If you have dry hair that is prone to frizz and flyaway, or just want to make your hair look healthier and more hydrated, using hair oils is a great way to start. Oils can lock in moisture, add shine, reduce split ends, and help protect your hair from the effects of heat. It’s that last point that’s most important if you have naturally curly or wavy hair; hot styling tools can cause irreparable damage if not protected with something like a hydrating oil. If you’ve been living in a humidity-free world up till now and are thinking “I don’t get it… what does this have to do with my dry hair?” Let us explain: Hair becomes drier in dry air because evaporation is accelerated at lower humidifies. As you read on further, you will understand why this information is crucial for knowing which oils are best for your hair type.

What’s the difference between an oil and a conditioner?

While both of these products are used to make your hair look and feel healthier, they work in different ways. Conditioner is meant to cleanse and moisturize your hair, but oils are meant to be left in your hair and then rinsed out. You can use both conditioner and oil in your hair, but if you do, make sure to leave the oil in longer than the conditioner.

Which hair oils are best for dry hair?

Argan oil: A gentle, nourishing oil that’s rich in antioxidants. Coconut oil: It’s not just for Thai food anymore—it’s one of the best oils for dry hair. Castor oil: It’s great at making your hair look thicker and fuller, as well as reducing breakage. Jojoba oil: This is one of the most similar oils to your natural sebum, so it won’t clog your pores. Hair-friendly proteins: Protein-rich oils like hemp and pumpkin seed oils are great for dry, damaged hair. If you have really coarse, thick hair, you can even try mixing these with coconut oil.

Shortening: Yes, it’s also a type of oil!

That’s right—shortening, which many people use to make pastries flaky, has also been proven to hydrate dry hair. Shortening has a high percentage of saturated fats. Saturated fats are very water-soluble, so they’re great for moisturizing. They can be especially helpful for those with thick, coarse hair or extensions since they give a thicker appearance.

Jojoba oil: This is one of the most similar oils to your natural sebum, so it won’t clog your pores.

Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax that’s extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, which is native to Arizona, California, and Mexico. It’s a great oil for moisturizing your hair and scalp. Unlike many other oils, jojoba won’t clog your pores, which makes it great for those who have oily or acne-prone skin and hair.

Hair-friendly proteins

Protein-rich oils can make your hair look and feel thicker, but they’re also very nourishing. Hemp, pumpkin seed, and castor oil all contain large amounts of proteins that are great for strengthening dry, brittle hair.

Conclusion

If you want your hair to look and feel healthier, it’s important to moisturize it regularly, especially if you have dry hair. Using the right types of hair oils will help hydrate your hair, make it look healthier, and prevent breakage.