You nourish your body with healthy food and use specialized skin care treatments on your face. But your hair could use some extra love, too. Sometimes, conditioner is not enough. Hair oils are a popular product that can take your luscious locks to the next level. Learn how to use them and discover the benefits they bring so you can really shine.
What is hair oil?
Hair oil is an extract from plants, herbs and fruit that conditions hair. Various product types are available, including coconut, almond and argan oil. Most brands create blends to combine their benefits and provide as much nourishment as possible.
This type of hair care product is popular with people with short or fine hair, as well as those with waves and curls. North America is seeing increasing demand for these oils as more spa clinics provide medicated products. Drugstores and distributors also make these offerings widely available.
The benefits of hair oil
Each type of oil provides specific benefits for your hair. For example, coconut oil is exemplary at moisturizing. Here are the advantages of using these types of products in your hair care routine.
1. Moisturizes and softens
Almost all hair oils are emollient, and they aim to provide hydration that penetrates your hair. Certain ones, like jojoba and almond, also lock whatever moisture a blend offers, which is great for taming frizzy and stubborn strands. You can use this with conditioners and masks to really seal in the softness.
2. Strengthens
Hair oils ensure your crowning glory is strong and shiny no matter what. If you read the package list, you’ll notice several minerals and vitamins — these are formulated to keep your hair healthy from root to tip. It’s a great tool for dealing with hair loss or breakage.
3. Improves hair quality
Hair strength and softness are important qualities, but there are still several insecurities your oil products address. For instance, certain oils can increase hair growth and lessen graying. They also eliminate dullness by revitalizing every section of your locks.
4. Protects
Sometimes, hair oil is used as a quick protectant from heat. It’s ideal during the sunniest of days or weekends when you style with a hot flat or curling iron. Treating your hair also improves your scalp and cuts down on dandruff and flakiness.
Finding the best hair oil for your hair type
You must find the right hair oil before learning how to use it. There are tons of options on the market filled with all kinds of unique and nourishing ingredients. Here are a few product recommendations:
Giovanni Biotin & Collagen Rebonding & Restoring Hair Oil
Vitamins, biotin and collagen are a must for healthy-looking hair. This hair oil promises to strengthen and thicken your tresses to make them seem much more voluminous.
Weleda Rosemary Condition & Shine Hair Oil
This product contains rosemary oil, which is known for its intensive nourishing properties. It’s ideal for people who want to tame their dryness and split ends.
Pranarom Natural Shine Nourishing Hair Oil
Look forward to a blend of argan, castor and coconut oil. This product also aims to remove dryness and frizz, locking in moisture to keep your hair beautiful and soft.
Everyone Shiny Hair Oil – Coconut + Lemon
This product is packed with essential oils like jojoba, meadowfoam, avocado and pomegranate. The result is glossy and glistening strands.
Badger Organic Argan Botanical Hair Oil – For Dry & Damaged Hair
Restore and protect your hair’s softness with argan and jojoba oil. The special baobab oil targets better hair strength and elasticity.
SheaMoisture Moisture & Nourish Hair Oil Honey & Mafura Oil
Achieve intense nourishment with this hair oil with manuka honey, mafura, camellia and sacha inchi oil. It also provides amazing heat protection.
Derma E Styling Hair Repair Oil
This hair oil contains chaga mushroom, jojoba and amla oils to tame your hair strands. Watch your hair’s color vibrancy and style come to life with this moisture boost.
How to use hair oil
The two main ways to apply hair oil are overnight before washing and in the morning when styling. It’s possible to do one or the other or both in succession, depending on your goals for your hair.
1. Section out your hair
It may be overwhelming to apply the hair oil to your whole head right away. Plus, you would only hit the top layer. Part your strands with a comb to be more efficient. You can also use a brush to release lingering tangles.
People with thicker locks will likely have to create more segments. You can use a ponytail to separate the sections as you work your way around and apply the oil. You’ll be using less hair product for each section because you’ll only apply what you need.
2. Pay attention to the scalp and ends
As you apply the hair oil in each section and reach the end, you’ll notice the roots received little love. Gently massage the oil into your scalp by running your fingertips over it. Move in circular motions to cover everything.
Once you’re done, use the excess oils on the ends of your hair. It’s a crucial step for people with split ends since it nourishes those neglected parts. If some parts still seem dry, rub a few more drops in.
3. Shampoo thoroughly
You typically leave conditioner in your hair for a few minutes. Do the same with oil. Some people wrap their heads in plastic wrap and bundle it up overnight, which helps the hair absorb as many nutrients as possible.
Remember to shampoo the product away. Hair already produces natural oil via sebum, which also protects your hair and scalp. Too much oiliness overwhelms the locks, so be sure to reduce some of the slick with a thorough rinse.
4. Be light-handed when styling
Once the oil is removed, your hair will seem much healthier and hydrated. However, if you want to add a touch of extra shine, you can spritz on a little extra. Tousle your hair around to make sure it gets into deeper layers. This method is perfect for protecting your hair from extra heat throughout the day and making it look more luscious.
Reap the perks of hair oil
Many people rave about hair oil, and for good reason. No matter what hair type you have, it’s time to get aboard this trend train. Be meticulous during the application process for the best results, and get ready to glow.
The post How to Use Hair Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide (Plus, 7 Product Recs!) first appeared on The Upside by Vitacost.com.