Coconut oil, argan oil, olive oil...the list of healthy oils for your hair goes on, but what exactly do these oils do and what are their differences? With an over-saturation of information, it's easy to get confused about exactly which are the best hair oils for your specific needs.
Read on to learn about our 5 favorite hair oils and their uses to combat dryness, frizziness, and even dandruff
1. Jojoba Oil
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Before anything else, let's establish how to pronounce this: ho-ho-ba. This oil is extracted from the jojoba plant and is wonderful because its chemical structure resembles the oil that is produced naturally by our scalps (sebum). This means that your scalp will most likely readily accept it without showing any side effects. Jojoba oil hydrates the hair deep within, moisturizing and treating the hair follicles from the inside. It also treats dandruff and dry scalp problems, as well as adds shine and softness.
How to use:
You can use jojoba oil as a leave-in treatment. Apply to the scalp before washing your hair and leave in for 30 minutes or even overnight. For a nice scent, you can add a drop of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus).
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of this Jojoba Oil to your conditioner or simply apply a little bit to your ends after washing.
2. Argan Oil
Argan oil, also known as Moroccan oil, is extracted from nuts of the argan tree found in Morocco, and will do wonders for your hair. Argan oil is jam packed with beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, and fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, which fight UV rays, and hair cell damage. Just a few drops of argan oil will not only protect your hair from heat, but will nourish and moisturize it, reducing dryness, and frizziness. No wonder they call this oil "liquid gold!" Argan oil is not as greasy as Coconut Oil, so it's perfect for more frequent use.
How to use:
Apply a few drops to your palm, rub your hands together and distribute evenly on your damp or dry hair, avoiding the roots. Apply daily for best results.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is pretty much the holy grail of hair oil. It acts as a heat protectant, repairs damaged hair and breakage, helps to prevent hair loss, as well as aids in hair growth. Because of its moisture retaining properties, Coconut Oil stays inside the hair instead of evaporating, making it one of the most effective hair treatments there is.
Since Coconut Oil is loaded with fatty acids, it penetrates the hair more deeply than regular conditioners, leading to beautiful soft, silky, shiny hair - who doesn't want that?
Note, we recommend to use organic, beauty grade Coconut oil whenever possible for best results in your hair.
How to use:
If your scalp usually gets oily, apply Coconut Oil to your hair excluding the roots. If your scalp is dry, apply onto the scalp as well. Since Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, we recommend to heat it up and melt it a little, which will make it much easier to apply. Leave it in your hair for 30 minutes to an hour (or even longer) and rinse with a natural, organic shampoo. Repeat once a week.
4. Castor Oil
Castor oil comes from castor beans and is great for hair growth, because it has vital qualities like vitamin E, minerals, and proteins. Castor oil also contains antioxidants, which support the keratin in hair, making it stronger, smoother, and healthier. If you get this oil, we recommend getting cold pressed (meaning there was no heat involved during the extraction process), 100% pure virgin castor oil. It offers other great benefits such as controlling hair loss, fighting scalp infections and dandruff (due to its anti-fungal properties), conditioning and moisturizing the hair, and preventing split ends.
How to use:
Castor oil is very thick in consistency, so it's always best to mix just a few drops with a carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil, for easier application. Use this mixture as a scalp treatment, put on a shower cap and leave it on overnight, if possible. Wash and rinse as usual the next morning and repeat weekly or as needed. It can also be used as a hot oil treatment.
5. Olive Oil
We hear about this one all the time, not only when cooking, but also when it comes to natural beauty products. Olive oil does indeed have rich, moisturizing properties that are amazing for your hair. It coats the shaft of your hair and acts as a heat protectant, as well as conceals the damaged hair strands, giving a sleeker look. Olive oil for hair will leave it looking stronger, healthier, and shinier.
How to use:
Once a week, apply 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to dry or damp hair, distributing it evenly and thoroughly. Wrap in a towel or shower cap and leave on for about half an hour. Rinse with cold water and feel free to skip the conditioner.
There are so many oils, which one do I buy?
We know it can be overwhelming to pick the right oil for your hair, as there are so many different choices. Here are some of our personal tips on selecting the perfect hair oil for your hair type:
Always read the ingredients list.
Some labels can be deceiving, so it's important to make sure there are no chemicals and all ingredients are natural (and preferably organic).
Know what's in it
Some oils come already pre-mixed with something else, such as essential oils. Make sure to read the label and know exactly what's included.
Listen to your hair
We are all different, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Just because it's heavily recommended or advertised, doesn't mean that it's the right product for your hair type. Be sure to try an oil out and if you feel it's not working for you, don't be afraid to move on to something else.
Lastly, keep in mind that oils are greasy. Don't use too much, otherwise you risk leaving your hair greasy even after washing. Always thoroughly wash your hair with a natural, alcohol-free shampoo after treatments. And of course, keep in mind that changes like this don't happen overnight. Only consistent, long-term use will result in gorgeous, healthy, shiny long hair - but trust us, it's so worth it.
Which oils have you tried, which ones are your favorites, and what tips you have for us? Let us know in the comments below.