Coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil…the list goes on! The truth is, whether it comes to skin care or hair care, oils are having their moment. But with so many different oils out there and benefits for each, how do you know which to choose? We dive deep into the world of hair oils, outlining how certain oils can combat dryness, frizziness, and even dandruff. Read on to learn about our five favorite hair oils and how to use them to fix your hair problems.
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is pretty much the holy grail of hair oil. It acts as a heat protectant, intensely moisturizes hair strands, prevents 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, which tend to only sit on top of the hair, leading to beautiful soft, silky, shiny hair. For maximum benefits, we recommend using organic coconut oil whenever possible.
2. Argan oil
If coconut oil is made from coconuts, then argan oil must be made from argans, right? Actually, yes! Argan oil is extracted from nuts that grow in fruits borne on the Argan tree, native to Morocco.
Fun fact, goats love to climb Argan trees!
Also known as Morrocon oil, argan oil 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 prevent hair cell damage. Just a few drops of Argan oil will not only protect your hair from heat, nourish, and moisturize it, but it will also reduce dryness, brittleness, and frizziness, leaving your hair soft and manageable. 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, or as a finishing oil after you’re done styling your hair.
3. Castor oil
Castor oil comes from castor beans and is a great oil for hair growth because it has vital qualities such as 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 the cold-pressed variety (meaning there was no heat involved during the extraction process). 100% pure virgin castor oil offers many other great benefits such as controlling hair loss, fighting scalp infections and dandruff (due to its anti-fungal properties), conditioning and moisturizing the hair, as well as preventing split ends. A tiny bit of castor oil can also be applied to your lash line to promote thick, long eyelash growth.
4. Jojoba Oil
Before anything else, let’s establish how to pronounce this: ho-ho-ba! Jojoba oil is extracted from the jojoba plant and has a chemical structure that resembles the oil that is produced naturally by our scalps (sebum). This means that your scalp is more likely to readily accept it without showing any side effects. Jojoba oil, similar to coconut oil, hydrates the hair deep within, moisturizing and treating the hair follicles from the inside-out. It also treats dandruff and dry scalp problems, as well as adds shine and softness.
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 is high in fatty acids like squalene and oleic acid, which are emollients. These emollients soften and smooth hair strands by creating a film and coating hair shafts. Olive oil is also high in vitamin E, which fights off free-radical damage from sunlight and pollution. This oil acts as a natural 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.
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 go overboard, otherwise, you risk leaving your hair oily even after washing. Always thoroughly wash your hair with a natural, alcohol-free shampoo after a treatment. 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.