Photo by Cortney White
Dry curls? We don’t know her!
Raise your hand if having healthy and hydrated curls is on your to do list forever and always.
DISCLAIMER: Oils are emollients, and that means their job is to lock in moisture, not just create moisture out of thin air.
Wait, run that back.
You need water to make your use of hair oils more effective. Otherwise, girl, you’re locking in dryness, and that’s NOT the move.
I live in Madrid, which in the Summer is basically a desert. Even our river dries up for the most part, so keeping my hair hydrated is something I’ve spent a lot of time researching and working on.
I love using natural oils on my hair because they’re accessible, pure and I feel much better using products with ingredients I can pronounce and list on one hand.
Something I found which helps is switching up the oils I use based on the season, and state of my hair. For example, I default to more penetrating oils before I put my hair away in a protective style like braids, and keep the oil lighter if I’m opting for a wash and go so as not to weigh my strands down.
Here are my favorite oils for naturally curly hair:
Jojoba
Why? Jojoba is great because it has a very similar texture to the sebum our scalp produces naturally. That’s exactly why it’s absorbed so quickly. No stains on the pillowcase, amen! If you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp, jojoba is great for scalp massages and it also has anti-microbial properties!
Sweet Almond Oil
Why? Almond oil is non-greasy and chock full of nutrients your hair will adore such as vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E. We like that. It also has antioxidants and a gentle smell which won’t clash with your perfume or give you a migraine! Almond oil is great for increasing elasticity.
Grapeseed Oil
Why? I discovered grapeseed oil on a trip to Malta when I was traveling with a carry-on and realized I was very much unprepared for a two-week trip. For me, grapeseed oil adds shine to my hair as well as helps tame frizz. (Malta is humid, humid!) It’s super rich in vitamin E and helps produce linoleic acid which strengthen brittle strands. Oh! It’s also a natural heat protectant!
Avocado Oil
Why? If you don’t like avocados, you can’t sit with us. Whether they’re on your plate, or coating your locks, avocados are wonderful and I won’t hear otherwise. Avocado oil has vitamins A, B, D and E. It’s a natural sun protectant, so it’s great for summer!
Carrot Oil
Why? I first discovered carrot oil via Farah Dhukai and she has lush, I mean, gorgeous hair so I thought I’d give it a try! It’s been a go-to of mine for years now. Cons: it stains! Pros: my scalp is healthy and I’ve definitely seen growth while using it. I mix it with castor oil. Carrot oil is great because it strengthens the hair at the root, and it also protects against harsh UV rays!
Castor Oil
Why? This oil is thick! But there’s a reason that it’s so trusted of regrowing hair, restoring receding hair lines and even thickening eyelashes and brows! If you don’t like the texture, think about mixing it with a lighter oil. If you use too much, it will most certainly weigh your curls down and have you feeling greasy.
Photo by Kadarius Seegars
To sum it up:
For dandruff-prone hair: jojoba oil
For dull hair: sweet almond oil
For frizz: grapeseed oil
For hair growth: castor oil
For UV protection: carrot oil
For increasing elasticity: avocado oil
Don’t forget!
There’s a difference between essential oils (ex. tea tree, lemongrass) and natural oils (ex. almond, jojoba, coconut)
You should never use essential oils directly on your scalp or skin. Use a carrier like olive oil or another natural oil!
Do you have a tried and trusted oil that you recommend? Let me know why you love it! I’d love to see this list grow! Here’s to happy, healthy hair!
