Best Oils For Natural 4c Hair Growth
Choosing the right oils for your natural 4c hair can be one of the most overwhelming beauty decisions that you can make. There are so many amazing oils from all over the world that can either be a benefit or a detriment to your hair care routine. Using the wrong oils, or even using too much of a good thing, can cause your hair to be dry and weighed down. What’s worse, using oils incorrectly can be a waste of money – and no one wants that. Fortunately, we’ll be breaking down some of the most popular oils in the natural hair care community. We’ll discuss what they are, what the benefits are, and how to use them properly.
JOJOBA OIL
What is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrubs that grow naturally in South America. The seeds are cold-pressed for their oils and are best left unrefined.
How does jojoba oil work?
Since jojoba is an emollient that contains a wealth of anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and vitamins, it produces a moisturizing effect that nearly mimics sebum.
Why is jojoba oil important?
If you struggle with moisturization or dandruff, then jojoba oil is an excellent addition to your hair care routine. High-quality jojoba oil can greatly improve the shine quality and health of your hair.
Things to consider when buying jojoba oil:
- Ensure the first ingredient is jojoba oil
- Only choose 100% organic, unrefined to avoid allergic reactions
- True jojoba oil is yellow to goldish in color
- Pure jojoba oil absorbs quickly
Tips for using jojoba oil:
- Jojoba oil is always safe to apply topically, but never consume it
- For extra moisture, add jojoba to your spray bottle
- Jojoba oil is perfect for pre-pooing
- Jojoba oil is a great heat protectant
ARGAN OIL
What is Argan oil?
Argan oil is made from the seeds of the fruit on an argan tree in Morocco. These seeds are rigorously dried, roasted, and pressed to extract the argan oil.
How does Argan oil work?
Argan oil contains vitamin E and various antioxidants that nourish hair and boost the production of amino acids. Due to these attributes, argan oil is a great moisturizer and sealant.
Are there different types of Argan oil?
Argan oil can be food grade and cosmetic grade. When using argan oil for hair care, only choose cosmetic grade. This reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions and increases the quality of absorption.
Why is Argan oil important?
Argan oil is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a sealant, moisturizer, de-frizzing agent, and heat protectant. It strengthens hair, reduces inflammation, and can be added to almost any type of product.
Things to consider when buying Argan oil:
- Argan oil is expensive, so use it sparingly
- True Argan oil comes in a dark bottle to protect it from light degradation
- Pure Argan oil should have a deep golden color to it
Tips for using Argan oil:
- Apply it as a heat protectant
- Add to DIY hair masks for anti-frizzing and promoting moisturization
- Apply a little argan oil to reduce shrinkage
ALMOND OIL
What is Almond Oil?
Almond oil comes from the pressed nuts of almond trees. These nuts are extracted shortly afterwards through cold-pressing.
How does Almond Oil work?
Almond oil contains a plethora of proteins, fatty acids, and various vitamins. These properties are great for penetrating the hair shaft and creating a nourishing environment for hair.
What are the different types of almond oil?
There are times when you’ll see products saying almond oil or sweet almond oil. Almond oil is a combination of bitter and sweet almonds. Whereas sweet almond oil is made exclusively of sweet almonds. The main difference is that sweet almond oil is lighter.
Why is almond oil important?
There are a medley of benefits to almond oil. It’s great for softening hair, reducing breakage, and stimulating hair growth.
Things to consider when buying almond oil:
- If you’re allergic to almonds, then almond oil isn’t for you
- Almond oil is not a good product for heat styling. It can actually fry your hair.
Tips for using almond oil
- Almond oil is great for weekly application after styling.
- Apply almond oil to your hair to protect it from UV damage
- Make sure to add it to your conditioners and co-washes
CASTOR OIL
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is made from the seeds of the castor plant. Primarily grown in India and Africa. The castor seeds can be cold-pressed or roasted and then heated to extract the oils from the seed.
How does castor oil work?
Castor oil is a well-known humectant. It contains vitamin E and fatty acids like omega-6 and 9 that helps to nourish hair. Castor oil can be directly applied to the skin, or scalp, or used as a nutritional supplement.
What are the different types of castor oil?
There are two types of castor oil: yellow and Jamaican black. The benefits of both oils are the same, the only difference is the way that they’re made. Jamaica black castor oil is roasted and then heated to get the oils, whereas yellow is simply cold-pressed.
Why is castor oil important?
Castor oil is great for retaining moisture. It’s also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which makes it a great product to combat dandruff.
Things to consider when buying castor oil:
- Yellow castor oil is considered the superior oil. Usually yellow doesn’t have as long of a refinement process and won’t experience heat and chemicals.
- Many people can have an allergy to castor oil. If you experience itching, a rash, or swelling, stop using it immediately.
- Consider mixing your castor oil with other oils to reduce how sticky it is.
Tips for using castor oil:
- Castor oil is considered a carrier oil. You can use it in combination with other essential oils to help with hair growth.
- Your hair can reap the benefits of castor oil from vitamin supplements as well. However, make sure you talk to your doctor before use. This can be dangerous for pregnant women.
COCONUT OIL
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is made from the fat of coconut fruits of the coconut tree. Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut’s inner flesh.
How does coconut oil work?
Coconut oil is mostly made up of saturated fats and lauric acid. These properties make coconut oil an excellent carrier oil as well as a nourishing protectant for hair.
Why is coconut oil important?
Coconut oil is important because of its antimicrobial properties as well as its protecting ones. Since it’s so fatty, it sits on the hair and creates a barrier that prevents different bacteria from irritating the scalp.
Things to consider when buying coconut oil:
- Pure coconut oil always solidifies at room temperature
- Always check the ingredients on your coconut oil to make sure that it’s healthy for hair
- Coconut oil tends to be a bit thick, but it mixes well with other essential oils
Tips for using coconut oil:
- Coconut oil should not be used daily since it does not absorb into the scalp quickly.
- Coconut oil is best used as a pre-poo. You can mix it with other ingredients to help reduce breakage.
- Try using coconut oil as a styler since it reduces frizz.