Your Buying Guide to Hair Oils
Your hair is your crowning glory so, you need to make sure that you do everything that you need to do in order to make it neat and conditioned well. This is because your hair is one of the things that people notice about you. Also, having a good hairdo will definitely boost your confidence in yourself.
And so, we're going to discuss the different types of hair oil, what other buyers are saying, what to look out for as well as some of the most popular brands available.
Types of Hair Oils
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is pretty much like the holy grail. It acts as a heat protectant, repairs hair damage and breakage, helps to prevent hair loss, as well as aids hair growth. Because of its properties, coconut oil stays inside the hair and retains moisture instead of evaporating, making it one of the most effective hair treatments there is. It helps to keep the hair nourished, soft, and less prone to breakage - and who doesn't want that?!
How to use: If your scalp usually gets oily, apply coconut oil to your hair excluding the roots. If your scalp is dry, apply on the scalp as well. It will be easier to apply if it is slightly melted. Leave it in your hair any time from 30 minutes to an hour (or even longer) and rinse with a natural shampoo. Repeat 1-4 times a month for best results.
Argan Oil
What in the world is 'argan'? It's a tree! It bears fruits with nuts, and that little nut is where argan oil is extracted from. If that didn't impress you...maybe the fact that goats climb argan trees will:
That entertaining fact aside, argan oil is also known as Moroccan oil, which will do wonders for your hair. Just a few drops or argan oil will protect your hair from heat, nourish and moisturize it, which will reduce dry and brittle hair, and also reduce the frizziness, leaving your hair soft and manageable. No wonder they call this oil "liquid gold"! This oil is not as greasy as coconut oil, so it's perfect for more frequent use.
How to use: Apply a few drops to your palm, rub your hands together and distribute evenly on your damp or dry hair, avoiding the roots.
Castor Oil
Castor oil comes from castor beans and really helps your hair grow, because it has all the vital qualities such as vitamin E, minerals, and proteins. If you get this oil, we recommend getting cold-pressed (meaning there was no heat involved during the extraction process) processed 100% pure virgin castor oil. It offers 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.
How to use: Castor oil is very thick in consistency, so it's always best to mix just a few drops with a carrier oil (aka another such as olive or coconut oil, for a more even and easier application. Use this mixture as a scalp treatment, put on a shower cap and leave it on overnight, if possible. Wash and rinse as usual the next morning. Repeat weekly or as needed. It can also be used as a hot oil treatment.
Jojoba Oil
Before anything else, let's establish how to pronounce this: ho-ho-ba! This oil is extracted from the jojoba plant and is wonderful because its chemical structure resembles the oil that is produced naturally by our scalps (that's called sebum). This means that most likely your scalp will readily accept it without showing any side effects. Jojoba oil, similarly to coconut oil, hydrates the hair deep within, moisturizing and treating the hair follicles from the inside. It also treats dandruff and dry scalp problems, as well as adds shine and softness.
How to use: You can use jojoba 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 a 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.
We hear about this one all the time, not only when cooking, but also when it comes to natural beauty products. Olive oil does indeed have very rich and moisturizing properties that are so good for your hair. It coats the shaft of your hair and acts as a heat protectant, as well as conceals the damaged hair strands, giving a sleeker look. Olive oil will help your hair look stronger, healthier, and shinier. Thanks, olives!
How to use: Once week, apply 1-2 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. Be super careful washing it out in the shower, as it can drip and make the floor slippery! Rinse with cold water and feel free to skip the conditioner.
What Other Buyers Are Saying
There are many sellers who offer hair oil so, you need to be careful on which one to purchase. Read what other customers are saying about the products and know what their first hand experience was.
Here are some feedback that an argan oil seller has received from its buyers:
Fantastic product. Was having severe skin problems on my arms and feet and nothing seemed to help even though I had tried over 20 different types of cream. I use argan oil on my hair anyway and decided to try it on my skin. All my skin problems are nearly better after only 3 weeks of daily use! It's particularly good as it can be used on broken and itchy skin without causing any irritation. I will definitely be keeping a bottle of this at all times for use in the future.
I rub this oil on my face every night and it has improved the condition quite markedly.it is also good for scar damage from cuts operations etc. My 30 year old daughter has started using it and also noticed a difference to her skin. but what I really like is its smooth, light, dries in quickly and certainly not greasy. I would recommend this oil for any skin type.
I honestly don't know if this is genuine Argan oil or if the argan oil I've personally purchased from Morocco was fake but what I do know is I do not like this one very much. The smell is barely there, the consistency is a lot thinner and water like and it just doesn't do well on my skin. I don't know.
What to Look Out for
When you buy a hair oil, be sure to read the ingredients to check if you are allergic to it or otherwise. Ask your hair stylist for recommendation and know what your hair type is. Pick a natural hair oil instead of one that has harmful chemicals in it.
Most Popular Brands
The Body Source - is a popular brand on Amazon UK that manufactures argan oil that is multi-purpose as it not only nourishes the hair but it also treats nails and skin.
Ikarox - is a brand that manufactures organic and natural hair oil that stimulates the hair's growth. It contains Bergamont, Ylang Ylang and Lavender. It fights against hair loss.
Sunny Isle - is a brand that manufactures extra dark castor oil, which stimulates hair growth, eyelashes and eyebrows. It's a thick and rich formula that's most effective for skin and hair conditions.