Hair oiling is a treatment that is gaining popularity extremely fast. The properties of oils are more and more appreciated in cosmetics. These are ingredients that we find in many products – conditioners, shampoos. Remember, however, that their effectiveness depends primarily on the oil we choose for oil hair treatment. Not every oil will suit everyone’s needs!
The awareness about the needs of our hair is constantly growing. More conditioners, masks and hair shampoos are enriched with natural oils. We are also more eager to use natural oils in hair care. As a matter of fact, is it the best thing you could do for your hair because oils contain all the necessary ingredients: vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
How do oils work on hair?
First thought – oils will certainly make your hair greasy. Well, you couldn’t have been more wrong. This is one of the most frequently repeated myths which in fact, has nothing to do with reality! Well-chosen hair oil is perfectly absorbed by the hair, it does not increase oiliness and does not burden the hair. What’s more, it can make your daily hair care routines more effective!
In cosmetics, several hundred oils are used – they include those that are less as well as more popular. Each of them has slightly different properties and can be a remedy for specific problems. Nonetheless, all the oils have something in common:
- they strengthen the natural hydro-lipid layer, thanks to which the hair does not lose valuable water and has a constant level of hydration;
- they restore the proper pH of the scalp, regulate the secretion of sebum, preventing greasy hair and solving skin problems such as dandruff;
- they nourish and strengthen the hair roots, thanks to which prevent excessive hair loss and baldness, and also accelerate its growth;
- they protect the hair not only from water loss but also from damage, for example, due to the sun radiation, high temperature or mechanical action.
Which hair oil to choose?
The most popular hair oils include argan oil, coconut oil or olive oil. The further we go into this topic, the more various oils we discover. The principle is that it is not worth choosing a random product. Bear in mind that the oils should be adequate for the needs of our hair and … its structure.
Therefore, we can divide the hair into three categories:
- low porosity hair – oily, heavy, straight,
- medium porosity hair – weakened, frizzy, unruly,
- high porosity hair – dried, damaged, brittle.
The more damaged hair requires a proper dose of unsaturated fatty acids, which can be found in oils with larger particles. Keep in mind that this doesn’t relate to the consistency of oils – in spite of logic, these hair oils, which come in the form of butter, are not suitable for damaged hair. So how do you choose oils for hair oiling to make sure the treatment will be effective?
We also divide the oils into three groups:
- drying oils – they have more than 50% polyunsaturated acids,
- semi-drying oils – contain from 20 to 50% polyunsaturated acids,
- non-drying oils – the content of polyunsaturated acids doesn’t reach 20%.
What are the differences between drying and non-drying oils? Drying oils have larger particles, so they are non-penetrating and thus, ideal for damaged hair. Non-drying oils have far more unsaturated acids with tiny particles, they are also referred to as penetrating oils, so they are suitable for low porosity hair. Semi-dry oils, on the other hand, correspond to medium porous or in other words, normal hair.
Oils for low porosity hair
What will be the best oil for oiling low porosity hair? In this case, vegetable butter, that is one of the densest natural oils, turns out to be the best option. Healthy hair, first of all, needs protection against water loss and sun exposure, and this is ensured by coconut oil, palm oil, babassu oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, cupuacu butter and mango butter.
Oils for medium porosity hair
What will be the best oil for oiling medium porosity hair? Normal hair is the least fussy and most oils fits its needs. If such hair is leaning more towards damaged hair, it has a greater tolerance for larger oil particles. Natural oils for normal hair include sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, linseed oil, jojoba oil, pumpkin seed oil, macadamia oil, marula oil, passion fruit and many more.
Oils for high porosity hair
What oil for oiling hair with high porosity to choose? The most damaged hair needs the strongest support that is oils, with molecules that are able to build into the damaged hair structure. The ideal oils for highly porous hair include evening primrose oil, cottonseed oil, avocado oil, grape oil, black seed oil, apricot oil, etc.
Oils suitable for the scalp
Most oils are used for hair from its mid-lengths towards the ends. However, there are such natural oils that can be successfully applied to the scalp. Not only do they not increase the hair’s greasiness, they also perfectly moisturize and nourish the skin, stimulate the blood circulation and solve different kinds of scalp problems. Oils intended for scalp oiling include castor oil, burdock oil, Siberian pine oil, rosemary oil.