Why You Must Use Hair Oil

 As of the latest TikTok girl, daily routine, self-care era, hair oil has definitely been getting more of the attention it deserves. I think almost everyone wants hair like the influencer brushing Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil through her long, soft locks. The issue is, some of us don’t really know what hair oil actually does.

Does it make your hair softer? Does it just make it smell good? Does it actually fix anything? What is it really for? Here are some reasons you NEED to get a hair oil, asap.

They are just really good for your hair

Celebrity hair stylist Mark Townsend told Forbes, “The benefit in most of the oils is all the fatty acids, which replace the lipids in your hair when it starts to get really fine. Right before it splits, that means there's nothing holding it together, and all those lipids are gone so you need to replace them.” Remember a few weeks ago when we talked about how to protect your blonde from chlorine, well a hair oil is another great thing to use if your tresses are constantly being dried out from chlorine or other factors. As for what else they can do, Townsend also says, “They’re a lubricant, so they’re great for detangling wet hair. They are a sealant, so they seal the cuticle down. Oils are a great heat protectant” (Forbes). Essentially, hair oils do it all. They’re a great, quick way to enhance and lock in all the effort you’re putting into your hair. That being said…

They are super easy to apply

You don’t have to apply it to every single strand, or measure out exactly how much you need- none of that. Most importantly, hair oils need to be distributed evenly. That’s really the only thing to worry about. If you have finer hair, you can pretty much just rake about one pump, rubbed together in your hands, through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and be good to go. For those with thicker hair, it’s advised that you separate your hair in half, or maybe thirds if you really have a ton of hair, just to make sure all your hair is coated with the oil. A pump of oil (or a few drops depending on the dispenser) per section is a good rule of thumb to follow. With all the natural oils coming from your scalp, it’s best to try to keep your oil away from your scalp. Townsend says, “The natural oils from your scalp are the greatest conditioner ever, so you never need to replace those. Apply oil at least three to four inches away from the scalp, but all the way to the ends. The best was to apply it is to start at the ends and work your way up.”

Different oils cater to different needs

Maybe you want a hair oil that will help repair damage, whereas someone else might want something to help with shininess and frizz. There’s a hair oil for all of it. That’s what’s great about hair oil, it’s super personalized. Here are a few really effective hair oils based on different needs.

For damaged hair

You guessed it, Olaplex No.7 takes the cake. If you have broken, weak hair, this needs to be your go to oil. Apply this to your damp hair for the best results, but it can also be used to tame some fly aways when your hair is dry as well.

Although, Olaplex is not the only contender. Contrary to popular belief, Sebastian Professional Dark Oil is not just for dark hair. Not only will it make your hair smell amazing, it can be applied to dry or damp hair to work on both the interior and exterior of your hair to repair and heal it. 

For frizz

SUDZZfx Zenyth Frizz Eliminator is great at combatting frizz and can conveniently be put on wet or dry hair. Put it on your ends to make your hair shiny and smooth. It can even be added to your conditioner for added benefits.

Milk Shake Glistening Serum will leave your hair silky smooth and can be applied before or after styling, on wet or dry hair! Be sure to apply to only your ends, as previously mentioned, your scalp creates a surplus of natural oils, so there’s no need to add anymore.

To hydrate

Moroccanoil Treatment Original is the OG hair oil. Infused with argan oil, this is the ultimate hair oil to use if you need to lock in hydration. Hair oil remains in the lipid layer of the hair much longer than any water can, which is how hair oils are able to hydrate your hair so well.

Onesta Luma Oil Serum is another good option when it comes to a hydrating hair oil. With coconut and aloe, many people really love this natural, plant-based oil to drive some of that dryness right out.

They are multi-faceted

Obviously, we’ve talked about how hair oil can be used as a treatment of sorts, but that’s not all it can be used for. It can be added into your shampoo to help reduce the stripping effects shampoo can have. They can be added to conditioner, as aforementioned, to amp up your hair care. A hair oil can also be used as a scalp massage, pre-wash. After a long week of stress and not washing your hair, massaging your favorite oil throughout your roots is a nice touch not only for you but also your hair.

They won’t break the bank

Often times the hesitancy surrounding salon quality products is because they allegedly cost an arm and a leg. The truth is, you really don’t have to sacrifice quality for price. Most hair oils cost between $15 and $50. A salon quality hair oil, made with quality ingredients, is definitely worth spending a little bit more. Not to mention the fact that you aren’t using a hair oil in the same volume or (in some cases) frequency as other hair products.

Pretty much what I’m saying is, if you were thinking about trying out a hair oil, this is your sign! Do it. It’s just a small addition to your hair care routine that will make such a difference in your hair’s look and your confidence! The investment is well worth it.