Oils are essential in preserving and maintaining the health of our natural hair. So much so that our hair strands produce its own natural oil, called sebum. However, with the many different types of curls, coils, and kinks of natural hair, these spiral shaped strands make it a little more difficult for the oil to reach the entirety of our hair strand. This can often times lead to dry, brittle ends. Luckily, there are an abundance of oils derived from natural extracts that are of great help to alleviate this. 

There are oils that can help to stimulate growth, some that aid in shine, and others that work best with sealing in moisture. You can additionally make a mixture of multiple and use it as a hot oil treatment. Regardless of what concern you have with your hair- there is an oil that may help. 

With there being so many to choose from, you may be wondering which oil to try, or which one would work best for your hair. To help you find which oils that would be the most healthful for your strands, we have compiled a list of the best oils for natural hair . These oils can help to change the health of your hair for the better in terms of shine, growth, and softness.

Here are seven of the best oils for natural hair: 

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Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Castor oil is a thicker oil, and contains many healthful properties. Apply it to the ends of your hair a few times a week to alleviate split ends and for softer, stronger strands. Castor oil helps to thicken and grow thinning hair or edges, and offers many conditioning and anti-fungal benefits as well. Due to its anti-fungal properties, this oil can help to remedy scalp infections and hinder dry scalp as well. However, because it is so thick, be careful not to apply too much too often as it can clog your hair follicles.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is actually similar in form to sebum, the natural oil our hair strands produce. It is a lightweight, golden color oil that leaves your hair feeling much softer upon application. Derived from jojoba seeds (Simmondsia chinensis plant), it is used for both hair and skin care as it provides many moisturizing benefits. If you find you get “crunchy” curls from a product, apply some jojoba oil to your hands and “scrunch” out the crunch and notice immediate results.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has numerous uses ranging from cooking to hair care. It is one of the more popular oils for natural hair because it provides your hair strands with shine and softness. Olive oil also makes for a good addition to a pre-poo or hot oil treatment, promoting sheen and moisture retention throughout your natural hair. If you find that your hair often looks “dull”, olive oil makes a great remedy. 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is found in many natural hair products, and produces a “cooling” sensation when applied to your hair or scalp. That cooling sensation is the nutrients found in the oil helping to stimulate hair growth at the roots. Since it is highly concentrated, peppermint oil is best used in conjunction with a carrier oil or added to a shampoo or conditioner. Expect thicker hair and faster results upon continued use with this oil.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has a delightful scent, and is widely known in hair care for its effects on reversing hair loss and promoting hair growth. It is an essential oil, and therefore will also need to be diluted with either a carrier oil or mixed in with another hair product. Apply the mixture to your fingertips and massage your scalp for increased blood circulation and a promotion of hair growth.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another oil with a versatile use. Since it is derived from the coconut itself, the oil preserves many of the natural nutrients found in the fruit. These nutrients make for softer, healthier, and shinier when applied to hair. Use this oil in either the L.O.C. or L.C.O. methods to seal in moisture, and reap the benefits.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is used not only for your hair but for skin care as well, and earns positive reception. Since it works so well in treating acne, it likewise helps to unclog hair follicles. This allows for unrestricted hair growth. Tea tree oil additionally contains anti-bacterial properties and helps to get rid of dandruff and stop scalp irritation. Mix this oil in with other oils or hair products for a gradual transformation of your natural hair.

What is your favorite oil to use on your natural hair? Let us know below!

Sources:

¹Rajapet, Meenal. “How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Promote Hair Growth.” STYLECRAZE, IncnutIncnut, www.stylecraze.com/articles/tea-tree-oil-for-hair-growth/#gref.

²Berry, Jennifer. “Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth: Function and Effectiveness.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319397.php.