How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Hair Type

Experimenting with different oils is lots of fun, especially if you’re a product junkie. You could simply buy a half dozen or so different types of oils and see what works well in your hair, or you could take the easy way and check out this simple guide to how to choose the right oil for your hair type.

You’ll need to figure out what you want your oil to do for you. Do you want something that conditions? An oil that will work well as a sealant? Or perhaps something for a pre-poo routine? Here are my suggestions.

Avocado, castor and coconut oil all work well for thick hair. They are better used when applied to dry hair. These oils do absorb into your hair follicles, thus helping to moisturize your hair. Avocado oil is especially superb for dry, damaged, brittle hair. Coconut and castor oil are both known to promote hair growth.

Jojoba, flaxseed and grapeseed oil are lighter oils. They work well for styling on wet hair and are great for those with finer, more fragile strands. These oils can be used in a pre-shampoo treatment and they won’t weigh your hair down or give it a greasy feel.

Olive oil and almond oil are in the middle. They aren’t too heavy and they aren’t too light. They both work well to condition the hair, making it softer and easier to manage.

For a quick and easy hot oil treatment, follow these steps. Wash your hair well. When you are ready to apply the oil to your hair, dip your fingers in the oil and make a partition in your hair with it, applying the oil onto your scalp. Don’t just pour it on your head from the bottle – this is a mess in the making! With most oils, a very small amount goes a long way.

Massage the oil into your scalp. This not only feels great, it will improve blood circulation, as well. You can apply the oil after or before getting your hair wet, depending on the oil, and then sit with a damp, warm towel wrapped on your head for 20 minutes or so.

Hot oil treatments are a great way to treat your hair royally. Just be sure that you choose the right oil for your hair type.