A Guide To The Best Hair Oils

Products with a high content of organic oils have almost unlimited possibilities: they can wash off impurities and cosmetics, moisturize, nourish and protect the skin of both face and body from UV radiation, and care for thin, thick, curly or overly straight hair. Strictly speaking, having the basic knowledge of this kind of products, you can do anything with oils, and the result will always be the same - great. Hair oil will be no exception, these products are real gold for those who suffer from problems with hair.

Where did the fashion for hair oils come from?

The fashion for oils came to us from the East. There, since ancient times, women have used them for skin and hair care. India, Japan and China are the three main oil care apologists. From them we learned that squeeze from kukui walnut can turn any hair into silk, and the fruits of the argan tree are the dream of girls with dry and brittle hair.

Today, oils are squeezed from grape seeds, rice, avocado, cranberries, corn, olives and almonds. The lion's share of all oily products is created on the basis of these products. However, the two plant pomaces are still of the greatest interest. To find the first one, you need to go to the southwest of Morocco, where the argan tree grows. From its fruits one of the rarest and most expensive oils is obtained - argan oil, rich in vitamin E, carotenoids, various fatty acids and antioxidants. It is believed to be equally beneficial for the skin (any part of the body) and hair.

You will find the second value in southern Africa, in Namibia, or in the south of America, in Bolivia. In these two countries, pale yellow fruits of the marula, from the seeds of which the oil of the same name is extracted, obediently ripen on weak and nondescript trees. It is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and has incomparable moisturizing and regenerating properties.

It was they who initiated the oil boom, respectively, if you see the cherished words on the jar, feel free to buy. You will definitely love the result.

Eating without weighing down

It would seem that given the value, quality and effectiveness of oils, the beauty industry should get bogged down in this liquid and aromatic gold. This immediately raises the question of the amount of oil production. If it is so expensive and laborious to get them, then why can even manufacturers of budget cosmetics afford valuable ingredients in their composition?

It turns out that these components are used in purely symbolic proportions. If you are not a wise African woman or a beauty guru, then your hair will become greasy and unkempt after applying natural oil on it. The oil molecules are too large - you need to adjust to get the desired effect. Because of this, for ease of use and always guaranteed good results in cosmetic laboratories, oil molecules are broken down into smaller and more manageable particles, which become the basis for many products.

In addition, natural oils are generally not suitable for all hair types. For example, applying and leaving oil on thin and weakened hair for the whole day will be a big mistake, promising you sidelong glances from passers-by, who are sure that you have not washed your hair for two weeks. At the same time, professional brands one after another release special oils for all hair types.

Let's get back to the topic. The oil molecules, broken down into particles, fill the damaged areas without settling on the surface and without weighing down the hair. Experts advise buying professional hair products not to raise sales levels of a particular brand, but to simplify your life, especially if you are a beauty neophyte. Natural counterparts sold in Indian stores are certainly good, but in our conditions you can rely on professionals.

Now for the benefits of hair care oils. Once on the hair, the oil envelops the stem, filling in damaged areas and preventing moisture from evaporating. Therefore, many hairdressers advise applying oils to wet hair to maintain optimal moisture balance, give hair shine, protect against negative external factors and, if your hair is dyed, protect the color. However, this is not an unquestioning rule: it is possible (and necessary) to apply oil products on dry strands.

Hair oil techniques

Whatever purpose you pursue and whenever you apply liquid oil to your hair, you need to distribute it in one and only correct way. Squeeze a small amount into the palm of your hand and distribute it as if it were a hand cream, then use your fingers to comb through the entire length of the hair, paying particular attention to the ends. As a beauty bonus, moisturize your hands.

Recovery. Apply the liquid oil liberally to dry hair one hour before bed. Rinse off the mask with your regular shampoo in the morning. Hair will be soft, manageable and well-groomed.

For emergency recovery. If your hair is dry and unruly, and you can't go through a bad hair day today, mix a couple of drops of liquid oil with your favorite hair mask and apply this mixture to your hair after shampooing.

For guard. Most oils contain antioxidants, vitamins C and E, therefore, to protect against the negative effects of the environment, it will be enough to spray dry oil (in this case, this form will be just more convenient, read in more detail: "Everything you need to know about dry oils") on the hair 10-15 minutes before going outside.

For obedience. To avoid hair flying in different directions, seek the help of oils in the form of waxes. Use your fingertips to walk around the entire circumference of the jar, taking in some of the product. Rub and apply to the ends of the hair. Draw in some more oil and comb the hair with your fingers, starting at the middle of the length.

For styling. The oil makes hair manageable and pliable, so before applying styling products, it is better to oil your hair a little (you can wet or dry). So the process will go much faster, and the styling will last even longer. The main thing is to observe the order in this case: first the oil, and only then the foam, mousse, varnish, and further down the list.

Which hair oil to choose

Coconut oil. Everyone loves him for everything at once: smell, texture and effect. It is extremely nutritious, so it is best to use it as a conditioner and not leave it on your hair for long. Coconut oil replenishes the lack of natural oils and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Avocado oil. It is great for repairing damaged or dry hair. Apply it as a mask overnight or a small amount daily as protection from external factors.

Macadamia oil. Due to its high content of fatty acids, the oil is perfect for moisturizing hair and restoring its elasticity. Especially it is worth paying attention to the owners of hair dyed and damaged by hot styling. If you want to quickly grow the length, then rub the oil into the scalp before going to bed twice a week as a mask (in the morning it will still need to be washed off). By the way, this oil is one of the few that is very well absorbed, so it can be applied to the hair during styling.

Hazelnut oil. Gives hair shine and prevents hair loss. He is also able to "solder" the hair scales, which will help prolong the life of the color of dyed hair.

Almond oil. Suitable for all hair types due to its non-sticky and non-greasy texture. Perfectly restores the hair shaft and promotes long-term hydration.

Argan oil for hair. One of the most useful. Helps prevent splitting, perfectly nourishes and moisturizes, speeds up hair drying after shampooing.

Jojoba oil. Suitable for fine hair. Perfectly nourishes and moisturizes, leaving hair smooth and manageable.

Castor oil. Natural remedy to accelerate hair growth. Helps to make hair thicker and fuller. However, remember that it is very heavy, so it is advised to use it no more than once a week and then rinse thoroughly.

Olive oil for hair. The simplest, most commonplace and more than effective when it comes to adding shine and smoothness to hair (read also: "Olive oil for skin and hair 5 beauty life hacks").

Apricot kernel oil. Promotes healing of dry, brittle and lifeless hair, nourishing and saturating them with vitamins. Suitable for all hair types.

Hemp oil. Take note if your goal is to increase the elasticity of your hair, moisturize it and restore its natural shine.

Shea Butter. Prevents split ends and prevents breakage. It is well absorbed by the scalp without clogging the pores and leaving no greasy residue.

Sea buckthorn oil. Ideal for fine to dry hair. It strengthens the hair, gives it thickness, and also accelerates growth.