You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but we're going to humor you and say it again: when rocking weaves as a protective style it is CRUCIAL to take care of your natural hair and scalp. Oils not only help retain moisture when you're planning to stretch a style out over a few weeks, but they're also a great way to maintain order. However, what many may not realize is that, all oils are not created equal. It’s important to note that when trapped under a weave for weeks at a time, certain oils can cause some serious buildup. While you should still be cleansing your hair at least once every other week, the less buildup the better. Here are the best oils for hair (all weave-friendly!) for you to consider:
OIL ONE: ARGAN OIL
Originating from Morocco and synonymous with Moroccan Oil, Argan oil for some is considered liquid gold.
With a unique makeup of fatty acids, vitamins, proteins and antioxidants, Argan oil does a great job of penetrating the hair shaft and boosting cell production, while also bonding to the outer shaft to increase elasticity and softness. This is one hardworking oil!
Our Product Recommendation:
One ‘N Only Argan Oil Treatment - $11.99
OIL 2: CASTOR OIL
Castor oil has been praised as a game changer when it comes to hair health, growth and retention– especially for those precious edges. The secret? Castor oil contains a natural compound that promotes hair growth—Ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic is an essential omega-9 fatty acid that is able to reach the follicle and promote growth. Additionally, castor oil has the ability to balance out scalp pH levels and fight dandruff. If you’re not already in your car to grab a bottle, what are you really waiting on?
Our Product Recommendation:
NOW Solutions 100% Pure Castor Oil - $9.50
OIL 3: JOJOBA OIL
Do you find that your hair is severely dry when you take down your protective style? Jojoba oil will be your hair savior. While classified as an oil in the beauty world, jojoba is actually a liquid wax. Putting wax in your hair don’t seem like a likely combination but that’s not the case with this oil. Jojoba possesses a molecular structure akin to the sebum your scalp naturally produces. This means your scalp is much more receptive to absorbing the oil and its nutrients. That penetrating power also works well with getting into your hair shaft and fortifying from the inside out.
Our Product Recommendation:
Hollywood Beauty Jojoba Oil - $2.99
Oil 4: GRAPESEED OIL
If you want an oil that is rich in hair growing vitamins yet easy on the wallet, look to grapeseed oil. Similar to castor oil, grapeseed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, along with Vitamin E. These ingredients make grapeseed oil great at preserving moisture in both your hair and scalp. Grapeseed oil is also incredibly light which equals minimal build-up. It's budget friendly, moisture retaining and growth encouraging? Grapeseed oil is a triple-threat.
Our Product Recommendation:
Heritage 100% Pure Grapeseed Oil
OIL 5: OLIVE OIL
Out of the frying pan and into…your hair? Yep. Your go-to cooking oil can also do wonders for your hair. Another fat and vitamin-rich oil (have you’ve picked up on a trend by now?), olive oil has great emollient properties, meaning it is great for penetrating the hair shaft. It also boasts anti-inflammatory abilities, which is great news if you have a sensitive scalp. If you’ve ever purchased olive oil, you’ve probably noticed that it comes in many versions. So, which to buy? Try extra-virgin olive oil (a.k.a EVOO). Thanks to being minimally processed, EVOO still holds most of its nutrients, which is exactly what your hair needs.
Our product recommendation:
Palmer’s Olive Oil Conditioning Spray Oil
If you’ve peeped a few oils that you want to add to your hair care regimen feel free to double or even triple up! It's easy to create nourishing hair oil mixtures at home. To get you started, here are a couple of DIY mixes to try:
Mix #1
- 3 tablespoons Castor oil
- 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil
- 3 drops of essential oil*
- 1 small glass bottle with stopper
Mix #2
- ½ tablespoon Argan Oil
- 2 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
- 3 ½ tablespoons water
- 3 drops of essential oil*
*When selecting an essential oil, consider tea tree for its antiseptic properties, peppermint for follicle stimulation, or lavender for some soothing, anti-inflammatory action.
