From avocado oil to argan oil, natural oils extracted from nuts, seeds, and fruits can help strengthen your hair and enhance its texture. People turn to them, or products that contain them, for a variety of reasons, such as hair dryness, dullness, or damage. Because oils supply moisture to your scalp, they may also help eliminatedandruff.How to Use Natural Oils for HairThere are many different ways to introduce oils into your hair-care routine, including:Adding a few drops of your shampoo or conditionerApplying several drops to the ends of damp hair before blow-drying or stylingSlightly heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, massaging the oil into your hair, and letting it sit for a half hour before shampooing or rinsingAs a general rule, leave-in treatments are better suited to those with thick or dry/damaged hair, while a pre-shampoo treatment may be more helpful to those with fine hair.
From avocado oil to argan oil, natural oils extracted from nuts, seeds, and fruits can help strengthen your hair and enhance its texture. People turn to them, or products that contain them, for a variety of reasons, such as hair dryness, dullness, or damage. Because oils supply moisture to your scalp, they may also help eliminatedandruff.
How to Use Natural Oils for HairThere are many different ways to introduce oils into your hair-care routine, including:Adding a few drops of your shampoo or conditionerApplying several drops to the ends of damp hair before blow-drying or stylingSlightly heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, massaging the oil into your hair, and letting it sit for a half hour before shampooing or rinsingAs a general rule, leave-in treatments are better suited to those with thick or dry/damaged hair, while a pre-shampoo treatment may be more helpful to those with fine hair.
How to Use Natural Oils for Hair
There are many different ways to introduce oils into your hair-care routine, including:Adding a few drops of your shampoo or conditionerApplying several drops to the ends of damp hair before blow-drying or stylingSlightly heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, massaging the oil into your hair, and letting it sit for a half hour before shampooing or rinsingAs a general rule, leave-in treatments are better suited to those with thick or dry/damaged hair, while a pre-shampoo treatment may be more helpful to those with fine hair.
There are many different ways to introduce oils into your hair-care routine, including:
As a general rule, leave-in treatments are better suited to those with thick or dry/damaged hair, while a pre-shampoo treatment may be more helpful to those with fine hair.
1. Coconut Oil: Best for Hair Repair
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One of the most popular natural products for hair care,coconut oil, is loaded with lauric acid (a type of saturated fat). According to scientists, lauric acid found in coconut oil has the ability to penetrate inside the hair shaft and, in turn, repair damaged hair.
Touted for all hair types, coconut oil is widely favored for its moisture-boosting properties.
How to use:
- Olive Oil: Best for ConditioningZenShui/Michele Constantini/Getty ImagesLike coconut oil, olive oil is able to penetrate deep into hair’s fibers. In fact, the abundance of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil may play a key role in its conditioning properties.Studies have found that natural body heat allows olive oil to penetrate deeper into the shaft of a hair, leaving a thin layer on the outside. Even so, it needs to be used sparingly on the hair to avoid an oily, heavy look.Because it is so moisturizing, olive oil can save your hair from weather-related dryness during the winter months. Scrunching a few drops of olive oil into your hair can also help keep curls smooth.How to use:Pour between 2 tablespoons and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil into a small bowl.Massage the olive oil directly into the hair and scalp.Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes.When ready, shampoo and rinse.
2. Olive Oil: Best for Conditioning
ZenShui/Michele Constantini/Getty Images
Like coconut oil, olive oil is able to penetrate deep into hair’s fibers. In fact, the abundance of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil may play a key role in its conditioning properties.
Studies have found that natural body heat allows olive oil to penetrate deeper into the shaft of a hair, leaving a thin layer on the outside. Even so, it needs to be used sparingly on the hair to avoid an oily, heavy look.
Because it is so moisturizing, olive oil can save your hair from weather-related dryness during the winter months. Scrunching a few drops of olive oil into your hair can also help keep curls smooth.
3. Argan Oil: Best for Dyed Hair
Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty Images
Argan oilcomes from the kernels of a tree native to Morocco. In recent years, this oil has become a beloved treatment for many hair types, including frizzy, coarse, and brittle hair.
The Surprising Benefits of Lauric Acid for Your Skin and Health
- Jojoba Oil: Best for Thinning HairLiga Cerina / EyeEm / Getty ImagesThe seeds of thejojobaplant are high in liquid wax and essential fatty acids found to have robust moisturizing properties.Long used in shampoos and conditioners,jojoba oilcan help soften and restore luster to dull hair. In addition, it may help treatdry scalpand aid in dandruff control.A 2021 study from Egypt concluded that jojoba oil effectively penetrates the hair follicle, reducing protein loss that can contribute to thinning hair. It also appears to reduce hair breakage and strip body oils (sebum) that can leave your hair looking greasy.How to use:Mix 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil.Massage the oil through your hair and scalp.Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the oil in for at least one hour.When ready, shampoo and rinse.
4. Jojoba Oil: Best for Thinning Hair
Liga Cerina / EyeEm / Getty Images
The seeds of thejojobaplant are high in liquid wax and essential fatty acids found to have robust moisturizing properties.
Long used in shampoos and conditioners,jojoba oilcan help soften and restore luster to dull hair. In addition, it may help treatdry scalpand aid in dandruff control.
A 2021 study from Egypt concluded that jojoba oil effectively penetrates the hair follicle, reducing protein loss that can contribute to thinning hair. It also appears to reduce hair breakage and strip body oils (sebum) that can leave your hair looking greasy.
- Avocado Oil: Best for Smoother, Shinier HairWestend61 / Getty ImagesAvocados are a rich source ofvitamin E(anantioxidantcompound found to fight hair loss when taken in supplement form).While it is unclear whether avocado oil can prevent hair loss when applied to the scalp, it is known to contain fatty acids and minerals that help seal the outermost layer of hair strands (called thecuticle). This can help your hair look smoother and shinier and prevent it from breaking.How to apply:Apply 2 to 3 tablespoons of avocado oil onto a cotton ball and press it into your scalp.Massage the oil with your fingertips for five to 10 minutes.Leave it on for at least one hour.Wash your hair as usual with a mild shampoo to remove the oil.
5. Avocado Oil: Best for Smoother, Shinier Hair
Westend61 / Getty Images
Avocados are a rich source ofvitamin E(anantioxidantcompound found to fight hair loss when taken in supplement form).
While it is unclear whether avocado oil can prevent hair loss when applied to the scalp, it is known to contain fatty acids and minerals that help seal the outermost layer of hair strands (called thecuticle). This can help your hair look smoother and shinier and prevent it from breaking.
How to apply:
- Sweet Almond Oil: Best for UV Protectionfcafotodigita / Getty ImagesOne of the lighter choices, sweet almond oil is thought to treat dullness and dryness without weighing hair down. Many people also value sweet almond oil as a natural solution for dry scalp and dandruff.As an added bonus, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect againstultraviolet (UV) radiationwhich can cause hair dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and decreased luster.How to apply:Add a small amount of sweet almond oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil slightly.Massage the oil into your hair.Leave the oil in your hair while you style it.
6. Sweet Almond Oil: Best for UV Protection
fcafotodigita / Getty Images
One of the lighter choices, sweet almond oil is thought to treat dullness and dryness without weighing hair down. Many people also value sweet almond oil as a natural solution for dry scalp and dandruff.
As an added bonus, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect againstultraviolet (UV) radiationwhich can cause hair dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and decreased luster.
- Grapeseed Oil: Best for Frizz and Split EndsMaximilian Stock Ltd. / Getty ImagesAnother lighter option,grapeseed oilis a smart choice for people with fine hair. Along with easing frizz, this antioxidant-rich oil may help treat split ends.Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry and brittle due to extreme weather conditions or when blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair.A 2023 study found that grapeseed oil was superior to other oils in repairing frizz, split ends, and other damage, especially when applied directly to the hair. It can also enhance the brightness and color of hair without making it look greasy.How to apply:Add a small amount of sweet almond oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil slightly.Massage the oil into your hair.Leave the oil in your hair as you style it.
7. Grapeseed Oil: Best for Frizz and Split Ends
Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Getty Images
Another lighter option,grapeseed oilis a smart choice for people with fine hair. Along with easing frizz, this antioxidant-rich oil may help treat split ends.
Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry and brittle due to extreme weather conditions or when blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair.
A 2023 study found that grapeseed oil was superior to other oils in repairing frizz, split ends, and other damage, especially when applied directly to the hair. It can also enhance the brightness and color of hair without making it look greasy.
- Macadamia Nut Oil: Best for ManageabilityVOISIN / Getty ImagesAn exceptionally rich oil,macadamia oilis a popular remedy for dried-out but naturally thick hair. It is also used to fight frizz and repair heat-damaged hair.Macadamia oil is able to penetrate hair in the same way as natural skin oils as it contains similar components.Because of this, you can apply a few drops to very thick or curly hair prior to combing to reduce snagging and tangling—and without unnecessary greasiness.How to use:Add a small amount of macadamia oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil.Apply the oil to your hair.Leave the oil in your hair and style it as usual.
8. Macadamia Nut Oil: Best for Manageability
VOISIN / Getty Images
An exceptionally rich oil,macadamia oilis a popular remedy for dried-out but naturally thick hair. It is also used to fight frizz and repair heat-damaged hair.
Macadamia oil is able to penetrate hair in the same way as natural skin oils as it contains similar components.
Because of this, you can apply a few drops to very thick or curly hair prior to combing to reduce snagging and tangling—and without unnecessary greasiness.
9. Baobab Oil: Best for Curly Hair
Valentin Casarsa / Getty Images
Although it’s one of the lesser-known oils, baobab oil is a favorite among those with curly hair. Sourced from the fruit of the baobab tree native to Africa, this oil is said to enhance hair’s elasticity, increase suppleness, and add a non-greasy shine.
This is important because African hair exhibits lower moisturization and moisture retention when compared with Asian or White hair.
10. Rosemary Oil: Best of Hair Regrowth
Judith Haeusler
Some studies suggest thatrosemary oilmay promote hair growth. One study published inSkinmedicinereported that rosemary oil was just as effective in increasing hair count asminoxidil, the active ingredient in the hair growth productRogaine.
The reason for this effect is unclear.
11. Tea Tree Oil: Best for Treating Dandruff
Studies have reported that tea tree oil is rich in aromatic compounds calledterpenesthat have antimicrobial properties and resist the attachment of yeasts that give rise to seborrheic dermatitis and other causes of dandruff.
Risks of Using Natural Oils on Your Scalp
The biggest risk of using natural oils on your scalp is skin irritation or an allergic reaction, known ascontact dermatitis.
Signs and symptoms of skin irritation may include:
Always dilute highly potent oils (such as essential oils) in a carrier oil, and use a small amount on your skin first to be sure you are not sensitive to the product.
Summary
Some of these oils are readily found on grocery store shelves, like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil. Others like argan oil, baobab oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and sweet almond oil may be found in health food shops or drugstores.
These oils may be applied to directly the ends of the hair, added to shampoo, or used for leave-in hair treatments.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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