Seriously, if you're not hair oiling, what are you waiting for?
Is hair oiling worth all of that effort? Which is the best hair oil for your hair type? For centuries, hair oiling has been a part of beauty regimens globally, with its roots tracing back to ancient Ayurvedic practices, which originated from Indian culture.
Hair oiling can be great for moisturizing dry hair, hydrating dry scalp, taming frizziness, and detangling hair. Using natural hair oil provides fatty acids and antioxidants that replenish the lipid layer on the scalp. They can also serve as a sealant to smooth down hair cuticles.
There is a LOT of info out there on hair oiling, and finding the right hair oil can be daunting. That's why we've done the research for you. From scientific research to clinical dermatologist input, we've worked hard to uncover the science and truth behind hair oiling for hair growth and health. We'll share the differences between essential and carrier oils, sealing vs. moisturizing oils, and the best hair oils for your hair type and concern based on the hair structure (curl pattern) and hair porosity.
What about hair oil for hair growth? We've asked a dermatologist to weigh in on the science behind hair oil for hair growth. and we'll provide tips on how to properly apply hair oil for maximum effectiveness. Keep reading to discover the best oils as recommended by dermatologists, and researched and tested by the ladies of OOF!
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The Benefits of Hair Oil for Hair and Scalp Health
Using hair oil regularly can have numerous benefits for both your hair and scalp health. One of the primary benefits of hair oil is its ability to nourish and moisturize the hair shaft, preventing dryness and breakage. By creating a protective barrier, hair oil helps to seal in moisture and prevent damage from external factors such as heat styling and environmental pollutants.
Hair oiling can help to soothe the scalp and alleviate common scalp issues such as dryness, itching, and dandruff. The moisturizing properties of hair oil can help to balance the scalp's natural oil production, reducing excess oiliness or dryness. Regular use of hair oil can also improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Furthermore, hair oil can help to detangle and soften the hair, making it easier to manage and style. It can add shine and luster to dull and lifeless hair, giving it a healthy and vibrant appearance. With so many benefits, incorporating hair oil into your hair care routine is a great way to enhance the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Essential vs Carrier Oils for Hair Oiling and Their Use
When it comes to hair oils, there are two main categories: essential oils and carrier oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from various parts of plants, such as leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, bark, wood, resin, and fruit. They are often used for their therapeutic properties. Essential oils are not suitable for direct skin application due to their high concentration and potential for skin irritation.These oils are typically used in small amounts and are mixed with carrier oils before being applied to the hair and scalp.
Carrier oils, on the other hand, are derived from the fatty portion of plants, such as seeds, nuts, and kernels. They are used to dilute essential oils. These oils are milder and can be used in larger quantities without causing any adverse effects. Carrier oils not only help to dilute essential oils but also provide additional benefits to the hair and scalp.
Some popular essential oils for hair include rosemary oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil. These oils are known for their stimulating properties and can help promote hair growth and improve scalp health. When combined with carrier oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil, they can be safely applied to the hair and scalp for maximum effectiveness.
Sealing Hair Oil vs Moisturizing Hair Oil: What Are They and Why Do They Matter For Hair Oiling?
The difference between a sealing hair oil and a moisturizing hair oil lies in their primary functions and how they interact with the hair.
Sealing hair oils are typically lighter in consistency and are designed to seal moisture into the hair shaft. They often contain molecules that are able to coat the outer layer of the hair, forming a protective barrier that helps to lock in moisture and prevent it from escaping.
Common sealing oils include lightweight oils such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or argan oil.
Sealing oils do not necessarily add moisture to the hair but rather help to retain the moisture that is already present.
Moisturizing hair oils are typically richer and more nourishing in nature. They contain ingredients that penetrate the hair shaft to provide hydration and nourishment from within.
These oils often contain molecules that are small enough to penetrate the hair cuticle, delivering moisture and nutrients to the inner layers of the hair. Common moisturizing oils include thicker oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Moisturizing oils help to replenish lost moisture in the hair, making it softer, smoother, and more manageable.
The Best Hair Oils for Hair Structure (Straight, Wavy, and Curly Hair)
The ideal hair oils for different hair structures depend on their specific needs. Straight hair benefits from hair oiling with lightweight sealing oils, wavy hair benefits from moisturizing oils to combat dryness and frizz, and curly hair benefits from rich moisturizing oils that define curls and reduce frizz. Carrier oils provide the base for hair oils, while essential oils can be added for additional benefits such as promoting hair growth or soothing the scalp.
Hair Oiling for Straight Hair Type
Straight hair tends to be naturally smooth and may not need as much hydration as other hair types, and you might struggle with greasiness and lack of volume. This doesn't mean you won't benefit from hair oiling. Let's look at which ones are good for your straight hair.
Sealing Oils for Straight Hair Types
Sealing oils such as argan oil or grapeseed oil are beneficial for straight hair. These lightweight oils help to seal moisture into the hair shaft without weighing it down, keeping straight hair sleek and shiny.
Carrier Oils for Straight Hair
Jojoba oil and almond oil are excellent carrier oils for straight hair. They are lightweight and easily absorbed, providing nourishment without leaving a greasy residue.
Essential Oils for Straight Hair Type
If desired, add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil to the carrier oil for added benefits. Lavender oil promotes hair growth and scalp health, while rosemary oil helps to improve circulation and strengthen hair follicles.
Hair Oiling for Wavy Hair Type
Wavy hair is more prone to frizz and dryness compared to straight hair due to its unique structure and characteristics. The irregular cuticle structure of wavy hair, with slight lifts or raised scales along the hair shaft, allows moisture to escape more easily, leading to dryness and frizz. Wavy hair has bends and curves that make it challenging for natural scalp oils to distribute evenly along the length of the hair, resulting in less lubrication and increased dryness.
Moisturizing Oils for Wavy Hair Types
Moisturizing oils like coconut oil or olive oil are beneficial. These thicker oils penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep hydration and nourishment to keep wavy hair soft and manageable.
Carrier Oils for Wavy Hair
Coconut oil is particularly effective for wavy hair due to its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. Olive oil is also a good option for providing moisture and improving hair elasticity.
Essential Oils for Wavy Hair Type
Consider adding a few drops of peppermint or tea tree essential oil to the carrier oil for their cooling and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff.
Hair Oiling for Curly Hair
The curls and coils of curly hair create more twists and turns along the hair shaft, which can disrupt the cuticle layer and lead to increased porosity. This higher porosity allows moisture to escape more easily, resulting in dryness and frizz. Additionally, natural scalp oils have difficulty traveling down the length of curly hair strands because of the tight curls, making those with curly hair type more prone to dryness.
Moisturizing Oils for Curly Hair Types
Curly hair tends to be naturally drier and more prone to frizz, so moisturizing oils like shea butter or avocado oil are ideal. These rich oils provide intense hydration and help define curls, reduce frizz and promote curl retention.
Carrier Oils for Curly Hair
Shea butter is an excellent carrier oil for curly hair due to its emollient properties, which help to soften and moisturize the hair. Avocado oil is also beneficial for curly hair, as it is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair shaft.
Essential Oils for Curly Hair Type
Consider adding a few drops of rosehip or argan essential oil to the carrier oil for their moisturizing and reparative properties. Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while argan oil helps to improve hair elasticity and shine.
Choosing Hair Oils Based on Hair Porosity
Hair porosity is your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. The condition of the outermost layer of your hair, the hair cuticle, determines the porosity of your hair. The cuticle can have three different states: closed, partially open, or fully open. These states determine how easily water and products can penetrate the hair shaft.
Hair Oiling for High Porosity Hair Type
High porosity hair has cuticles that are more open, allowing moisture to be easily absorbed. However, it also loses moisture quickly. This hair type tends to absorb water and products quickly but may struggle to retain moisture. If you have this hair type, you will notice that your hair dries very quickly and products absorb quickly. If you place a strand of hair into a glass of water, your hair would sink to the bottom.
Use Rich Oils
High porosity hair has raised or damaged cuticles, allowing moisture to easily enter and escape the hair shaft. Rich, heavy oils such as coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil are beneficial for high porosity hair as they help to seal in moisture and prevent further damage.
Repairing Oils for High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair can benefit from repairing oils like argan oil or rosehip oil, which contain antioxidants and vitamins that help to repair and strengthen the hair shaft.
Hair Oiling for Medium Porosity Hair
The cuticles are partially open, striking a balance between absorbing and retaining moisture.
This is generally considered the ideal porosity as it can absorb and retain moisture effectively. Medium porosity hair dries normally. If you place a strand of hair in a glass of water, it would float somewhere in the middle.
Think Balanced Oils
Medium porosity hair has a balanced level of moisture retention and absorption. This type of hair can benefit from a variety of oils, including coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. These oils provide moisture without overwhelming the hair or causing buildup.
Try Nourishing Oils
Medium porosity hair can also benefit from nourishing oils like castor oil or shea butter, which help to strengthen the hair shaft and improve elasticity.
Hair Oiling for Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more difficult for moisture to penetrate. This hair type takes longer to absorb water or products, but once absorbed, it retains moisture well. It takes a long time for your hair to dry. Products may seem to sit on your hair and take a while to be absorbed. In a glass of water, a strand of hair would float at the top.
Lightweight Oils
Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. Lightweight oils such as argan oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil are ideal for low porosity hair because they can penetrate the hair shaft without weighing it down.
Sealing Oils
Sealing oils are ideal for low porosity hair types Hair oils that are beneficial include sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil because they create a protective barrier on the hair's surface, helping to lock in moisture and prevent evaporation.
Hair Oiling for Hair Growth: Science or Misconception?
Hair oiling can certainly contribute to achieving fuller, healthier, and stronger hair, and there is evidence suggesting that hair oils possess the ability to accelerate hair growth.
However, given that hair oiling for hair growth has only recently begun to be studied, there remains insufficient evidence to conclusively establish this as fact. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelo Landiscina, only one isolated study has demonstrated that rosemary oil exhibited comparable effectiveness to 2% minoxidil, a commonly recommended clinical product for hair growth (similar to Rogaine).
So, although we certainly see promising results on social media, we can't yet say for certain. There are several studies that show that scalp massage can increase hair thickness, improve circulation, and enhance nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. So, incorporating scalp massage along with hair oil certainly can be beneficial to hair health. We also know that hair oiling means healthier hair strands and scalps, which may ultimately contribute to the development of thicker and fuller hair over time.
Hair Oiling Application for Maximum Effectiveness
We've seen a LOT of Tik Tok Hair Oiling videos. There is a lot of advice out there on how to use hair oil. With so many different types of hair oiling techniques, how do you know how to do it properly? Let's talk about your choices so you can decide how you want to tackle your hair oiling technique.
Dry or Wet Hair for Hair Oiling?
Water can create a barrier on the hair shaft, which may inhibit the penetration of oil. When hair is dry, there's no barrier, allowing the oil to potentially penetrate more deeply. Dry hair oiling means deeper penetration of the oil into the hair shaft, allowing for more effective nourishment and hydration, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.
Oiling dry hair allows for more targeted treatment of specific areas that may be particularly dry or damaged. By applying oil directly to these areas, you can provide extra hydration and nourishment where it's needed most.
Wet hair oiling also has its benefits. The oil won’t penetrate as deeply but it allows for smoother and more even distribution of the oil throughout the hair strands. The water helps emulsify the oil, making it easier to spread and ensuring that every strand receives adequate hydration and nourishment.
Shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and prone to damage. Oiling wet hair before shampooing forms a protective barrier that helps shield the hair from the drying effects of shampoo, minimizing moisture loss and preserving the hair's natural oils.
Warm or Cold Oil for Hair Oiling?
It’s always better to heat the oil before use. The heat makes the oil more effective and allows the temperature to expand your hair. According to Tippi Shorter, a celebrity stylist, when you apply hot oil from the scalp to the ends, the strands can absorb the nutrients 30- 40% more effectively.
If you decide to use cold oil, you can always wrap your head with a hot towel. It can effectively heat up your hair and help with absorption.
Either way, you can leave it for the night with your head wrapped in a towel, or rinse it after the required amount of time. Depending on the oil and effects you want to have, it may be 20 minutes and even a few hours.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Hair Oil for Your Hair Type
We sure have learned a lot about hair oiling while researching this article and we hope you have too. Please drop us a line and let us know how hair oiling has worked for you hair! We always love to hear from our OOF! tribe.
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