Best Oils for Hair
14 Best Natural Oils for Hair Health
- Hair has three distinct layers. The outermost layer produces natural oils that make hair look healthy and shiny, and protect it from breaking. This layer can break down due to factors such as swimming in chlorinated water, living in a dry climate, chemical straightening or perming, or using hot styling tools. When this happens, hair can feel dry and appear dull.
- In most cases, dry hair can be treated with home remedies. Applying oils to the hair may help hydrate the strands and the scalp. Since oil repels water, it is generally more effective to apply oils to dry hair. Natural oils like avocado or argan, which are extracted from nuts, seeds, and fruits, can strengthen your hair and enhance its texture. People often turn to these oils, or products containing them, to address issues like dryness, dullness, or damage. Additionally, because oils provide moisture to your scalp, they may also help eliminate dandruff.
Here’s a look at the 14 best natural oils for your hair and how they can improve hair quality in their own unique way.
Coconut Oil: Best for Hair Repair
- Coconut oil, one of the most popular natural hair care products, is rich in lauric acid, a type of saturated fat.
- Scientists have found that lauric acid in coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft, helping to repair damaged hair.
- Additionally, coconut oil may help reduce protein loss from hair. (Protein, the main component of hair, can be damaged by chemical processes such as dyeing and highlighting.)
- Touted for all hair types, coconut oil is widely favored for its moisture-boosting properties.
Olive Oil: Best for Conditioning
- Like coconut oil, olive oil is able to penetrate deep into hair’s fibers.
- In fact, the abundance of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil may play a key role in its conditioning properties.
- Studies have found that natural body heat allows olive oil to penetrate deeper into the shaft of a hair, leaving a thin layer on the outside.
- Even so, it needs to be used sparingly on the hair to avoid an oily, heavy look.
- Because it is so moisturizing, olive oil can save your hair from weather-related dryness during the winter months.
- Scrunching a few drops of olive oil into your hair can also help keep curls smooth.
Argan Oil: Best for Dyed Hair
- Argan oil comes from the kernels of a tree native to Morocco.
- In recent years, this oil has become a beloved treatment for many hair types, including frizzy, coarse, and brittle hair.
- Argan oil is especially useful for dye-damaged hair, according to a 2013 study from Brazil.
- It is packed with essential fatty acids that help condition hair and protect it from damage caused by oxidative dyes, such as those used for platinum hair.
Jojoba Oil: Best for Thinning Hair
- The seeds of the jojoba plant are high in liquid wax and essential fatty acids found to have robust moisturizing properties.
- Long used in shampoos and conditioners, jojoba oil can help soften and restore luster to dull hair. In addition, it may help treat dry scalp and aid in dandruff control.
- A 2021 study from Egypt concluded that jojoba oil effectively penetrates the hair follicle, reducing protein loss that can contribute to thinning hair. It also appears to reduce hair breakage and strip body oils (sebum) that can leave your hair looking greasy.
Avocado Oil: Best for Smoother, Shinier Hair
- Avocados are a rich source of vitamin E (an antioxidant compound found to fight hair loss when taken in supplement form).
- While it is unclear whether avocado oil can prevent hair loss when applied to the scalp, it is known to contain fatty acids and minerals that help seal the outermost layer of hair strands (called the cuticle).
- This can help your hair look smoother and shinier and prevent it from breaking.
Sweet Almond Oil: Best for UV Protection
- One of the lighter choices, sweet almond oil is thought to treat dullness and dryness without weighing hair down.
- Many people also value sweet almond oil as a natural solution for dry scalp and dandruff.
- As an added bonus, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can cause hair dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and decreased luster.
Grapeseed Oil: Best for Frizz and Split Ends
- Grapeseed oil is a smart choice for people with fine hair. Along with easing frizz, this antioxidant-rich oil may help treat split ends.
- Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry and brittle due to extreme weather conditions or when blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair.
- A 2023 study found that grapeseed oil was superior to other oils in repairing frizz, split ends, and other damage, especially when applied directly to the hair.
- It can also enhance the brightness and color of hair without making it look greasy.
Macadamia Nut Oil; Best for Manageability
- An exceptionally rich oil, macadamia oil is a popular remedy for dried-out but naturally thick hair. It is also used to fight frizz and repair heat-damaged hair.
- Macadamia oil is able to penetrate hair in the same way as natural skin oils as it contains similar components.
- Because of this, you can apply a few drops to very thick or curly hair prior to combing to reduce snagging and tangling—and without unnecessary greasiness.
Rosemary Oil: Best of Hair Regrowth
- Some studies suggest that rosemary oil may promote hair growth.
- One study published in Skin medicine reported that rosemary oil was just as effective in increasing hair count as minoxidil, the active ingredient in the hair growth product Rogaine.
- The study, involving 100 adults with androgenic alopecia (a form of hair loss caused by testosterone imbalance), reported that study participants given rosemary oil had the same number of new hair follicles as those given Rogaine after three and six months.
- Moreover, it did so without causing dryness and itching like Rogaine can.
Tea Tree Oil: Best for Treating Dandruff
- Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, a flowering plant native to Australia and New Zealand.
- It is traditionally used to treat acne and other skin infections but has also been shown to reduce dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
- Studies have reported that tea tree oil is rich in aromatic compounds called terpenes that have antimicrobial properties and resist the attachment of yeasts that give rise to seborrheic dermatitis and other causes of dandruff
Lemongrass Essential Oil: Best for Treating Dandruff
- Dandruff can be a common ailment, and having a healthy, flake-free scalp is an important part of hair health.
- Lemongrass oil is an effective dandruff treatment, with one 2015 study finding that it significantly reduced dandruff after one week.
- Lemongrass oil for dandruff is most effective when used daily. Mix a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner daily, and make sure it’s massaged into your scalp.
Thyme essential oil: Best for Stimulating the Scalp
- Thyme can help promote hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss.
- Thyme oil was also found to be helpful in treating alopecia areataTrusted Source.
- Thyme is particularly strong, even among essential oils.
- Put only 2 small drops in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then wash it out.
Jasmine Oil: Best For Nourishing and Locking Moisture
- Locks in moisture. Essential oils, such as jasmine oil, act as emollients to lock moisture into the skin.
- Emollients are especially important for people who struggle with dry skin, which can be caused by everything from harsh weather to skin conditions.
- Jasmine oil can be added to body lotion to improve its fragrance and boost its moisturizing effect.
- As an added benefit, jasmine oil can also be used as a hair oil to help keep the hair and scalp moisturized, especially after a wash session.
- Provides antimicrobial benefits, jasmine oil has been shown to demonstrate both antibacterial and antiviral properties.
In one study Trusted Source from 2008, researchers investigated the antibacterial properties of jasmine essential oil against a strain of E. coli. They found that a variety of the components in jasmine oil were bactericidal against the E. coli.
Lavender Oil: Best for Hair Health
- Lavender oil has many beneficial properties that could also support hair health, some of which are
- It helps promote hair growth Lavender essential oil recently gained attention for stimulating hair growth. A 2016 study found that lavender oil applied to mice made them grow more hair. Their hair also grew thicker and faster than normal. This benefit is way more effective when the oil can work itself into the skin. Per these studies, lavender oil may help with issues like pattern baldness or alopecia.
- It’s antimicrobial Lavender also has antimicrobial properties. This means it helps prevent bacteria and fungi from growing. When applied to hair or scalp, this may prevent common hair or scalp issues. In particular, it may prevent itchy scalp or dandruff and even infections.
- It may help prevent or kill head lice A 2011 study Trusted Source found that lavender essential oil could help prevent head lice. It may even kill head lice.
Summary
- There are many plant-based oils that can improve hair quality by penetrating the hair shaft.
- This can add moisture to overcome dryness and brittleness. It may even help repair damaged hair and either promote hair growth or reduce hair loss.
- Some of these oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil, are readily found on grocery store shelves.
- Others like argan oil, baobab oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and sweet almond oil may be found in health food shops or drugstores.
- These oils may be applied to directly the ends of the hair, added to shampoo, or used for leave-in hair treatments.
Summary Table for Best Oils for Hair
Reference:
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-best-hair-oils-for-every-hair-type-4154056
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/natural-oils
- https://www.healthline.com/health/jasmine-oil-for-hair-and-scalp#health-benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/health/oil-for-dry-hair#olive-oil
- https://www.healthline.com/health/oil-for-dry-hair#olive-oil
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/coconut-oil-for-your-hair-4171883#:~:text=Coconut%20oil%20has%20many%20benefits,that%20can%20improve%20hair%20health.
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