Light Oils for Hair
Moisturizing oils are a necessary part in maintaining healthy natural hair, especially when you have curly or coily hair which often struggles to retain moisture. Because of the way curls are formed, the spiral shape makes it difficult for moisture to travel from the root to tip easily and this is why it’s very important to replenish your strands with the right nutrients.
Most naturals will opt for either the LOC (liquid, oil, and then cream) or LCO (liquid, cream, and then oil) methods for their wash days to ensure hair health. Oil is an important part of anyone’s hair care routine and so it’s vital to find the right product for your hair and hair needs. Read on our list of the most recommended light oils for hair.
1Benefits of moisturizing oils for natural hair
Why are moisturizing oils just so good for your hair? Besides hydrating your hair, oils are great way to make your hair stronger. Stronger hair is less prone to breakage and grows much faster. This is particularly useful as oils also stimulate hair growth as they stimulate blood circulation in your scalp and provide the necessary nutrients to your hair.
The protective barrier provided by oils on your hair strand also acts as a protectant from heat styling and damage. This same protective barrier is also helpful in keeping the dust and pollutants of the outside world that lead to dandruff.
Speaking of keeping your hair clean, most oils have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and can protect your hair from unsightly fungal and bacterial infections. It is really is a wonder product.
2Moisturizing oils vs sealing oils
Not all oils are created equal and it is important to know the difference between oils as they will serve very different purposes. All hair oils fall under either moisturizing or sealing. As the name suggests, moisturizing oils provide moisture. These oils are thinner and can better penetrate the hair shaft to provide that much-needed hydration.
A few examples of these natural oils would be coconut, olive and avocado oil.
Sealing oils are much thicker in makeup and do not provide much hydration to the hair but they are equally as important as moisturizing oils. These oils help lock moisture into the hair, which is especially useful after you’ve applied your hydration products which can evaporate and fade from the environment and friction.
This is a great final step that will make sure the hard work you’ve put into your hair lasts.
10 best oils for natural hair
3Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp Oil
This hair and scalp oil by Carol’s Daughter will act as both a moisturizing and sealing oil for your hair. You can thank the combination of castor oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, linseed oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil for the strong punch of hydration and protection. The castor oil and black cumin seed are what make this a “goddess strength” product, as these ingredients will fortify your hair and prevent damage. Cumin seeds are most commonly used in hair products because they bring a lot of strength to the hair and will prevent the hair from going dull and dry.
4Sheamoisture Hair Serum Oil for Damaged Hair
While this product is great for all types of hair, you’ll definitely want it if you suffer from any heat or chemical treatment-related damage. Jamaican black castor oil is one of the holy grail ingredients for natural hair as it is guaranteed to increase hair growth, circulate blood flow in the scalp, prevent breakage, flaking or itchy scalps, and dandruff.
5African Pride Moisture Miracle Oil
The African Pride Moisture Miracle oil contains five essential oils: castor, grapeseed, argan, coconut, and olive oil as well as Vitamin E. The olive and coconut oils are perfect for providing moisture and life to your hair and the castor, grapeseed and argan oils will ensure to seal that moisture in and keep your hair protected from damage, friction, and the elements. Vitamin E also brings back many of the nutrients you may lose from clarifying products like shampoo.
6Moroccanoil Treatment
Possibly one of the most well-known oils for hair, Moroccan oil is famous for saving dry or damaged hair, skin and nails. The oil is made from argan nut kernels, which are native to Morocco which is also what makes it so rare. This oil is filled with omega fatty acids which will bring shine to even the driest of hair. You can depend on it to make your scalp healthier and cleaner as well as leaving you with softer hair. Just remember that a little goes a long way with this product and it’s recommended for daily use like other moisturizing oils.
7Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture Weightless Oil Mist
What may deter some people from oil moisture products is the fear that the oil’s heaviness might weigh their hair down and lead to breakage. Opting for this oil mist treatment is a great solution to that concern. The Maui coconut oil mist comes in a weightless formula that you can spray lightly onto your girls and go. It is also formulated with aloe vera, guava extracts, and mango butter which will not only leave your hair smelling delicious but all have great healing and hydrating properties for both your hair and scalp.
8Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Oil
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Oil is specially formulated for any struggling with dry, damaged or dull hair. It’s packed with hydrating, nourishing ingredients such as almond oil, aloe vera, and shea butter. Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that not only condition your hair but target and repair dead skin cells on the scalp. This will prevent common damage issues such as dryness, itchiness, and flaking as well as helping to prevent dandruff.
9Auntie Jackie’s Repair My Hair Argan Oil
The Auntie Jackie’s Repair My Hair Argan Oil will pack a hydrating and healing punch to any of your hair problems thanks to the infusion of argan and Jamaican black castor oil. Heat styling and chemical treatments place quite a bit of wear and tear on your strands and scalp and it’s important to follow these styling methods with a product that will bring back the natural oils and nourishment. This oil is perfect to use as a heat protectant or your weekly hot oil treatment.
10OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil
This is an amazing Argan oil by OGX If you have low-porosity hair, you’re already familiar with how difficult it can be to find a moisturizing product that actually moisturizes instead of just sitting on your strands and leading to build up. The potent Moroccan argan oil blend in this treatment is perfect for coarse, dry hair. It will soften and strengthen your hair as well as act as a heat and UV protectant, making it perfect to use before any protective styling.
11Cantu Shea Butter, Tea Tree and Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil
Have you ever tried to moisturize cornrows or braids? It’s rather difficult and if it isn’t done, your natural hair under your protective style can suffer greatly. This Cantu hair and scalp oil is perfect for use with weaves, braids, and extensions. The shea butter, jojoba and tea tree will nourish your scalp and replace the vital oils you can often lose to your extensions. Expect less breakage as well as shea butter creates a strengthening, protective layer around all of your strands.
12Hairfinity Botanical Hair Oil
The Hairfinity Botanical Hair Oil is free from parabens, sulfates and mineral oils this chemical botanical oil will combat any dryness, damage or breakage you may have. Both moisturizing and sealing, it contains grapeseed, sweet almond, coconut, oil, jojoba, moringa and apricot oil. Apricot oil isn’t a very common ingredient in hair products but it definitely should be! It is filled with fatty omega acids that will hydrate your hair and make your scalp softer and more pliable so that it can better absord nutrients.