How to Use Oil for Curly Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
February 27, 2023
by
Verna Meachum
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Last Updated on April 9, 2023 by Verna Meachum
Using oil for curly hair may seem like a trend, but oil has a long history of being used in hair care. The oil you use can be a flop or it could be a total game-changer.
To get the best results, it will help to understand some science about oils for hair and how to use them properly.
Many people have been led to believe that oils and butter are too heavy for curly hair to be healthy. However, the truth is that these substances can help your hair retain moisture- it’s a matter of understanding the science!
People also get confused about whether to put them in their hair before they style it or after. Also, what about co-washes – do they count as oil or butter?
Well, that’s what this blog is all about today!
We’ll dive into how to use oil for curly hair as well as dive into their characteristic properties. You will also learn what ingredients will work best for your curls and allow you to gain a deep understanding of why oil is NOT bad for curly hair after all.
This is one post you won’t want to miss! So, let’s go!
What are Oils and Butter in Haircare Products?
Oils and butter are esters of long-chain fatty acids known as triglycerides. In this instance, the term triglyceride stands as “tri means three,” while glycerides represent “glycerin.”
In other words, oils or butter are esters of long-chain fatty acids with glycerin. Three molecular chains of fatty acids are bonded to one glycerin molecule, as depicted in the structure below.
Three carbon chains bonded to one glycerin unit.
Both oil and butter are chemically the same materials; however, they have different physical states at room temperature.
Oil is a liquid while butter is solid (e.g., Olive oil is liquid whereas Cocoa butter is solid); this is due to the difference in their chemical composition, which contains varying amounts of different fatty acids.
Oils contain mostly unsaturated fatty acids, while butter is generally saturated fatty acids. The presence of one or two unsaturated fatty acids double bond lowers down the melting point of oils and keeps them in the liquid state.
Double bond refers to the carbon to carbon bonding ( – C = C – ) where two carbon atoms are tightly held. The double bond molecules demonstrate a lower melting point, as is the case with olive and sunflower oil.
Butter, on the other hand, has more saturated carbon bonds that facilitate their crystallization and boost their physical texture and melting point.
This difference greatly influences their properties and performance in hair care formulations.
I will discuss this later in more detail.
Are Curly Hair Oils and Butter Something New?
Absolutely not! As mentioned earlier, oils and butter are not new to hair care.
The practice of using oils for hair for softening, detangling, and styling treatments is confirmed by historical records. Using oils for scalp massages was also popular in Ancient Egyptian culture.
From the first-ever documentation of methods for conditioning hair, oils, and natural butter were pivotal ingredients. Just think back to a time when enslaved Africans used bacon grease, lard, butter, and even kerosene on their hair to make it softer and more manageable.
Hair oiling is an age-old ritual, passed from generation to generation. For centuries, Asians have viewed oil and butter as essential components in their hair care practices – particularly coconut oil. I have a vivid recollection of my mother extracting coconut oil from fresh coconuts every week to nourish and protect my and my sister’s hair.
South Asia boasts renowned Ayurvedic medicine which contains some of the world’s most powerful beauty remedies crafted from natural ingredients.
Undoubtedly, oils and butter have an extensive history when it comes to hair care. But this is merely a glimpse into their remarkable past!
Hair Care Technology Today
Current hair care technology takes advantage of the benefits offered by natural oils, either alone or in an emulsion with reduced particle size for oil droplets.
Plant-sourced oils or fats are excellent emollients for skin or softening the hair. Take a look at the ingredients list of any hair care product and you will likely find several emollient oils or butter included in the formulation.
Almost every single product you find on the market will have one or two natural oils or butter. This is a testament to how effective they can be!
Olive, Coconut, and Shea butter have been used for ages for skin and hair care. Although many rave about oil for hair, there are always those that disagree.
But oil and butter are beneficial emollients for curly hair, as they provide extra moisture, hydration, and nutrient-rich nourishment to follicles and the scalp.
You just have to know how to identify the oil and butter that work best for your hair.
Oil and Hair Protein Interactions: What You Need to Know
Oil or butter are hydrophobic materials, which means they do not dissolve in a water solvent. They are water-repellent and form a water-resistant film preventing any interaction with water. The same happens when we apply oil or butter to the hair surface.
Hair is made up of keratin protein, with its cuticles forming the outermost layer. This surface contains an extremely thin coating of oily material known as the F-Layer; this hydrophobic barrier provides natural lubrication and water-repellency for the hair.
Our hair’s F-Layer is the outermost protective coating that is joined to our cuticles and is composed of a fatty acid layer and lipids which gives it its smooth soft texture. Natural oils and lipids make this shield hydrophobic; thus water won’t pass through or escape easily.
Furthermore, sebum is an oily material that is secreted by the sebaceous glands and it provides extra lubricity, shine, as well as protection from the elements and oxidative damage.
Because the sebum has a tough time traveling down the bends and curves of curly hair, oil can be used to replace the sebum that is missing from the hair, thus providing it with moisture and protection.
When you apply oil to your hair, it acts as natural sebum would and creates an additional protective coating.
When you apply oil or butter to your hair, it forms a fine coating over the hair shaft. This molecular adhesion is based on the interaction between these products and the F-layer of your hair due to their non-polar nature which binds them together through dipole-dipole interactions (a weak chemical bond created by hydrophobic groups).
Though this chemical bonding is weak, it’s still enough for oils and butter to bind oil molecules with hair. The amount that they adhere to depends strongly upon their ingredients, viscosity level, and density.
Composition of Popular Oils and Butter
There are a variety of natural oils and natural hair butter on the market for hair care. They vary in their chemical composition, texture, color, viscosity, and density.
Their chemical composition defines their performance and efficacy as well as their behavior when applied to the hair or skin.
The data from the two charts demonstrate that oils contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, while butter is rich in saturated fatty acids. This explains why oil remains liquid at room temperature, whereas butter is solid.
Oils generally contain more oleic acid (mono-unsaturated) which gives them a liquid consistency, whereas butter contains more palmitic or stearic acid, resulting in its semi-solid state.
Additionally, shorter carbon chains in fatty content provide a fine coating without any greasiness. On the other hand, long-chain carbons are dense and are a stronger lubricant, but can be difficult to apply and may leave a heavy feel or residue.
Oil and Curly Hair: Oils That Penetrate Vs. Coat the Hair
Hair oil can be broken down into two distinct types: Oils that penetrate (Moisturizing Oil) and oils that coat the hair (Sealing Oil).
Knowing this, oils for curly hair should not just be chosen randomly or arbitrarily. Some oils are better than others at penetrating the hair shaft and providing nourishment deep within the cuticles.
On the other hand, some oils may coat the hair, providing temporary shine and a protective layer but not penetrating the hair shaft.
For example, oil with a lower molecular weight such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively than oil with a higher molecular weight such as castor oil.
On the other hand, oils with a thicker consistency such as castor oil can provide an additional barrier layer of protection on the surface of the hair, locking in moisture and preventing further damage.
The data above (figure 2) demonstrates that the fatty acid composition also influences hair fiber penetration.
What is Porosity?
We can’t talk about oils and butter without including hair porosity. To choose the products and other treatments that will best preserve your hair’s appearance and texture, it is crucial to understand its porosity.
Hair porosity is a term used to evaluate the physical condition of your hair. It determines how easy it is for moisture to pass through the cuticle layer, which can differ from one person to another due to its naturally porous nature.
Porosity is generally divided into three distinct groups: high, normal (medium), and low. Porosity levels are determined by the pore size, volume of pores, and number of pores on a surface.
- High Porosity Hair is characterized by an abundance of open pores and larger pore size, as well as abundant spacing between the cortex matrix layers. Usually, this type of hair has lifted cuticles that allow it to absorb moisture quickly; however, with great power comes great responsibility – being able to retain hydration efficiently also makes for a fast loss if not managed correctly.
- Low Porosity Hair has significantly fewer openings with smaller pores. This makes it highly difficult to absorb and retain moisture, making styling and hydration a tricky task for anyone trying to maintain this type of hair texture. Its cuticles are densely packed and lie flat and smooth.
- Medium Porosity Hair is the perfect balance of open cuticles and pores, enabling it to absorb both active ingredients as well as water with remarkable efficiency.
What methods are used to determine porosity?
You may have heard of several ways to test your hair porosity such as the float test, spray bottle test, slide test, tangle test, product test, and stretch test– but, to gain an accurate understanding of your hair porosity, you will need a specialized device such as the gas adsorption method.
The gas adsorption technique is the best method for determining porosity with utmost accuracy, as it can reveal both specific surface area and pore size.
However, the float test can help you form a highly accurate estimation. Although numerous variables might make the test inconclusive, it can still provide a general overview.
Even though these tests may not be entirely precise or reliable, they can still act as a useful beginning point and helpful guide.
Here’s how to do the float test:
- Take a single hair strand.
- For the most accurate results, fill a jar with water at an ideal temperature of 25-30 degrees Celcius. This range is especially critical for wet hair as it can significantly change the end result.
- Carefully insert a single hair into the water, paying attention not to disturb its surface.
- Pay close attention to the time it takes for all of the hair fiber to be fully submerged.
- Hair with high porosity will absorb moisture in a flash, sinking faster than low porosity hair which takes longer to take up the water.
- If the hair is caught between the top and bottom edges of a glass, it signifies that its porosity level lies somewhere in the middle.
Hair Density
Another physical hair property that can affect oil selection for curly hair is hair density.
It is defined as the number of hair fibers per unit area of the scalp.
High hair density indicates that a lot of hairs are growing nearby, while low hair density shows fewer strands occupying the same area.
Typically, if you have a substantial amount of hair (thickness), your hair density will be high. On the contrary, thinner strands indicate low hair density.
Generally, hair density is predetermined by genetics. However, in certain cases of excessive shedding or balding, other factors may be at play resulting in low hair volume.
How to Measure Hair Density
Accessing precise hair density requires the assistance of a buddy. Clearly map out an area on your scalp and count how many strands are inside that area to get accurate results.
For example, mark 1 cm x 1 cm area and you have 250 fibers there, the hair density would be:
Hair Density = 250/ cm2
To validate the results, conduct another experiment by selecting a new area on the scalp. Duplicate your procedure and take an average. With more hair (density) comes a higher number – so watch for that!
So, what does hair density have to do with oils and butter?
If you have high-density hair, it most likely can take on heavier oil formulations like Castor oil or Shea butter to keep it properly hydrated and nourished. On the other hand, for those with low-density strands, lighter oil alternatives such as Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil, Grapeseed oil, etc. might be the way to go.
Choosing the Right Oils and Butter for Your Curly Hair
It is vital to select the optimal oil or natural hair butter for your particular curl type.
You must take into account the diameter of your hair shaft, porosity level, and natural sebum production. These factors have an impact on the results and a wrong choice may lead to greasy, dull hair that lacks shine.
Nonetheless, if you experience an undesired outcome, it does not signify that all oils or butter are bad for your hair. It might be because of the wrong oil used at the wrong time or due to using methods that were never recommended in the first place.
By carefully assessing your hair and the natural constituents of various types of oil and butter, we can determine which is best suited to nourish your hair.
We all have different types of hair so let’s look at how to choose the best oil.
Hair Types
First, allow us to begin with the basics:
- For high sebum secretion or oily hair – please avoid applying any oil, especially in large amounts. If you still want to use them, then use oils that have a higher unsaturated fatty content (refer to the above). Olive, argan, grapeseed, or sunflower are excellent choices, but please use them in small amounts and less frequently.
- For fine hair with a smaller diameter and with low hair density – use a small amount of highly unsaturated fatty oil.
- For thick, dry, or excessively damaged hair (especially chemically treated) – use more saturated fatty acid. Shea butter and Mango butter are excellent for this.
Asian Straight Hair
Asian hair is usually straight and fine, which means it can become weighed down very quickly.
To combat this issue, we recommend using either Argan or Sunflower oil as a weekly treatment for your hair – once or twice per week should be enough to keep your hair.
If you have chemically treated, bleached or colored hair – mix Shea butter with Argan oil for a superior coating and shine.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a slightly higher degree of curvature. Scientific reports suggest they are weak at certain points along the hair shaft.
If you are looking for a more natural look and bouncy curls, we advise you to use oils in very small quantities to avoid heaviness.
Massaging a few drops of Sunflower, Olive, or Jojoba oil should be enough. Applying hair butter may not work and may make your hair greasy.
We recommended using butter in an emulsion system (i.e. conditioner or mask) where the droplet size for butter has been reduced with the help of emulsion technology.
Natural Coily Hair
Natural coily hair is excessively curly, dry, and fragile. This hair type has a small diameter and is more challenging to detangle and style.
Those with natural coily hair understand their hair’s special requirements for a concentrated formulation that provides extra moisturization and conditioning.
Hair oils are ideal for this type of hair. Butter can be applied directly to the hair, as they are rich in saturated fatty acids.
Shea butter is a perfect recipe due to its semi-solid texture and lubricity. It also provides gloss. Argan Oil is also an excellent choice due to its high oleic acid content.
Chemically Treated Hair
Chemically treated hairs are more porous, fragile, and difficult to comb due to the rough cuticular layer at the hair shaft’s surface.
They require a strategy with moisture and preservation to maintain the hair moisture level.
Fine oils with low tackiness are ideal for this job. Sunflower or grapeseed are thin oils and are highly recommended.
How to Avoid or Control Oil Build Up
Oils and butter may cause build-up on the hair shaft, which occurs due to the repeated oil application in relatively large quantities.
As a result of this build-up, hair can quickly become greasy and oily. In turn, these properties will attract more pollution particles to the surface of the hair fibers that cause it to feel dirty, sticky, and lackluster in appearance.
How to control oil build-up:
- Choose your oil carefully while keeping in mind your natural sebum secretion.
- Don’t use an excessive quantity of oils and butter.
- Apply in small portions, massaging them thoroughly using your fingers.
- Only apply when needed.
- Avoid excessive, repeated applications.
- Preferably clarify your hair with a clarifying shampoo before the next application.
Methods to Use Oil for Curly Hair
Oil for curly hair, when used correctly, can provide amazing results such as moisturization, detangling, and styling.
There are several methods to use oil for curly hair, depending on your needs.
1. Pre-shampoo oil treatment: oil can be used before shampoo as a deep conditioning treatment. This oil treatment is ideal for those who have dry, curly hair that needs a moisturization boost.
2. Detangler: oil can be used to glide the comb (or your fingers) through your curls while detangling them. This oil treatment is perfect for people with thick, coarse curls that require more time to detangle.
3. Add it to your deep conditioner: Give your conditioner an upgrade with a few drops of oil! Oils are the perfect ingredient to turn your regular deep conditioner into a deep treatment. Not only will it help restore moisture and give you softer, healthier hair, but it’s also incredibly easy to do. Just add a few drops and voila!
4. Styling: you can use oil as the final step in the styling routine. After your hair is fully dry, apply a tiny amount of oil to the hair. You can also use it to scrunch out the crunch of a gel cast, which is the crunchy feeling your hair gets once it’s fully dried. Oils will not only make your hair soft and supple, but they’ll also add a beautiful luster to give you the perfect moisture balance and shine. You can also use it using the methods – L.O.C or L.C.O., which are styling methods recommended for keeping your hair hydrated. The L.O.C. method stands for liquid (or, leave-in conditioner), cream, and oil. The L.O.C. method stands for liquid (or, leave-in conditioner), oil, and cream. Employing the easy-to-follow steps in these acronyms, you can achieve hydrated curls that will provide your hair long-term moisturization.
Best Oil for Curly Hair: Our 10 Picks!
Here is a round-up of multi-purpose oils for curly hair:
This is a vegan and cruelty-free natural blend of natural oils and essential oils that provides superior hair care and styling benefits. This unique formula features a powerful combination of eleven different oils, each of which has been carefully chosen to provide nourishing and protective benefits for all types of hair. The blend contains both anti-frizz and thickening agents, allowing users to achieve smooth and sleek styles with ease. It also helps detangle curls and offers additional protection from breakage. In addition, the blend’s natural ingredients help soothe an itchy scalp, making it ideal for those prone to irritation.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of this blend! This oil for curly hair has been my go-to oil since the beginning of my healthy hair journey.
Ingredients: COCOS NUCIFERA OIL (COCONUT), RICINUS COMMUNIS (JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL), OLEACEAE OIL (OLIVE), PERSEA AMERICANA MILL OIL (AVOCADO), VITIS VINIFERA OIL (GRAPESEED), SESAMUM INDICUM OIL (SESAME), MENTHA PIPERITA OIL (PEPPERMINT), MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL (TEA TREE), SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL (JOJOBA), ARGANIA SPINOSA OIL (ARGAN), ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS OIL (ROSEMARY).
Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment
This oil is packed with 100% pure and natural mongongo oil, it is a fast-absorbing oil that helps add shine without any harmful chemicals or additives like silicones, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, petroleum, gluten, or glycerin.
The powerful nutrients in this oil also help improve hair health and form a protective barrier against heat styling and UV damage. Not only is this product vegan and cruelty-free but it has great results which can be seen after just one use.
Ingredients: PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate Coconut Alkanes Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil Tocopheryl Acetate Fragrance (Parfum) Red 17 (CI 26100).
Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Hair Oil
This oil blend is an advanced hair care solution that instantly absorbs weightlessly into your strands to provide an intense hydration boost.
Fortified with argan oil, this revitalizing formula helps heal fragile strands, leaving them looking strong and brilliantly shiny. Plus, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, and dyes.
If you’re following the Curly Girl Method, this contains silicone so this is not for you.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Isododecane, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Fragrance, Panthenol.
This is an all-in-one oil that is a must-have for anyone looking to restore moisture and hydration to their skin and hair. Its hydrating formula contains a blend of rosehip oil, shea oil, and absinthium oil which provides deep nourishment for dry, dull skin and hair.
This multitasking oil can be used as both a body moisturizer and hair protectant that helps to keep your locks looking healthy and shiny. Not only does it provide superior hydration, but it also fights frizz and leaves you smelling like our luxurious rose fragrance Melrose Place.
Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, C15-19 Alkane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Olus Oil (Vegetable Oil, Huile Végétale), Tocopherol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Bht, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Parfum (Fragrance), Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate.
Flora & Curl African Citrus Superfruit Hair Oil
Formulated with a concentrated mix of Tangerine, Papaya, Avocado, and Watermelon fruit oils, it helps to form an invisible protective layer around each strand of hair while delivering a sweet, invigorating scent. It really smells good!
The blend also includes African Saharan plant oils such as Jojoba, Kalahari, Crambe, and Baobab which contain rich antioxidants and UV-protective properties for restoring natural sheen. Perfect for daily curl protection!
Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Abyssinica (Crambe) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Persea Grattissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon/Kalahari) Seed Oil, Proprietary Blends of Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil, Citral*, Limonene*, Linalool*.
FEKKAI Super Strength+ Everstrong Oil
If you need a super lightweight oil that will not weigh down your hair, this is the ONE! I love, love this oil!
This oil blend is the perfect product for those who have severely damaged, broken, and dull hair due to chemical treatments, coloring, or hot tool usage.
Not only does this oil provide an amazing scent of tonka beans and almonds with creamy woods, but it’s also completely vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free.
When applied to dry hair, this oil provides up to 72% less frizz and 5x smoother hair. When applied to damp hair, it helps strengthen your locks by up to 4x more with 74% less hair breakage. It even repairs 84% of split ends after just one use!
The key ingredient in this oil is the PowerBond scientifically proven bond cure technology that penetrates your fibers and repairs broken disulfide, hydrogen & ionic bonds. Argan oil adds extra hydration and shines while increasing elasticity.
Lastly, Morin adds anti-oxidants that protect against environmental aggressors like UV rays and humidity.
Heads up – this oil contains silicones, so if you’re following the Curly Girl Method, then this is not for you.
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Water/Aqua, Amodimethicone, Butylene Glycol, PCA Dimethicone, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate, Trideceth-12, Aminomethyl Propanol, Fragrance/Parfum, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene.
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend
This oil blend is a luxurious hair and scalp treatment that helps to protect strands from breakage and split ends. Formulated with Castor Oil and Black Cumin Seed, this hydrating oil blend soaks into the scalp to provide long-lasting moisture. It also helps strengthen hair, making it look healthy and strong.
Plus, it makes no compromises when it comes to its ingredients–it contains absolutely no artificial colors, petrolatum or mineral oil. A godsend for weak, breakage-prone hair!
Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Linseed Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Linalool, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Citronellol, Citral, Isoeugenol, Citric Acid. F.I.L. D237146/1 Vegan formula: No Animal Derived Ingredients.
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosehip Argan Coconut Oil Blend
This oil blend is an essential hair care product that helps to restore health and vitality to stressed-out strands. It’s formulated with ultra-nourishing oils like coconut, argan, and rosehip oil to help replenish your hair’s natural sheen and improve its overall texture.
The coconut oil seals split ends for a smooth, healthy finish, while the argan oil acts as a conditioner to bring back its luster and reduce frizz. The antioxidant-rich rosehip oil protects against UV rays and other environmental damage.
Ingredients: Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Root Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Abies Sibirica (Fir) Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Tocopherol*, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Fragrance (Parfum) * Coconut, vegetable, or plant-derived.
This is a lightweight oil for curly hair that helps to give your hair a soft, shiny, and glossy look. This oil is made with a unique blend of next-generation weightless oils that instantly absorb into the hair without leaving it feeling weighed down or greasy.
It then locks in moisture and seals the cuticles to prevent frizz, dryness, and a crunchy feel. Additionally, this product contains highly shiny actives that help reflect light for an extra glossy finish. Plus, this oil is vegan, cruelty-free, clean, and curly girl friendly as it contains no sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols.
Ingredients: Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Orbignya Speciosa (Babassu) Kernel Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol.
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
This luxurious blend of Argan and Jasmine Oils adds lightweight shine, reduces frizz, and protects strands from environmental pollutants and UV damage.
The proprietary blend of Sandalwood Extract, Amur Cork Tree Bark Extract, and Barley Extract stimulates the hair, helps improve moisture retention, repairs split ends, and provides overall improved health for the hair. And with the added protection of the Oribe Signature Complex, this oil helps defend hair from environmental elements as well as oxidative stress that can lead to photoaging or deterioration of natural keratin.
If you are following the Curly Girl Method, then this oil is not for you as it contains silicone.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Coconut Alkanes, Dimethiconol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Litchi Chinensis (Lychee) Fruit Extract, Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, TBHQ, Parfum/Fragrance, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citral.
FAQs
Should I put oil in my curly hair?
Having curly hair can be a challenge due to the difficulty of getting oils from the scalp to your ends. Hair oils are an essential part of helping nourish and keep the hair moisturized.
But with the right type of hair oil, you can easily tackle issues such as dullness and breakage, or use it as a styling aid.
When should I apply oil to curly hair?
It depends on your hair’s needs and what oil you are using. Generally, oil can be used right before cleansing your curls as a pre-poo treatment to provide extra nourishment.
Alternatively, oil can also be used as a finisher after you have styled your curls to help lock in moisture and keep your curls shiny.
It can also be used as a treatment to protect your hair from the elements.
Summary
When selecting the best oil or butter for you, it’s important to pay attention to your hair type, natural sebum production levels, and texture of your curls – as this will determine the most suitable option.
You might need a bit of trial-and-error before you find that perfect combination specifically tailored just for your hair.
There’s always one oil that will deliver the appropriate amount of conditioning and hair protection.
Don’t be discouraged if one oil doesn’t meet your expectations; it may take some experimentation before you discover the ideal option for your needs. Don’t give up — keep trying until you find a product that works perfectly!
Further Reading
1. Schueller, R.; Romanowski, P., Conditioning Agents for Hair and Skin. Taylor & Francis: 1999.
2. Fregonesi, A.; Scanavez, C.; Santos, L.; de Oliveira, A.; Roesler, R.; Escudeiro, C.; Moncayo, P.; de Sanctis, D.; Gesztesi, J. L., Brazilian oils and butters: The effect of different fatty acid chain composition on human hair physiochemical properties. J. Cosmet. Sci. 2009, 60 (2), 273-280.
3. Rele, A. S.; Mohile, R. B., Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J. Cosmet. Sci. 2003, 54 (2), 175-192.
4. Ruetsch, S.; Kamath, Y.; Rele, A. S., Secondary ion mass spectrometric investigation of penetration of coconut and mineral oils into human hair. J. Cosmet. Sci 2001, 52, 169-184.
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