Oiling one’s hair is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your hair. Hair oiling strengthens, protects and holds moisture content in the hair. The lightweight oils can be used as a leave in conditioner to add shine and tame flyways and frizz or deep conditioning treatments that you can leave in overnight if you wish.
The first step in hair oiling is to determine the right one for your hair type. Listed below are recommendations based on each hair type. Oils such as jojoba, almond, coconut, argan, sesame and olive can be used alone, mixed together and essentials oils may be added.
Carrier oils
Jojoba – can be used for all hair types and is very lightweight and well soften the hair. Jojoba is much like your own hair’s natural oil. Hair that tends to tangle, break and split usually responds well to this oil. It also makes an excellent hair conditioner.
Olive – a heavy oil with a distinctive color and odor. Olive oil is used to treat dry scalp conditions and hair that is extremely dry and/or damaged. This oil work best on coarse and thick hair and will strengthen and smooth hair cuticles. This oil contains antioxidants that promote healthy hair and scalp.
Sweet Almond – is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E. Sweet Almond is light and penetrates easily. Note that people with nut allergies should not use this oil.
Argan – absorbs quickly, highly moisturizing, rich in Vitamin E, and a natural antioxidant. This oil is highly recommended for damaged hair.
Coconut – light and non-greasy oil. Herbal hair infusions are often infused with Coconut Oil. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair and it softens the hair and conditions the scalp.
Essential oils
Essential oils are very potent and should be mixed with carrier oil as listed above. A typical mixture for a hair oil treatment would be 1 cup carrier oil and 1/2 teaspoon essential oil.
Lavender – fragrant oil that will control breakage and improve hair growth and it is good for all hair types.
Rosemary – fragrant oil and has a valuable essential oil properties that is useful for dry flaky and itchy scalp resulting in faster growing and stronger hair. Rosemary will also stimulate the uterus thus do not use if you are pregnant.
Tea Tree – not only a good moisturizer for the hair but it keeps the scalp free of bacterial and fungal problems. This oil will unblock the oil glands on the scalp, provides moisturizing qualities and clears away dead skin cells.
Lemon – is especially valuable for oily hair and is a good treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, and lice. Not recommended for dry hair.
Note: Essential oils are very potent; it is recommended that you thoroughly understand their properties and uses.
Carol Belanger
