What's the big deal about hair oil?

You’ve seen them in beauty magazines and on the shelves in your local salons and drug stores. Hair oils have been a beauty craze for a few years now. With familiar choices like avocado and coconut oil, and the more exotic names like Moroccan Argan and marula, how do you know which ones to choose? And how do you use them anyway?

Choosing the right oil for your hair
No one wants greasy, limp locks, so it’s best to take a moment to determine what kind of hair you’re working with.

Gals with thin hair do best with lighter oils. Avocado oil is a great choice because it will absorb into the hair without leaving it slick or greasy. If you’re blessed with thick or curly hair, you can try something a little more heavy-duty. Look for products with shea or coconut oil. Both are medium-bodied oils that can nourish a dry scalp. Dry and distressed hair may be thirsty, but that doesn’t mean using a heavy oil. In fact, a lighter oil like avocado mixed with grape seed oil is a winning combination. Grape seed oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid which can help retain moisture in the hair. Together with the avocado oil, it can make damaged hair look smoother and healthier.
​
So how do you use hair oil?
There are a couple of ways you can add hair oil to your weekly beauty routine. You can the buy pure, cold-pressed oils found in your local grocery store, or you can try salon products formulated with the type of oil your hair needs.

If you’re using a cold-pressed oil, try this method once a week:

1. Shampoo your hair and squeeze out the excess water.
2. Depending on the length of your hair, measure out about 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil and massage into strands. If your scalp tends to be oily, concentrate on the bottom ¾ of your hair. Use a detangling comb to distribute it evenly.
3. Clip hair up or use a shower cap, but let the oil do its magic for at least 10 minutes.
4. Rinse well with warm water and style as usual.

If you’re using a salon product with an oil formulation, follow the instructions given on the bottle. My favorite is Mythic Oil from L’Oréal Professionnel. It’s a blend of avocado and grape seed oil. I use it after shampooing and conditioning by combing through a few pumps of Mythic Oil on my damp hair before blow drying. When my hair is just about dry, I finger comb the ends with a small amount more. The results are smooth, shiny, healthy looking hair.
​
There’s an oil for every type of hair. Try one out for yourself. You’ll be surprised at the difference a quick, weekly deep conditioning can make!