The mestiza muse

be beautiful. be natural. be you.

Hello There!

I'm Verna,
Your Curly-Haired Friend.

Curly hair is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. It could be super-defined one day and a frizzy concoction the next day – and it's never exactly the same from one head to another. Our mission is to equip you with the necessary tools for restoring and maintaining healthy locks and celebrating the hair you were born with! 

Hair Oils are NOT Cancelled

October 12, 2018

 by

Verna Meachum

Hair oils are not bad for your hair if you know how to use them properly

We only work with and promote products from companies that we trust and feel are good for our consumers to use. We are reader-supported. If you decide to make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

follow @themestizamuse
troubleshooting
Curl care

I am highly experienced in the beauty industry and specialize in writing for brands and websites that focus on curly hair care. Moreover, I actually have curly hair and have curly-haired children with varying hair textures. I am also surrounded by curly-haired friends, including curly hairstylists and curly-haired family members. You get the point :) I’m well-versed in the language and nuances of curly hair care, styling tips, and product recommendations.

Furthermore, I collaborate with my friend who has a Ph.D. in organic and inorganic chemistry and works as an R&D Chemist to help us navigate through the misinformation around curly hair care. He advises us on Hair Care Science to ensure we are well-informed.

Hi,I'm Verna

product reviews
Textures

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure and make sure to pack these essential items to take with you on your journey.

Great hair goes beyond using shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Shop my favorite must-haves.

After years of requests, I'm finally sharing my go-to skincare products.

Give your space a quick refresh with these ultimate home decor ideas.

My
Favorite

Things

Last Updated on September 5, 2022 by Verna Meachum

Just as protein or any other ingredient doesn’t work for every hair, the same is with hair oils.
Pre-poo oil on dry hair? What? You mean you use a water-insoluble film on dry hair?

Yes! I sure do! Look, I can appreciate you don’t think oil is for your hair, BUT that doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial on someone else’s hair.

If your hair can tolerate oil without getting limp or greasy, oils can seal in the moisture on your hair and slow that moisture’s escape.

Yes, oils do not hydrate, but it softens and lubricates the hair. Oil is water-free so it can’t hydrate or moisturize and that’s okay because there’s a lot more to hair than just water!

Let’s take coconut oil for an example.

During washing, some coconut oil penetrate the hair fiber. Because oil repels water, when it is introduced to the interior of the hair which ordinarily attracts water, it makes the inside of the hair water repellent so it swells less.

Less swelling means the cuticles won’t be lifted up where they are easily broken off, which means that all those proteins that belong to the cuticle won’t be lost. Thus, your hair won’t be waterlogged.

The effect is more obvious on damaged porous bleached hair and less obvious on low porosity hair.

By the way, coconut oil is less effective if it’s applied to hair after washing than if applied as a pre-poo oil treatment.

If coconut oil is too heavy for your hair, an oil mixture like Righteous Roots Oils or Flora Curl may be better for low porosity hair.

If oil is not your thing, a pre-poo application of conditioner might do the trick.

Adding a layer of hair butter or oil works great at creating a layer that would help hair hold onto its moisture for a longer period of time.

Our natural sebum (which helps keep cuticle flat), has a hard time working its way down the kinks and bends of curly hair, thus we have the option of using pre-poo oil treatments.

Using emollients like coconut oil is effective for addressing a water-logging problem. This process helps make your hair more water repellant to slow the movement of water into the hair.

But, other penetrating oils, like avocado, may similarly be as effective as coconut oil. These are great solutions that will consistently reinforce our hair cuticles.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEXT →

I had to listen to what my hair needed...my curls are finally ready to take in some moisture again!!!

Testimonials

- renee, Stylist Liaison

- renee, Stylist Liaison

“I truly couldn't have gotten through this without her knowledge, advice and support...after suffering from Hygral Fatigue and getting tons of advice @themestizamuse.”

“@themestizamuse: for ESSENTIAL information you will NEED TO KNOW in order to see results.”

See how easy the topics are to find on her page (a few posts screenshot)? There is no topic Verna hasn't covered.

- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast

NEXT →

- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast

“I have learned a whole heap of knowledge from @themestizamuse.”

Inspiring hair tutor, grateful for what she offers the Curly Community in authenticity, passion, and knowledge.

- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad

NEXT →

- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad

“I was so excited to embrace my curls and take better care of them. As I started to dive in, I immediately became overwhelmed with the information.”

I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.

- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast

NEXT →

- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast

Our Manifesto

“One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted. Do it now”

- Paulo coelho

Skip to content