From coconut to castor oil, people have been using natural hair oils for years, so this is nothing new. We’re giving you the lowdown on how they really work so you know how to use them in your hair care routine. Read on to discover what natural hair oils are and how you can start using them in your hair care routine.
Natural Oils for Hair: What They Are and How to Use Them
We’re breaking down the various kinds of natural hair oils that deliver a natural hair shine, telling you what exactly they are and how to use them, and showing you the best natural oil for hair.
What are Natural Hair Oils?
Natural hair oils are simply oils—which are appropriate for use on hair or skin— that are not processed, don’t contain any other ingredients, and are left in their natural state. With that being said, these oils have a tendency to expire over time as opposed to oils that are made with ingredients that help preserve them.
How to Pick a Natural Oil
For many years people have used natural oils or organic oils as hair care staples to reap the benefits of it in its natural state. The addition of other ingredients mixed with the oil can dilute and eliminate the effectiveness of the oil’s main benefits. To obtain oils in their natural state (or closest to it) look for the oils that are extracted at low temperatures or without the use of heat as these processes preserve their natural formation. For example, coconut oil that’s unrefined doesn’t contain any additives and is the pure oil obtained after the extraction process.
Natural Oils for Hair that Penetrate the Hair Shaft
When picking natural oils for hair, you need to keep in mind what benefit you want to get out of the oil. If you’re hoping to achieve moisturized strands from the inside out with your oil, you’ll want to use an oil that has the ability to penetrate your hair shaft. Keep scrolling to find out which oils are best for this! Whether you are looking for rosemary oil for hair growth or avocado oil to eliminate frizz, we’ve got something for your hair type!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains short-chain fatty acids. The molecules that make up this chain are small enough to be deposited into the hair’s cuticle. Meaning, this oil will deeply penetrate your hair, leading to moisturized and nourished strands. What more could you want? Because of this, it’s one of the reasons people reach for coconut oil over any other oil. To get the benefits of coconut oil, use a shampoo and conditioner set like SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. We love this set because it softens and hydrates hair while reducing frizz.
Natural Oils: Avocado and Olive Oil
Avocado and olive oil both penetrate the hair shaft ever so slightly as their molecules are a little bigger than coconut oil, but they’re still good moisturizers and make great deep conditioners as well. To get these benefits at home, use Suave Professionals Avocado + Olive Oil Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner. This set uses avocado and olive oil to help soften your strands while eliminating frizz.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is a natural oil that penetrates the hair shaft while sealing in moisture. This oil gained popularity with people who have alopecia because it can help stimulate hair growth. To get this benefit, you can apply the oil directly to your scalp or mix it in your shampoo. Plus, we love how this oil is lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about it weighing down your hair or making it feel greasy.
Natural Hair Oils that Coat Hair
If you’re looking for an oil that will add shine or lock in moisture that is already in your hair, you’ll want to use an oil that coats your hair. Oils that sit on top of your hair and don’t get into the shaft simply coat the hair strand. These kinds of oils are great because they can be used as a heat protectant, they also lock in the moisture that penetrating oils have deposited into your hair. These oils are composed of unsaturated fats (and big molecules) that don’t easily enter the hair shaft causing these types of oils to sit on top of the hair. We recommend applying hair oils that coat as the last step of your hair care routine. For instance: Apply the oil or a mixture of oils to your hair after applying a leave-in conditioner to form a film on top of the hair’s surface to trap products in.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia Chinensis plant. It’s a shrub found in southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. Since the oil coats your hair, it works well with other oils, like coconut. It also contains Vitamins A, C, and E, which help strengthen your hair. Plus, jojoba oil washes out very easily. We love using Love Beauty and Planet Vetiver & Jojoba Natural Oils Infusion because it adds a subtle vetiver scent while making your hair look very glossy.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds found in grapes, and it’s jam-packed with antioxidants. This light oil is perfect to use as a de-frizz oil and to seal the hair cuticle. We love using Love Beauty and Planet Sandalwood & Grapeseed Natural Oils Infusion to tame hair. This oil helps repair smooth strands. Plus, it’s paraben and cruelty-free!
Castor Oil
Castor oil has been used to promote hair growth for a very long time. The oil does this because it’s high in ricinoleic acid, which helps increase scalp blood flow, leading to an increase in hair growth. Using Suave Professionals Castor Oil & Mango Butter for Natural Hair and Scalp Oil is one of our favorite ways to get the benefits of castor oil. Plus, it’s easy to apply and even helps strengthen your hair.
Argan Oil
Argan oil gained so much popularity in the early 2010s because of its ability to boost shine and prevent frizziness. This oil also contains fatty acids and a lot of Vitamin E, which helps coat your hair to achieve that shiny look. Our favorite way to achieve the soft and shiny benefits from argan oil is by using Love Beauty and Planet Smooth and Serene Argan Oil & Lavender Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner. This set has a calming lavender scent and leaves your hair feeling very soft. Not to mention that the benefits of lavender for hair are extensive. Lavender oil for hair can protect the hair against bacteria and strengthen the hair follicles!
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a great option because it offers many benefits to your hair and scalp. It can make your hair appear shinier when applied to the mid-shaft and ends. However, when it’s applied to your scalp, it can reduce breakage, help soothe an itchy scalp, and help prevent dry roots. Get the benefits of sweet almond oil by using Dove Nourishing Secrets Smoothness & Shine Ritual Shampoo and Conditioner with Mango Butter and Almond Oil. Whether you start using oil like, coconut oil, that deeply penetrates your hair shaft or rosemary oil for hair growth to start your growth journey. All different types of natural oils offer incredible benefits to your hair.
