7 Great Oils for Healthier Hair

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Oil can be your hair's best friend. Whether you choose olive, jojoba, argan, coconut, or one of the many others out there, your hair will thank you for the instant hydration.

After using one of these highly beneficial oils, you will notice an instant boost in the health and appearance of your hair. It will feel softer and more moisturized, and should be easier to style. The more you use the oil, the better the results will be over time. With continued use, your hair will grow faster, longer, and healthier than ever before.

Starting Out With Oils

Oil should be used at least weekly on the hair and scalp. It can also be used more often on the ends of your hair just to keep your locks moisturized and manageable. Oil can be used on wet or dry hair, either before or after washing or styling. They can also be added directly to your deep conditioning treatments or DIY hair masks.

Some oils, like castor oil, can be too heavy for fine hair. They are more appropriate for coarser hair types. If you aren't sure of which oil is right for your hair, start with argan, coconut, or olive oil, as they are ideal for all hair types. From there, you can play with different oils and DIY recipes to see what works best for your hair.

Remember, the whole point of ditching your chemical-laden hair products for beneficial oils is to cut out the extra ingredients. So, it's important to go pure and natural when it comes to oils so that you can experience the maximum benefits, without any added fillers. Look for organic or all natural versions of your favorite oil at your local grocery, beauty, or specialty food store.

Here are some types to consider.

1. Argan Oil

Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco. Moroccan argan oil will make your hair healthy, shiny, and smooth. It is particularly beneficial for people with especially dry, coarse, frizzy, or bleach-damaged hair. It instantly penetrates the hair shaft to thoroughly repair each strand. It is packed with protein, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, which can moisturize your strands, leaving them softer, thicker, and more manageable.

The multitasking oil can also be used to cleanse and hydrate your skin and face, strengthen your nails, hydrate your cuticles, soften dry skin and cracked heels, remove makeup, and much more.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil comes from the meat of mature coconuts. It is packed with protein, vitamin E, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all of which can help keep your hair and scalp healthy. It can instantly penetrate the hair, making it longer, stronger, shinier, thicker, more nourished, and less prone to breakage. It will moisturize, improve growth, and repair damage.

Coconut oil is great for all hair types, including your facial hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. In fact, with continued use, your eyebrows and lashes should appear darker, fuller, and less unruly. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and can also be used to cleanse and hydrate your skin and face, strengthen your nails, hydrate your cuticles, and even remove makeup. It can also be ingested but you will see the fastest, most drastic results from applying it directly to your hair.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil is produced by pressing whole olives and is full of antioxidants and vitamins A and E. If your hair has been stripped of moisture due to over-styling or chemical damage, olive oil is the one for you.

It is ideal for anyone with a dry scalp or hair because of its moisturizing properties. It can improve growth by penetrating the hair to reverse damage and moisturize each strand. Your hair will look stronger, shinier, and healthier after every use. Olive oil works for most hair types, even fine, so if you are new to oils, or don't have many other oils in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet, then olive oil will do the trick. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help prevent and treat dandruff. You can also enjoy some of the benefits by using olive oil to cook with, but you will notice more substantial results from applying it directly to your hair and scalp.

4. Castor Oil

Castor oil is especially ideal for anyone looking to grow their hair. It is obtained from castor beans and is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E, and can help make your hair grow quickly. It is especially ideal for dry or coarser hair types because of its intense moisturization and conditioning properties.

Along with helping to reverse hair loss, every time you use this oil, your hair will look thicker, shinier, stronger, softer, and will be more manageable. It can also moisturize the scalp, prevent split ends, put a stop to dandruff, and repair damage. Castor oil is also a great treatment for your eyebrows and eyelashes. With continued use, they will be darker, thicker, and less unruly.

5. Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil is intended only for the hair. It comes from the macadamia nut and can restore dry and damaged strands from the inside out. If your hair has been subjected to a lot of heat or chemical treatments, then this restorative oil has the antioxidants and healthy fats necessary to help your hair repair itself. Your hair will appear shinier, tangle and frizz free, softer, thicker, and more manageable.

This is one of the most intensive oils available, so it is intended for very dry or damaged hair (it can also help make your hair dry faster). Macadamia oil can also be ingested, but you will see the fastest, most drastic results from applying it directly to your hair.

6. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a colorless, odorless oil that can help moisturize your scalp, so it is ideal for people with dandruff or a dry scalp. It's great for dry or damaged hair because it will moisturize every strand, leaving your hair feeling thicker, softer, healthier, shinier, more manageable, and more hydrated. It can also help with hair growth and a sunburned or sensitive scalp. The multitasking oil can also be used to cleanse and hydrate your skin and face.

7. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is made by harvesting the lavender flowers to extract the essential oils. It is intended for all hair types and can be used on its own or added to a carrier oil, like argan oil or olive oil, for greater benefits.

Massaging lavender essential oil into your scalp can reduce hair loss and promote growth by stimulating your scalp and enhancing blood circulation. It will leave your hair healthier and shinier, making it especially ideal for dry or damaged hair. It is also recommended for people with dandruff or an itchy scalp because it can treat these issues in no time. The soothing scented oil can also help with insomnia, headaches, and can even be used to cleanse and hydrate your skin and face.

8. Hot Oil Treatments

For the fastest, most effective results, you'll want to try a hot oil treatment. This simple DIY treatment will leave your hair softer, stronger, and healthier. You can also take staple oils (like castor oil or olive oil) and mix them with a bit of coconut oil, avocado oil, almond oil, or tea tree oil for a custom hair growth blend. You can also purchase a hot oil self-heating hair treatment for instant results, but the DIY solution may be just as effective and much more affordable.

To DIY the hot oil treatment, simply place your oil(s) in a bowl and into the microwave for 10 second intervals until the oil is hot, but cool enough for you to handle. Using your fingertips, massage the oil into your scalp and all the way down to your ends. Leave the oil on for anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on how badly damaged or how coarse your hair is. You may need to shampoo twice to get all of the oil out, and then condition and style as normal.

Many people have seen a drastic increase in hair growth and strength by adding a scalp massage to their hot oil treatment. In fact, it is scientifically proven that scalp massages can improve the flow of blood into the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and boosting hair growth. Gently massage your scalp in a circular motion using the warm oil. If possible, flip your head upside down when you do this as this can help boost circulation, stimulate the hair follicles, and make your hair grow even more quickly.

What are the best oils for your hair? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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