Natural oils have been used for centuries to keep hair looking healthy. In recent years, products derived from oils to help achieve sleek styles have become very popular. Best of all, oils can be very budget friendly. Learn how and when to work oil into your hair care routine.
What Oil Can Do
Olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and argan oil or Moroccanoil® can re-infuse hair with moisture. They can be particularly effective on hair that's been heavily processed, or on hair that's seen too much sun or chlorine. The health of your hair is closely related to the health of your scalp, and some oils can also soothe the scalp and relieve itchiness. Some research shows that a combination of essential oils can even stimulate hair growth.
Choosing the Right Oil
Olive oil is one of the most versatile choices for restoring damaged hair. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin and hair, and some claim that it can stimulate hair growth. It's also a common homeopathic treatment for lice. You'll find it in many drugstore hair products, but it can also be used on its own.
Coconut oil is a popular, inexpensive choice that's widely used in East Asian and African American communities to soften hair and give it shine. Coconut oil also has anti-dandruff properties that can keep the scalp healthy.
Almond oil is particularly good for sensitive skin, though it can be a little more expensive than other choices. It's very helpful for healing dry, brittle strands and is thought to stimulate hair growth.
Moroccanoil® or Argan oil is good for smoothing frizz, mending split ends, and revitalizing dry, processed hair. The name brand products can be expensive, but the manufacturer recommends using just a few drops so a little can go a long way. Moroccanoil® is all the rage for polishing straight styles or defining curls.
How to Use Oil
To use oil as a polishing agent, put a few drops in your palms and run your fingers lightly through your hair. You can also massage your scalp with oil and let it work its way through your hair. Or try these deep conditioning treatment tips from Slope Suds stylist Jocelyn Dunnavant:
- Rub almond or olive oil in your hair.
- Wrap it up in a towel, and leave the oil on anywhere from 15 minutes to overnight-depending on how dry your hair may be.
When to Steer Clear
The main downside to using oil is that it can have a negative effect on your skin. If you have acne-prone skin, using oil may be a bad choice, especially if your hair style brushes your forehead or shoulders. But for most people, oil can help add moisture and polish to a wide variety of styles.
Source:
"Our Products." Moroccanoil.com. Moroccanoil®. Web. 2011 http://moroccanoil.com/en/our-products.html
