Hair oil: how to use it correctly

Want to decide which hair oil to choose and why you need it? Now we will tell and give examples of products created on the basis of healthy oils.

Why you need hair oil

The main functions of hair oil are nutrition, hydration and restoration. Enveloping each hair, it creates a protective film on the surface, smoothes the cuticle. As a result, the moisture necessary for the beauty of the hair is retained inside and they become shiny, smooth, obedient.

Cosmetic hair oil has other caring properties:

  • restores damaged hair;

  • softens and nourishes dry;

  • promotes hair growth;

  • takes care of the scalp.

It is not in vain that cosmetics manufacturers introduce the most popular and recognized as the best hair oils into balms, serums, masks, shampoos, and leave-in treatments.

Answer our quiz and find out what your hair is missing.

Top 10 Best Hair Oils

Hair oil has always been used, but this product has gained particular popularity recently. For which we say thanks to the Asians. It is they who since ancient times know for sure that oil can transform hair. But how to find the most effective among the luxurious variety? The editors of Healthy-Food have compiled their rating – the top 10 best oils for hair.

Coconut oil

Perhaps the most famous and appreciated primarily by connoisseurs of Thai and Indian exotics. In the list of advantages:

  • hair protection during cleansing (washing) and combing;

  • the substance choline, which fights hair fragility;

  • excellent hair nutrition thanks to a unique combination of fatty acids and their combination with B vitamins.

Argan oil

It has become a cosmetic hit in the XNUMXst century, although North African women have used argan oil for centuries in skin care, hair care and more. It is called the “liquid gold of Morocco” and is used in traditional medicine, cooking and cosmetics. Argan oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, so it protects against free radicals. Also, argan oil contributes to the shine of hair, perfectly copes with tangled hair, evens out their structure. It can be used after perming and hair coloring.

Olive oil

What hair oil is better to use if moisturizing too dry hair is a priority? Experts believe that olive. It is rich in antioxidants, perfectly moisturizes and restores hair. This essential element of the Mediterranean diet is good for both the scalp and hair.

Avocado oil

If the nutrition of the strands is on the agenda, we will choose avocado oil. It has a relatively light texture and is suitable as a leave-in treatment, moisturizing and nourishing the hair. By the way, from this point of view, cosmetic oils are more functional than natural ones, so it is more convenient to use them as a leave-in care. But this will be discussed below.

Shea butter (shea butter)

Shea butter is a very nourishing oil for hair. It contains a very diverse set of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, stearic. It’s as big a hit in hair care as it is in skin care products. Fatty acids, together with vitamins and minerals, create a protective barrier on the surface of the hair and help nourish the strands.

Grape seed oil

To get a liter of such oil, it is necessary to process 50 kg of grape seeds. But it’s worth it. The composition contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and tannins. This is a fairly light oil that does not make the hair greasy and does not weigh down the hair.

Sweet Almond Oil

Almond oil is a real find for thin hair. It protects and adds shine without the effect of greasiness. The polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6 and -9, vitamins and antioxidants included in the composition help to improve the appearance of hair and their quality.

Kastorovoe butter

An excellent remedy for those who are concerned about the amount of hair on their head. Castor oil helps to stimulate hair growth by caring for the scalp and hair roots. But it is worth noting that it must be used with caution – it is rather poorly washed off.

Jojoba oil

When it comes to shine and smoothness of hair, jojoba oil has no equal. It is suitable for dry and brittle strands, it is found in conditioners, masks, leave-in sprays and hair creams. It copes with unnecessary fluffiness of the hairstyle, especially when there is high humidity outside. Light, does not leave greasy and does not weigh down the strands.

rice bran oil

This oil creates a sparkling film on the hair without the effect of greasiness. It is also rich in beneficial nutrients that help strengthen hair and improve its condition.

Which hair oil to choose

In principle, all hair oils are good. We give a little hint which oil is best to choose depending on the needs.

For dry and damaged hair

Coconut oil is perfect for this. You just need to warm it to room temperature so that it melts and is easy to apply. The oil is applied to damp hair and left for at least an hour, and preferably overnight. Don’t forget to put on a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel.

For hair growth

Castor and burdock oils have long been used against hair loss. They are applied directly to the roots, rubbed in circular massage movements and left overnight. These heavy oils are difficult to wash out, so it’s best to mix them with lighter ones like argan, olive or avocado oil, which are also good for the scalp. And it is even better to give preference to special products for the problem of hair loss, which, of course, are more effective in solving this problem.

Coarse and curly hair

Try olive oil, which should be applied to dry hair and left for at least a couple of hours. Ideally for the night. Your hair will be less frizzy and more shiny. But don’t go overboard with the quantity.

For shine

Any oil can be used to shine hair, but rice bran oil, avocado, argan oil is the best for this task.

Varieties of hair oils

All oils obtained from plants are divided into two varieties:

  1. solid, they are butters (coconut, shea, cocoa butter);

  2. liquid, flowing – most of them.

All vegetable oils belong to the category of base oils, to which, if desired, you can add a few drops of essential oils.

However, when it comes to hair care, one of the characteristics that distinguishes one oil from another is penetration. We will build on it, choosing the oil and how to use it.

High penetrating power

The structure of highly penetrating oils is such that they not only form a film on the surface of the hair, but also penetrate the cuticle. They are used as masks, that is, they are left on the hair for a long time and must be washed off.

Coconut

Coconut hair oil tops the list in this category. It’s all about small molecules. In addition, coconut oil is similar to hair proteins, so it effectively restores them. In 1 hour, human hair can absorb a volume of coconut oil equal to 15% of the mass of hair, and in 6 hours – equal to 20-25%.

Sunflower

Yes, “folk” sunflower seed oil takes a well-deserved second place in the series of penetrating oils. It is inferior to coconut in terms of restorative properties and aroma, but it can be safely used for hair.

Average penetrating power

This group includes most of the oils and butters known to us. They partially penetrate the cuticle, forming a smooth and shiny barrier that protects the hair and retains moisture. The methods of their application are very diverse – from use as oil masks to use as a leave-in care.

Low penetration

These oils seal in moisture and are used as leave-in treatments. You can’t count on deep penetration, but they give hair shine and create a protective barrier.

How to use hair oil

Every advanced user has their own ideal oil recipe, but it takes some experimentation to find it. This is interesting and pleasant, since oil is a noble and grateful product, moreover, it often has a pleasant smell. However, there are several proven application techniques.

Mask for dry damaged hair

For these purposes, not only coconut oil is ideal, but also olive oil. It is usually applied to damp hair at night, well covering the head with a towel. Wash off the oil with shampoo in the morning. Be patient, it won’t be fast.

Oil wrap for hair

This treatment uses a warm oil blend. Which oil to choose is up to you. You can take coconut oil as the main one (due to its penetrating ability, it will work as a conductor), add olive oil, avocado oil, a couple of drops of argan oil. Here is a complete expanse for fantasy. A warm oil mixture is applied to the hair, put on a cap and left for an hour.

Carefully! Before applying the composition to the head, check the temperature. The oil should be warm, but not hot.

And again: it will take a long time to wash.

Oil massage for hair growth

It must be admitted that massage plays an equally, if not more important role than the oils themselves in hair care. It is he who stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn improves the nutrition of the bulbs and can promote hair growth. In any case, as in any massage, oil is indispensable here. And in the oil mixture for the scalp, you can add a few drops of essential oils.

Before shampoo

Applying oil before washing your hair is a practice worth mastering for owners of coarse, porous, curly hair. Oil your head well (at the same time you will get a massage) a couple of hours before washing.

Leave-in care

Any oil is a real help for split ends. It protects strands from dryness and further damage, “glues” split ends. With curly hair, you can not skimp and apply oil along the entire length so that it protects the curls from both dryness and moisture – the curls will last all day. But practice shows that it is much better to use cosmetic rather than natural hair oil, which can make freshly washed hair greasy.

Application rules

No special skills are required for this, but some nuances need to be clarified.

How often

As a leave-in care product, oil can be used at least every day, at least several times a day. But restorative procedures for damaged hair are carried out once a week. If the situation is not critical, once a month is enough.

How long

Oil masks are kept on the hair for at least an hour. Better to leave them overnight. For maximum effect, wrap your head with a warm towel – this way the oil will reveal its properties faster.

Errors in application

  • With oily hair and scalp, do not get carried away with oils, be picky and very economical in applying oils to your hair.

  • Do not apply essential oils directly to the scalp – only in combination with a carrier oil.

  • Do not shorten the exposure time. If you are using an oil-based formula, follow the instructions on the package. Usually 20 minutes is the maximum.

  • Do not use vegetable oil before styling with irons and tongs – it will start to burn. But from hot air when drying with a hair dryer, oils protect perfectly.

How to rinse properly

Here you have to work hard. First, wet your head well, then lather the shampoo in the palm of your hand and spread over the head with massage movements. Rinse and repeat. The main thing is not to be too zealous and not try to clean your hair to a creak. Otherwise, all the work of oils will go down the drain. In fact, the issue of washing out natural oils from the hair is just the stumbling block that makes you take a closer look at ready-made cosmetic formulas – masks, balms and even shampoos with valuable and healthy oils.

Overview of hair products with cosmetic oils in the composition

We have compiled a list of the best, according to the editors, products in the hair oil category. As well as hair care cosmetics enriched with oils, which we can recommend with pleasure.

Oil-elixir “Transformation” Fructis, Garnier

Oil-elixir for instant transformation, softness and shine of hair is quickly absorbed, facilitates styling. The formula with vitamin E, avocado oil and valuable herbal extract of rosemary creates a protective coating on the surface of the hair, intensively nourishes and increases its elasticity.

Botanic Therapy “Royal Jelly and Propolis” Revitalizing Cream-Oil, Garnier

Leave-in care with a light creamy texture to repair and protect damaged and split ends intensively nourishes, softens and leaves hair silky.

Cream-oil for weak, prone to hair loss Botanic Therapy “Castor oil and almonds”, Garnier

Nourishes and strengthens, protects against falling out due to brittleness, makes them softer, shiny and durable.

Oil for all hair types “Extraordinary”, L’Oréal Paris

The composition of the oil is enriched with essential oils of 6 rare colors for intensive hydration and repair of damaged hair. Due to the versatility of the composition, the oil can be used before, after shampooing and during styling.

Oil before shampooing “Lavender. Essence of moisturizing» Botanicals, L’Oréal Paris

A soothing oil for sensitive scalps that relieves discomfort and provides hydration. Apply before shampooing and rinse off with shampoo.

Extraordinary oil “Revitalizing” Elseve, L’Oréal Paris

Light and non-greasy repair oil for damaged hair actively nourishes them, gently protecting them along the entire length without weighing them down or greasy.

Smoothing Leave-In Concentrate Smoothing Oil-Infused Leave-In Concentrate, Kiehl’s

Multifunctional concentrate with argan and babassu oils has a light texture. It can be used on damp hair for smoothness and ease of styling, or on dry hair for softness and shine.

Mask for very dry hair “Superfood. Banana. Extra Nutrition, Garnier Fructis

Contains olive and shea oils. Like all hair masks of the Superfood series, it involves three methods of application – as a mask, conditioner and leave-in care.

Nourishing concentrate for hair and scalp Magic Elixir, Kiehl’s

The concentrate of rosemary, avocado, aloe and safflower oils is designed to have a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair roots. The product intensively nourishes, moisturizes and restores the scalp and strengthens the hair follicles, creating favorable conditions for the roots.

Revitalizing hair mask with olive oil Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak, Kiehl’s

The mask is designed to intensively nourish and moisturize dry and damaged hair. The formula, enriched with olive oil, saturates the hair with moisture, making it soft, silky and natural shine.

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