Oils Products

How hair oils work

Hair oils coat the outside of the strand, which smooths the cuticle, cuts frizz and adds shine. Some oils, such as coconut oil, can also soak into the hair shaft and help reduce protein loss during washing. Lighter oils like argan and jojoba suit fine hair; heavier oils and butters suit thick, dry or coily hair.

Dry oils and silicone-based serums give shine without much weight, which makes them a good finishing step. Richer oils work well as a pre-wash treatment: apply to dry lengths, leave for 30 minutes or overnight, then shampoo as usual.

Using oil without greasy roots

Start with one or two drops, warm them between your palms and smooth them over the ends first, working up toward the mid-lengths. Keep oil away from the roots if your scalp gets oily quickly. On damp hair, oil helps lock in moisture; on dry hair, it tames flyaways.

Common oils compared

Argan oil is light and absorbs quickly, which is why it shows up in so many finishing serums. Jojoba is technically a liquid wax and closely resembles the oil your scalp makes, so it suits scalp massages. Castor oil is very thick and is usually mixed with a lighter oil. Olive and avocado oils are rich and inexpensive pre-wash treatments. If you have a nut allergy, check labels for almond, macadamia or shea, which appear in many blends. Store oils away from heat and light so they do not go rancid.

Patch test first

Even natural oils can irritate skin. Before using a new oil on your scalp, dab a little on the inside of your forearm and wait a day to check for redness or itching.