I often get asked the question, ‘does oil moisturize hair?’. The short answer is yes. Oil doesn’t just moisturize hair, it can also strengthen the hair fibers down to their roots, especially if the hair damage is caused by heat.
However, oils don’t have water in them, which is essential for true moisturizing. Yet, they moisturize your hair and scalp. How does that happen? Well, that leads us to the long answer.
In this short guide, I’ll explain how oil works through your hair and how to properly apply it for the best results.
How Does Oil Moisturize Hair?
Oil moisturizes hair by acting as a “sealant” to lock in moisture already present in the hair and scalp.
After all, oil doesn’t mix with water, right? Go ahead and put a spoonful of oil in a water cup and try your best to mix it; the oil will always float on top.
The same concept applies here. While oil doesn’t directly add moisture to your hair, it can help lock in the already existing moisturization.
This “indirect” moisturization is especially effective in hot or arid environments, where people’s scalps get scaly because of the constant water evaporation that leads to dehydration.
But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s consult science.
A 2015 Study concluded that oil can revive damaged hair with its ability to retain moisturization.
The results are further supplemented by a 2021 Study, which found that coconut oil can directly strengthen hair fibers. The more you Google the subject, the more studies you’ll find.
So, the fact remains that the concept works. However, improper usage of oil can also damage your hair, so let’s explain how to oil up your hair the right way to get the best results.
Note: Before we go any further, we need to emphasize that we’re talking only about hair oils (like coconut oil). The little experiment we mentioned earlier can be done using cooking oil, but you should never use that kind of oil on your scalp.
How to Use Hair Oil Properly
Step 1: Choose the Right Oil
Select a suitable carrier oil based on your hair type. Common options include coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and almond oil.
If you have oily hair, lighter oils like grapeseed or almond may be preferable. You can also consider mixing in essential oils for added benefits.
Step 2: Warm the Oil
Warm (not heat) your oil of choice slightly before you apply it. Warming the oil enhances its ability to penetrate the hair cuticles more effectively.
Step 3: Apply to Dry Hair
Apply the oil to dry hair for optimal results. Start by pouring a small amount (1-5 pumps depending on hair length) into your palms and rub them together.
Focus on distributing the oil evenly from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, then gently massage it for 10–15 minutes.
Note: If you have an oily scalp, do your best to avoid letting the oil touch your scalp. In that case, you’ll also skip the massage part of this step.
Step 4: Wrap Your Hair
After applying the oil, tie your hair into a loose bun and wrap it with a warm cloth or a shower cap.
This helps keep the heat in, allowing for deeper penetration of the oil into your hair and scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse using a gentle shampoo, and you’re done.
Note: Some people tighten the wrapping for best results. This is a big mistake because it causes tension and hair breakage. Gentle wrapping would do; you only need to keep the heat in.
Final Words
In conclusion, we can say that “proper usage” or “good hair oils” can indeed moisturize your hair, which leads to healing and strengthens the hair.
However, improper usage of hair oils can do more harm than good, so use this guide to get the best results.