No matter what texture, colour or thickness of hair you have, we all must oil our hair regularly if we want to maintain its health, growth and appearance. We understand, the idea of hair oiling might scurry away many people as not many like the greasy feeling it gives. But the reason behind that is most of us just don’t use the right hair growth oil for our specific hair type. We all are blessed with different hair types that make us unique and beautiful, and different hair requires different nourishment.
Now you will ask how to figure out which is the best hair growth oil for your hair type? Let’s cover that question step by step in this article.
1. Understanding your hair type:
Oily hair-
This type of hair produces excess sebum on the scalp and can get greasy quickly even after washing it often.
Dry hair-
This type of hair lacks moisture and often appears dull and brittle. Dry hair can be more prone to breakage as they are typically undernourished and brittle.
Curly hair-
Curly hair is naturally drier than other hair types due to the shape of the hair strands. They are usually high porosity i.e. they lose moisture easily. Hence, curly hair requires more nourishment and maintenance in general.
Fine hair-
Thin or fine hairs are more narrow in diameter and can be weighed down easily with heavy base products. They need to be handled carefully as they can be more easily damaged.
Thick hair-
Contrary to popular opinion, thick hair can be a blessing and a curse. People with thick hair can do multiple trendy hairstyles without much fear of breakage or hair fall. Here comes the but- thick hair is more difficult to manage on a daily basis and also requires extra nourishment and conditioning to prevent moisture loss.
2. Best hair growth oils for different hair types:
Oils for oily hair:
Jojoba Oil-
Jojoba oil is a lightweight hair growth oil that mimics the scalp’s natural oil secretion. It helps unclog hair follicles, promoting unhindered hair growth. It is rich in vitamin E, B complex, zinc and copper, which can strengthen strands and prevent breakage. If massaged on the scalp it can increase blood circulation and promote thicker hair.
Grapeseed Oil-
Grapeseed oil can provide deep moisture to the hair and scalp without making hair feel excessively greasy. It has the ability to regulate the sebum in your scalp. It can seal and prevent cuticle damage to prevent split ends and improve shine.
Rosemary Oil-
Rosemary oil is the star ingredient for hair growth and great for oily scalps too! How so? Rosemary oil controls excess oil production while also stimulating hair growth. It can help you get rid and give you a squeaky clean scalp, promoting a better scalp flora for healthier hair growth.
Oils for dry hair:
Coconut oil-
Coconut oil can prevent protein loss in the hair strands which makes it great for strengthening and nourishing dry hair. It can reverse frizz and damage in just a couple of applications.
Olive oil-
It is rich in essential fats and has deep penetrating powers which can restore your hair health and give your hair incredible lustre and shine. Along with repairing frizz and damage from deep within the cuticles.
Argan oil-
Argan oil has been used for centuries by Moroccan women for enhancing their beauty. It is that golden elixir which can be a boon for your dry ends. It can repair frizz and flyaways and act as a natural heat protectant to protect your hair from heat damage.
Oils for curly hair:
Castor oil-
Rich in ricinoleic acid, this hair growth oil can promote hair regrowth in areas with thinning hair by improving blood circulation on the scalp. It is rich in omegas which are proven to increase hair thickness and density overtime. It is deeply moisturising and can hydrate strands by penetrating deeply and acting as a natural conditioner.
Almond oil-
One of the healthiest fats and rich in biotin, it improves elasticity and tensile strength of the hair. It is lightweight yet hydrating and can reduce breakage to a significant extent. Being a rich source of biotin and vitamin E (one of the most vital nutrients for hair growth), it can promote hair density and strengthen hair if used regularly.
Avocado oil-
Avocados are the richest source of biotin and have the property of enhancing curl structure of the hair. It is also packed with essential vitamins like A,D and E. It's packed with healthy fats and can make your hair more resistant to breakage. Avocados can increase keratin production and increase elasticity, helping with rapid hair growth and shine.
Oils for fine hair:
Argan oil-
Argan oil is lightweight and a good option if you have fine and greasy hair. Heavier oils like castor would weigh your thin hair down and make it look limp. It is the consistency of a lightweight serum. A light layer is all you need to moisturize your strands without making them greasy.
Grapeseed oil-
This can strengthen strands without making them feel greasy or weighed down. It contains vitamin E, linoleic acid and omega 6 which are all vital for hair growth. It can improve elasticity while keeping it light.
Rosemary oil-
Rosemary oil is that go-to hair growth oil, for all problems related to hair thickness and hair growth. It is beneficial in people with fine hair as it can help thicken and make hair appear more dense with consistent usage. It is naturally herbaceous smelling and almost watery in consistency, which will feel great on your scalp and hair.
Oils for thick hair:
Castor oil-
This oil is one of the most thick and viscous oils and that makes it great for people with thick hair who require more intense and deep nourishment. It can form a thick, hydrating layer on your strands and penetrate deep to provide conditioning and moisturising benefits. It is highly occlusive which means it locks in moisture for a longer period of time. It is rich in essential fatty acids, omega 6 & 9 which improve tensile strength and improve shine.
Coconut oil-
It is one of those oils with a very high penetration ability due to it containing lauric acid. Also, it contains amino acids which are very similar to what we have in our bodies. It can retain moisture and the original length of the hair, prevent damage by UV rays and helps reverse frizz and flyaways. What makes it a good option for those with thick hair? It is proven by studies that coconut oil can prevent protein loss in hair strands making them more resistant to breakage. Thick hair is more susceptible to protein loss, especially if the hair is more coarse.
Conclusion:
Hair growth is possible for any hair type, provided the hair growth oil you use matches your target concern and hair type. It's not always the case that a product is wrong, sometimes the product is just wrong for you and you don’t realise it. Don't blindly follow trends and people, it is important to know what works for you. There is no one magical one-size-fits-all product because if we all have different problems, we will require different solutions.
