Coconut oil, argan oil, baobab 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.
How to use
If your scalp usually gets oily, apply coconut oil to your hair from the mid-shaft to ends, excluding the roots. If your scalp is dry, apply onto the scalp as well. Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, we recommend heating it up slightly so it melts, which will make it much easier to apply. As an alternative, rub the oil between your hands to warm it up and melt it down. Leave the oil in your hair for 30 minutes to an hour (or even overnight) and rinse with a natural, organic shampoo. Repeat once a week for best results.
2. Baobab oil
While not as well known as some of the other oils on this list, baobab oil might just be the next big thing in natural hair care. This oil hails from the baobab tree, which is native to Australia, Africa, and Madagascar. As one of the oldest trees on earth, the baobab has been used in healing and beauty practices for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and can live for over 1,000 years.
Since it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and omega fatty acids, baobab oil provides powerful benefits for your hair. Applying the oil to your strands will boost moisture and shine, as well as strengthen dry or brittle hair. Plus, it can even help treat dandruff and promote hair growth. The oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, ensuring your hair won’t get greasy. What’s not to love about that?
HOW TO USE
To use this multi-tasking oil, you can apply it directly onto hair after shampooing to lock in moisture or combine it with your go-to conditioner and other oils to take hydration to the next level. You can massage the oil into your hair and leave in overnight or apply hair oil in the morning to tame frizz. Baobab oil is super gentle, so you can use it every day.
If you’re looking for some great hair products made with baobab oil, look no further than our Wetline collection. From the shampoo and conditioner to the hair oil and strengthening mask, all of these products are designed with organic baobab oil to leave hair moisturized and silky smooth.
3. 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.
How to use
Apply a few drops to your palm, rub your hands together and distribute evenly on damp or dry hair, avoiding the roots. Apply daily for best results.
4. 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.
How to use
Castor oil has a very thick consistency, so it's always best to mix just a few drops with a carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil for a more even and easier application. Use this mixture as a scalp treatment by massaging the oil into your scalp, then put on a shower cap, and leave it on overnight. Wash and rinse as usual the next morning. Repeat weekly or as needed.
5. 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.
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 jojoba oil to your conditioner or simply apply a little bit to your ends after washing.
6. 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.
How to use
Once a week, apply 1 to 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! So, 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 the ingredients are natural as that is what is best for your hair. It's also a good idea to pick a product with organic ingredients to optimize your results.
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 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.
