The Top 5 Oils for Natural Hair
If you’ve checked the back of all the hair products on your shelf, there's a 90% chance that you'd find at least one type of oil in the ingredient list. Oils have long been a staple ingredient in afro hair care and styling. They’re known for their nourishing and moisturizing properties which make them a popular choice for anyone looking to improve the health and appearance of their hair.
But with so many oils available, it’s easy to get lost in the sauce. So how does one choose the best oils for their natural hair? Well, we’ve done the research for you so that you don’t have to. Here are the top 5 oils to use on your natural hair.
1. Coconut Oil
At the top of the list is Coconut oil, popular for its tropical fragrance that leaves your hair smelling like a beach vacation taken with the last of your PTO. But it's not just the scent that makes coconut oil a winner – it’s kind of that girl when it comes to repairing damaged hair. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the hair more deeply than other oils. As a result it is able to nourish and strengthen the hair from within. So if you have highly porous hair, coconut oil should be your boo, your bae, and your bestie. Nuff said!
2. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil isn’t just for the salads that you make for yourself everyday but don’t eat (no shade); it’s also the holy grail of hair care! It’s not only rich in monounsaturated fats, but also rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals. If you don’t know, free radicals can lead to hair breakage, split ends, and dullness, so having an antioxidant-rich oil like avocado oil can help maintain the overall health and integrity of the hair.
#FunFact: Did you know that avocado oil is also a great natural heat protectant? This miracle oil has the highest smoke point of any plant-based oil - a whopping 520 degrees Fahrenheit! This is especially beneficial for color-treated or graying hair. So the next time you find yourself all out of a heat protectant product, or you simply don’t want to pay big bucks for yet another spray or serum, give avocado oil a try.
3. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a light-weight oil and a smart choice for people with fine hair. It’s much less greasy and has a milder scent than coconut oil. Grapeseed oil also contains vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and potent antioxidants. These components help soften and moisturize hair, promoting overall hair health. It can also help reduce frizz by providing the hydration your hair needs from day to day. The more you know!
4. Tea Tree Oil
If you’re often battling dandruff or lice, your problem has come to an end. All you need is an applicator bottle, a bottle of tea tree oil, and some good ole patience. Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal, and the organism responsible for dandruff is a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia (doesn’t that just sound like some chic you don’t like - I’m already over her). The best part is that tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory effects, which soothe the scalp irritation that comes with dandruff. Unlike harsh chemical treatments, tea tree oil offers a gentle yet effective solution to dandruff. #ByeMalassezia
5. Olive Oil
The ole tried and true… Olive oil has been a beauty staple for centuries, and for good reason! Like coconut oil, olive oil is able to penetrate deep into hair’s fibers. In fact, the abundance of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil plays a key role in its conditioning properties. Because it is so moisturizing, olive oil can save your hair from weather-related dryness during the winter months.
So whether you're battling frizz, dandruff, the elements, or simply seeking to enhance shine and softness, there's an oil out there to meet your hair goals. Now go out and be great!