Coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, you name it! Here is a quick and easy guide to find your way around the various types of oils for our hair.
For some time now in the world of haircare there has been a new beauty ally for our hair: we are talking about the now very popular oil masks, a cheap and easy way to nourish, moisturise and restructure our hair. The only ingredient needed to make them is, in fact, oil, which makes them on-the-go and affordable for everyone. Are you cleaning your house and planning to wash your hair as soon as you finish? Apply an oil to your hair, leave it on for as long as you want and then off to the shower. Unlike normal masks, oil masks can only be applied pre-shampoo and their strength lies in the fact that they can be left on for several hours without drying out the hair, nourishing it in the meantime.
HOW ARE OIL MASKS APPLIED?
The procedure is very simple: choose the oil you think is most suitable according to the result you want to achieve (or mix it for a boost of nutrients), moisten your hair with water and then apply it generously to your hair. Leave the mask on for half an hour or more and then rinse before proceeding with your usual routine.
WHICH HAIR OIL TO CHOOSE?
COCONUT OIL
One of the most popular and versatile oils for hair masks: ideal for all hair types, especially dry, dull, frizzy and damaged hair, it deeply moisturises, nourishes and repairs. As well as being rich in fatty acids, it brightens, retains moisture and thus prevents the hair from drying out and promotes growth. Its peculiarity is that it is an oil that is solid at room temperature and with cold, while with heat it melts. It can be applied to the hair either way, although for convenience we recommend warming it slightly in your hands or near a heat source before spreading it on the lengths.
JOJOBA OIL
If you have dry hair, jojoba oil is for you! This oil is in fact a great source of moisture for the hair, as well as being highly tolerable for the scalp, thanks to its molecular structure similar to that of naturally produced sebum. This is why it does not alter the skin’s balance and its normal secretion and can even be used several times a week. In addition, it also has emollient properties that somehow ‘soothe’ the hair which, from being damaged and brittle, regains its original shine and softness.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Rich in vitamin E, saturated fatty acids, magnesium and antioxidants, sweet almond oil is ideal for strengthening brittle hair and stimulating its growth, as it nourishes and moisturises the hair right from the follicle, also sealing its structure. But that’s not all: it also has conditioning, softening and nourishing properties perfect for damaged hair with split ends and for preventing frizz.
OLIVE OIL
Although olive oil is mainly relegated to food use, it can be a good alternative when we do not have other types of oil at home. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin E with antioxidant action – which helps the circulation of the scalp – and fatty acids (which promote hydration) it is excellent for restructuring, smoothing and protecting hair and for a last-minute hyration boost.
ARGAN OIL
Oily skin + dry, damaged hair? No problem: argan oil is perfect for those with ‘sebaceous’ scalp but who don’t want to give up nourishing their hair right from the scalp! Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, it is known to be a dry oil that is not greasy and, consequently, does not stimulate sebaceous gland overactivity, making it suitable for any type of scalp! Finally, it is suitable for invigorating, softening, fortifying, moisturising and making the lengths shinier and silkier.
WHEAT GERM OIL
If your goal is to have bright and shiny hair, then wheat germ oil will be your number one ally! Its main properties include the ability to reinvigorate damaged and weakened hair, to nourish and soften it thanks to its high vitamin E content and, of course, to give extreme shine to the hair.