9 best oils for Hair: Oil for Healthy Hair and Scalp

Oiling hair is a natural and effective way to nourish and protect your hair from damage and dryness. This practice has existed for centuries in various cultures worldwide. Since many types of natural oils exist, not all suit each texture or style. In this article, we explore the benefits of oiling, differences between popular oils, and how to apply them in your daily care routine.

Hair Oils and Their Benefits

There are numerous oils beneficial for scalp health. Each oil has unique properties supporting hydration, growth, and scalp care. Below, some of the most effective oils and their advantages are discussed.

Argan Oil

Argan oil comes from kernels of the argan tree in Morocco. It contains fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, which hydrate and nourish strands. It also includes vitamin E, forming a protective layer on scalp and strands to prevent dryness and frizz.

This oil repairs damage from washing, styling, coloring, and sun exposure. It helps reduce split ends and breakage for thicker, healthier strands. Phenolic compounds in argan oil stimulate growth by improving scalp blood circulation while soothing conditions such as dandruff with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Versatile, argan oil can be used as a leave-in treatment, deep conditioner, or finishing serum. It works well on different textures and styles and mixes easily with other products as needed.

Jojoba Oil

Extracted from jojoba plant seeds in North America, jojoba oil resembles the scalp's natural sebum. This wax ester allows deep penetration of follicles and enhances scalp health. It is rich in vitamins B, C, and E, plus minerals like copper and zinc that strengthen strands.

Jojoba oil moisturizes and conditions by sealing in water to prevent dryness. It smooths cuticles, reduces split ends, and detangles hair while minimizing frizz. This lightweight, non-greasy oil suits all types and protects against damage from styling and environmental exposure.

Additionally, it soothes inflammation and irritation, balances sebum production, and helps treat dandruff by exfoliating dead skin.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is derived from plant seeds. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids and vitamin E, it hydrates and prevents dryness and frizz. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties promote a healthy scalp and combat dandruff caused by dryness.

The oil repairs damage from treatments and environmental factors, reducing split ends and breakage. Sunflower oil also encourages growth by stimulating blood flow to follicles.

It is versatile, applied as leave-in treatment, pre-shampoo oil, or finishing serum. Suitable for every texture type.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil extracts from fruit pulp are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for healthy strands. It forms a barrier protecting hair from sun damage, preventing dryness and split ends. Its moisturizing qualities deeply nourish for softness and shine.

Enhancing scalp blood circulation, avocado oil promotes growth and prevents loss. It contains biotin, vital for health. Applying avocado oil to ends helps smooth and reduce appearance of split ends.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is widely used and versatile. Rich in lauric acid, it penetrates shafts to reduce protein loss. Perfect for dry, damaged, or curly types, it offers moisture and curl definition. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that aid scalp health.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil contains linoleic acid, balancing sebum production on the scalp. It helps prevent dryness or greasiness and suits thin or frizzy hair prone to split ends. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits soothe irritation and may delay premature graying.

Rosehip Oil

Derived from rose plant seeds and fruit, rosehip oil has a long history of healing and cosmetic uses. Its vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids nourish and protect scalp and strands. Its light, non-greasy texture absorbs easily and suits various types.

Rosehip oil moisturizes dry, damaged strands and seals cuticles to prevent split ends. It enhances scalp blood flow, stimulating growth. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities ease dandruff-related scalp itch and redness. It can also help preserve pigment and improve strength.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is light and non-greasy, rich in vitamin E. It strengthens and nourishes strands while adding volume and elasticity, ideal for fine hair. By smoothing cuticles, almond oil helps reduce breakage and split ends.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular natural moisturizer for skin and strands. It softens coarse or dry types and protects from environmental damage with antioxidants. This lightweight oil hydrates and conditions effectively, improving texture and manageability.

Understanding the Difference Between Hair Oils

Oils fall into two categories: non-comedogenic and comedogenic. Non-comedogenic oils do not clog pores or cause greasy buildup; comedogenic oils might lead to buildup.

Not all heavy-feeling oils are comedogenic, nor are all light oils non-comedogenic. Ratings range from 0 to 5; higher numbers increase clogging risk. Below are ratings for common oils mentioned:

• Argan Oil – 0 out of 5
• Jojoba Oil – 2 out of 5
• Sunflower Oil – 0 out of 5
• Avocado Oil – 2 out of 5
• Rosehip Oil – 1 out of 5
• Olive Oil – 2 out of 5
• Coconut Oil – 4 out of 5
• Almond Oil – 2 out of 5
• Sesame Oil – 0 out of 5

How to Apply Hair Oil in Your Daily Routine

Choose high-quality oils that are 100% pure, organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined to retain maximum nutrients. Avoid those with additives or chemicals.

Apply oil to either damp or dry hair based on styling needs. Damp application locks in moisture, while dry application smooths frizz and adds shine.

Warm oil slightly for easier application and even distribution. Avoid overheating to preserve benefits. After application, cover strands with a towel or shower cap and leave overnight to enhance absorption.

The next day, use gentle conditioning shampoo to rinse off excess oil without stripping natural oils. Massage oil into the scalp regularly. This exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, reduces dandruff, and stimulates healthy growth.