In this post, you learn the benefits of using hair oils in your curly routine.
Before transitioning to curly, I knew little to nothing about hair oils. In fact, my hair seems to be oily rather fast any time I straighten it. Which in turn, made me wash it more often, and therefore, I used heat way more often than what I needed or wanted. So as you imagine, my curly hair routine was tiring and my hair was not always healthy as it endured so much.
Anyhow, fast-forward one year into my transition, I started my own curly hair care schedule. Check it out: Curly Hair Tips – Grow Your Natural Hair with a Simple Hair Care Schedule. Since then, I realized that my hair needs had changed, and integrating oils into my hair care routine was new to me, but also, one of the best things to ever happen.
So the question is, is it good to put oil in curly hair? Short answer: yes!!!! But let’s dive into the benefits and chat a bit about what each oil does and what benefits they offer. Get your jug of water (water = healthy hair), get comfortable, and let’s get started!
Oils for curly hair: which one should I choose?
Vegetable oils are essential to keep the health and beauty of your curls. Oils help us keep the dryness away because the curl shape hinders the natural oil passage from the scalp to the ends. That’s why my hair was much more oily when I used to straighten it, oil passage was one way to the ends.
However, as you can imagine, not all oils are the exact same way on our hair. And as I came to realize it, different curl patterns ask for different oils at different times. But the important thing to know here is that vegetable oils are good, and they are obtained from plants and seeds, which makes them biodegradable and have natural aromas (My favorite thing since I am not a big fan of artificial scents). Vegetable oils are lighter and therefore better absorbed by the hair, nourishing the hair fiber more deeply.
4 benefits of using hair oils in your curly routine
- Oils are versatile! You can definitely find them in different versions, with or without fragrance, and you can use them for different things. For example, I LOVE coconut oil, and use it for both my hair and skin!
- Oils can be also used to handle split ends, and frizz, and enhance the finishing touch of hairstyles. I love using oils when putting my hair up in a bun/ponytail.
- Oils are great for nourishing the curls, and they can be applied directly to the hair or used with hair creams or masks
- You can use oils whenever you see fit! You can use it before bed, so your curls can soak it all in (fave!!), after you diffuse it, in your hair mask, etc.
Types of vegetable oils
As you may already know, there are many different types of vegetable oils – there are probably more than I have ever used, or will ever use. I do learn different oil techniques from different people but have absolutely not tried them all.
So, let me share a few things about the ones I have used and recommend.
Coconut Oil
This is definitely at the top of my list! I’ve been using coconut oil for years and my curls absolutely LOVE it! Coconut oil is a multifunctional oil, and It offers a variety of benefits and ways you can use it. It hydrates, nourishes, and provides silk-feeling, movement and it also conditions the hair. I only use coconut oil in my hair length, but I know some people apply it all over. I also apply a small amount, focusing on my ends it’s usually the drier part for me.
Jojoba Oil
I truly do not know how I lived so long without jojoba oil! It’s definitely a favorite and I use it on a daily basis. I usually try and keep oils at a minimum, because I don’t like oily-looking hair, but jojoba oil is a “gentle” oil and my hair takes it well. So, jojoba oil is a very effective ally against excess oiliness in the hair. Its texture promotes deep cleansing of the hair length. It also has antiseptic properties, which is what prevents oiliness – my holly grail!
Argan Oil
This is a powerful antioxidant! I will confess that I did not know how to work with Argan before. I do believe argan has a thicker texture which can be a bit challenging for the type of hair I have – meaning, even though my hair is not oily, argan will definitely influence it to be. I like to mix a few drops of argan in my hair mask, and have been doing this for many years as well! It strengthens the hair fiber and it maintains hydration for a longer time, which promotes beautiful shine and silk hair.
Castor Oil
I know I said I believe argan is a thick oil, but castor is thicker. Don’t get me wrong! I love castor oil too, I just use it a bit differently. Castor oil is a popular oil when it comes to scalp care. It is a favorite when it comes to treating hair loss caused by bacteria and/or fungus. I like to apply castor oil to my scalp and massage it for a few minutes. Not only this is relaxing but it also promotes hair growth by blood circulation stimulation. Castor oil is also rich in vitamin E and minerals which are all good nutrients for healthy hair.
As I mentioned before, there are many other oils you can implement in your hair care routine. I stick with those oils I know have used for many years, but that does not mean you have to do the same. Mango, avocado, almond, and macadamia oils are also great options for you to explore!
How to use hair oil
OK, now that you know a bit more about the different benefits of each type of oil, let’s talk about how to use them to your advantage. I want to share the main three ways I use oil for my curly hair. I am sure there are many variations and would believe that all have their benefits, but I only share from my experience – I’d never share things I haven’t tried myself!
Oil Treatment
I needed this so many times before, and still do. Oil treatment is a great way to replenish the necessary oil in the curls while nourishing and strengthening them. With dirty hair, apply the vegetable oil of your choice, strand by strand, massaging from the length to the ends. Wait at least 30 minutes for the hair to absorb the oil, and then rinse it off with cold water. Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo, apply your hair conditioner as usual, and follow your regular wash day routine. Ta-dah, your oil treatment is complete!
Overnight Oil Treatment
This is my go-to method! This is just a variation of the oil treatment I just shared with you. This is the perfect treatment for deep nourishing the curls throughout the night. I highly recommend it! I actually prefer the overnight above all other methods. If I don’t have time, however, I’ll keep it at 30 min, which is totally fine! So as I said before, apply your chosen vegetable oil to the hair, massaging strand by strand from the length to the ends.
Since it’s an overnight method, put your hair in a high and loose bun or secure the hair inside a cap and sleep with the oil in your hair. The next morning, rinse thoroughly and wash with shampoo. Rinse the shampoo with cold water and apply the conditioner afterward to seal the hair cuticle. Finally, rinse again and you’re done.
Hair Mask
Another way to use oils is by boosting your hair mask. Simply mix a few drops of oil for curly hair into your favorite hair mask. Apply the mixture to your hair after washing it with shampoo and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse well and finish with conditioner.
Alright, friends! This is it for now. I hope you give vegetable oil a chance! And be flexible as you learn more about the oils and what works best for you and your curls. Got question? I got you!! Drop them below in the comment box.
With love,
Eve
