Like the skin, your hair needs moisture and a little oil to keep it healthy and hydrated. However, navigating through hair oils can be intimidating. There are tons of them in the market, but finding one that works best for your strands is the challenge. You want your hair to look gleaming but not to the point that it’s oily or greasy.
For example, thick and textured hair can benefit from richer oils like cold-pressed castor or coconut oil than lightweight oils. Ahead, we’ll explore some of the best hair oils for each hair type and how to incorporate them into your routine.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil comes from grape seeds and is a byproduct of winemaking. It’s a powerful antioxidant ingredient and moisturizer, making it a perfect product to work into your strands. It’s usually associated with skincare and cooking, but it also works wonders for all hair types.
Key benefits:
It helps with hair growth. Grapeseed oil contains vitamin E, linoleic acid, and flavonoids, which are all necessary to support hair growth.
Strengthens strands. Does your hair feel weak and brittle? Grapeseed oil can help restore your hair’s vitality because of its rich omega content.
Soothes your scalp. Grapeseed oil contains essential fatty acids and nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve an itchy, flaky scalp.
Best for: All hair types, including color-treated hair
Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the more popular hair oils because it’s also used to treat skin problems. This nutrient-dense oil has healing properties that help nourish and protect hair. It’s also used for hair loss, but there is no clinical evidence that it helps hair grow faster or thicker. Still, castor oil is a reputable hair oil that packs a lot of benefits.
Key benefits:
Contains antimicrobial properties. Castor oil helps fight fungal or bacterial overgrowth, resulting in healthier strands.
Increases absorption of other products. Other products might penetrate more effectively if you incorporate castor oil into your hair routine. For example, it works well with carrier oils like coconut oil to further moisturize the hair.
Best for: Those with dry, flaky scalps and weak strands
Almond Oil
Almond oil comes primarily from sweet almonds and is extracted by pressing the nuts to yield unrefined oil. It contains high levels of protein, omega-9 fatty acids, vitamin E, and squalene which is an excellent hydrator.
Key benefits:
Promotes hair growth. According to hair experts, almond oil contains a substantial amount of biotin that helps the hair grow as it stimulates keratin production and follicle regrowth.
Revives dull, dry hair. If your hair has been feeling and looking lackluster lately, almond oil can rejuvenate and bring the shine back to your locks. All thanks to its fatty acids!
Best for: Damaged and dry hair
Use hair oils once or twice a week
Once you’ve picked the right hair oil, I suggest following the “less is more” route. It is still an oil, so using too much can result in greasy strands for you. For instance, if you have fine hair, best to use hair oils as a treatment once a week. If you have curly, thick, or textured hair, you can opt to use a hair oil twice a week.
Photos by Priscilla Du Preez and Jocelyn Morales on Unsplash