So, you are thinking of adding hair oil in your hair care routine but you are not so sure. Does it really work? And how to use it? In this article you will learn anything you need to know about hair oils.
The benefits of hair oils
They moisturize and nourish your hair
Natural oils commonly used to treat hair (like argan oil, avocado oil and castor oil) are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. These beneficial ingredients offer deep nourishment to your hair and help it retain its moisture.
They protect your hair from environmental factors
Environmental factors have a great impact on your hair. Cold air and low temperatures make hair look dull and lifeless. Long exposure to the sun dehydrates the hair and causes thinning. Staying in swimming pool water for too long may affect the color and remove the shine from your hair. Hair oils protect your hair from all these factors and keep it healthy.
They protect the hair from the heat when using styling tools
Heat is one of the biggest enemies for your hair. It dries it out, removing moisture and making it more vulnerable. Using heating tools frequently causes thinning, loss of volume and dullness. A hair oil acts as a protective barrier, sealing moisture in and preventing all these damages.
They prevent breakage and split ends
Hair oils soften the hair making it easier for you to detangle it. This way you avoid damaging it with your brush or comb and prevent breakage and split ends.
They fight frizz
Frizzy hair is caused by dryness, heat damage, and excess use of chemicals (dying, bleaching). It is a sign that your hair is severely dehydrated. As a result, your hair tends to absorb moisture from the environment and looks rough and brittle. Hair oils have moisturizing properties, they prevent dehydration and reduce frizz.
They benefit your scalp
Regular scalp massages with a natural oil like avocado oil or castor oil, keep your roots and scalp moisturized, and reduce dryness, itchiness, irritations and dandruff. In addition, when you apply oil directly on the scalp, it gets deeply absorbed and nourishes your hair follicles, making the hair stronger and promoting hair growth.
They maintain your hair color
A very common hair damage is when hair changes color due to some factors (sun exposure, chemical hair treatments, heat styling). Hair oils protect your hair and help it maintain the same amounts of melanin.
They are natural
Most conventional hair care products contain synthetic colors and fragrances, chemical foaming agents and other toxic ingredients that might be harmful to your health. Pure vegetal hair oils are natural products with no chemical additives and are safe to use. Keep in mind that the safest option is to use certified organic oils.
For certified organic oils, look here.
They are eco-friendly
Vegetal hair oils are natural and fully biodegradable. Regular hair care products contain a lot of chemicals and when you wash and rinse your hair, all these ingredients end up in the drains polluting the oceans and the environment. In addition, hair oils are usually packaged in glass bottles that are recyclable unlike conventional hair care products in plastic packages.
They are multitasking products
Oils widely used for hair care (jojoba oil, coconut oil), are also ideal for face, body and nail care. They can be used for massage and are also excellent carrier oils. The ways a natural oil can be used are countless, making it a multitasking and essential care product.
They are cost effective
The amount of hair oil you have to use, depends on your hair type, length and needs, but usually, you will need just a few drops to keep your hair strong and healthy. In addition, you can use an oil with different ways (as a leave in conditioner, as a pre-washing treatment etc.), so you don’t have to purchase many different products for your hair care.
How to use hair oil
Depending on your hair type and needs, you can use your hair oil in multiple ways.
- Before washing
Most conventional shampoos contain harsh chemicals that remove the natural oils from your scalp and dehydrate your hair. To protect your hair and scalp, you can apply some hair oil before washing and leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Then wash your hair as usual.
- To detangle hair after washing
After washing your hair, and while it is still wet, apply small amount of your favorite hair oil on your lengths and ends, avoiding the roots. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair.
- To protect from the heat before styling
If you are using a straightening or curling iron, pour small amount of your oil on your palms and gently rub it on dry hair. Focus on the lengths and ends and avoid the roots.
If you are using a blow dryer, apply the oil on wet hair. To avoid a greasy effect don’t put oil on the roots.
- To fight frizz
You must apply hair oil on dry hair when your goal is to tame frizz. Again, avoid the roots and don’t use too much oil because it will weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.
- To care for your scalp
A healthy scalp is essential for the health of your hair. Put some hair oil on your scalp and massage really well to stimulate blood flow. Then apply it to your hair and gently rub it into the ends. Wrap a towel around your hair and let it work for min. 30 minutes. Then wash it off with shampoo as usual.
- To prevent split ends
Pour few drops of your hair oil on to your palms and gently rub your ends. Your hair might be dry or wet. You can even apply oil twice. Once when your hair is wet and then again after blow-drying it.
- To add shine
When you are done with the styling, pour small amount of your oil on to your hands and run your fingers through your hair to add some extra shine.
