How to choose oils
THE OIL BUYING GUIDE
Oils. We too love Coconut Oil but is it the be all and end all? We asked Rebecca Farley, creator of an oil blend range called Moisture in Abundance to tell us how to choose oils accordingly to our hair concerns. Here are her #Gems.
Brittle hair
Most Affected: Type 4’s
As type 4 hair tends to be drier it can also break easily.
Use ultra-nourishing oils that will really penetrate your hair and seal in moisture after washing.
Try: Macadamia Oil – Macadamia oil contains an anti-oxidant called squalene that reduces moisture loss, it’s also a great detangler. Seal hair after washing with macadamia nut oil to retain moisture throughout the day.
Products with Macadamia Oil
Dry Scalp/ Slow Growth
Most Affected: Type 4’s
As well as being irritating, scalp issues tend to have a knock-on effect on the quality of hair growth.
Try: Castor oil – It is rich in Vitamin E, a nutrient that hair loves and also carries anti-fungal properties. As it is a thick oil it is best to apply as close to the scalp as possible. When curls grow tighter to the head it can make it hard for you scalp to breathe and cleanse itself. The anti-fungal and soothing properties of castor oil can support your scalp in taking care of itself and in turn, lead to better hair growth.
Products with Castor Oil
Heat Styling / Relaxed hair
Most Affected – All Types
Hair that is straighter in pattern (such as after styling) carries oil more easily down the hair shaft which often means heavier oils can be a bit much!
Try: Grapeseed Oil – Grapeseed is a very light-weight oil that adds incredible natural shine to hair, something that often disappears with heat damage. Grapeseed oil also has a high smoke point meaning that it can take a much greater amount of heat than many other oils before releasing harmful free-radicals.
Products with Grapeseed Oil
Prone to frizz
Most Affected - Type 3’s
Type 3 curls can be delicate and prone to frizz.
Try: Argan Oil - Loaded with vitamins and fatty acids and great as both a pre-wash treatment and light enough to use throughout the day, argan oil is a classic love for all hair types and is especially great for curlies who are prone to frizz.
Products with Argan Oil
- 100% Organic Argan Oil, pure & simple without any fragrance or preservatives
- Certified Organic Virgin Argan Oil
Easily weighed down
Most Affected – Type 3’s
Many curlies find their hair needs a moisture top up during the day but too much can leave their curls weighed down.
Try: Jojoba Oil – This oil’s molecular structure is very similar to sebum, the natural oil produced by your scalp. For this reason it is very easily absorbed and naturally light-weight, adding shine to your hair without weighing it down.
