. That means leaving it in for a few hours before rinsing.
You can also mix some into your regular shampoo or conditioner. Remember that a little goes a long way.
You can find a variety of coconut oils, including turmeric and CBD-infused raw oils, right here. Simply follow the instructions on the tub if you're unsure how much to use.
When should you avoid using coconut oil?
It's critical to remember that everyone's hair is unique.
A word of caution: using too much coconut oil can cause clogging of your hair follicles or give your hair a greasy appearance.
If your scalp is sensitive or your hair is very coarse, coconut oil may not be suitable. To see if it works for you, try a small amount on an inconspicuous part of your scalp.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is derived from hemp seeds, as opposed to CBD, which is derived from the leaves.
The oil is high in the essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6, and 9 – all of which are necessary for naturally moisturising and restoring healthy-looking hair.
The high fatty acid content promotes healthy hair growth, as does Vitamin A, which can help to moisturise the scalp and keep hair healthy.
Not only is hemp seed oil high in Omega 3, 6, and 9, but it's also high in vitamins D, E, and magnesium, all of which aid in new hair growth.
It can also improve blood circulation, resulting in stronger, healthier, and longer hair.
The wonder oil can help to relieve itchiness and dryness on the scalp as well as deter lice.
Jojoba Oil
This oil is well-known for its ultra-hydrating properties.
A few drops of jojoba oil for hair, derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, can smooth out frazzled hair cuticles and add shine.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is derived from the inedible castor bean, which contains fatty acids such as omega-6 and ricinoleic acid.
Castor oil is used on hair all over the world.
The moisturising properties of castor oil may help to reduce the appearance of split ends.
How to Use Hair Serums and Oils
On wet hair
Most oils and serums can be applied to wet hair.
Oils will help to fill in any gaps in your hair's rough cuticles, as well as seal in moisture as it dries.
For dry hair
Many oils and serums can be used on dry hair as well. Only apply heavy oil (such as castor oil) or serum to the lengths and ends of your hair, not the roots.
Using heavy products on your roots will result in product buildup on your scalp and oily roots.
Prior to washing
Using a hair oil before shampooing may appear unnecessary, but the oil helps your hair stay stronger over time by penetrating the hair and reducing the amount of water your strands absorb during washing.
This is due to the oil coating the hair causing less hygral fatigue (repeated swelling and drying), which can damage hair.
Before applying heat styling
Most serums contain a heat protectant, which may help to protect your hair from the damaging effects of high heat up to 240 degrees Celsius.
A word of caution. If you're going to use oil as a heat protector, keep in mind that natural oils have a low smoke point and will burn if heated above this point.
Because coconut oil has a smoke point of 177 degrees Celsius, keep your heat styling tool on low.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used to replace medical care. Before attempting any supplements, treatments, or remedies, please consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional. Food supplements should not be used to replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
