Salon Trusted, believes in guiding our customers on the ultimate hair care products and brands. In this guide, we will be exploring the benefits of hair oils. First, we provide you with an overview of oiling your hair. Then we will tell you the types of hair oils out there that are available in the UK. Once we have those listed, we will explore the top benefits you can get from using the best hair oils for your hair.
Since every single one of you has a unique hair type, we will help guide you in finding the hair oil best for your hair type. Some of you may be new to hair oil routines, so we will chalk out the most common mistakes newbies make, so you can avoid them. We are going to explore the best ways for you to maximise the benefits of oiling your hair.
5 Tips for Your Hair Oil Routine
A great hair oiling routine is a long-term investment in your hair care. Do it right and you will end up with the best and the healthiest hair out there.
1. Understand Your Hair Type
Is your hair straight, wavy or curly,? Is it fine, medium, or thick? Does your scalp get oily, dry, or stay balanced?
Are you going to use hair oil to address your dryness, split ends, or frizz? Is it going to be used for hair loss or thinning? What is your scalp condition like? Do you have dandruff or sensitivity? Is your hair colour-treated or chemically-treated hair?
3. Add Oiling to Your Custom Hair Care Routine
In the morning, you can gently cleanse with a suitable shampoo,use conditioner in the ends, and use leave-in products for styling or protection (such as heat protectant, volumising spray, etc.). In the evening, you can apply hair oil or serum for hydration, and brush gently to distribute.
4. Protecting from Heat
We are all guilty of overusing heat tools. You can use hair oil to restore the hair from the resulting damage and dryness caused by using heat styling. Additionally, you can use alternative stylings such as air-drying tips or heat-free waves.
5. Add Oiling to Your Seasonal Care
In the winter, combat dryness with a combination of masks and hair oils. In the summer, use the right hair oils to protect your hair from UV, chlorine, etc.
Argan Oil is best for dry, frizzy, or damaged hair. More commonly known as ‘liquid gold’ as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It helps moisturise, smooth out frizz, and add shine without weighing down your hair. Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair and focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
We recommend using Schwarzkopf Oil Ultime Finishing Oil Argan 100ml designed for normal to thick hair types it softens and enhances the natural shine of the hair helping to defrizz and protect the hair.
2. Wheat Oil
It is best for extremely damaged hair. Wheat is a protein that strengthens the hair shaft, provides moisture and adds shine to your hair. It can also provide a great benefit to people with thinning hair.
It is best for weak, thinning hair or promoting growth. It is high in ricinoleic acid and boosts circulation to the scalp, strengthens strands, and encourages hair growth. Massage into the scalp for a growth-boosting treatment, or mix with a lighter oil like coconut for easier application.
4. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is best for oily scalp, dandruff, or sensitive skin. It mimics the natural sebum of the scalp, helping balance oil production and soothe dryness. It is lightweight and non-greasy. Apply directly to the scalp for a soothing treatment or use a few drops on the ends for hydration.
For those with curls we suggest using Matrix A Curl Can Dream Oil 150ml infused with sunflower seed oil also. This is the perfect finisher to separate out curls and add shine.
5. Rose Oil
It is best for stressed hair and scalp care. It is rich in vitamins which help in prompting hair growth and also includes anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the scalp.
Hair oils are the most natural means of protecting and nourishing your hair.
Here are some of the benefits you can get by adding hair oiling to your hair care routine:
1. Deeply Nourishes and Moisturises Hair
Hair oils penetrate the hair shaft to deliver essential nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids. They restore moisture, leaving hair soft, smooth, and manageable, especially for dry or damaged strands.
2. Strengthens Hair and Reduces Breakage
Oils like castor and argan oil help reinforce the hair’s structure, reducing split ends and breakage. Regular oiling coats and protects the hair, preventing wear and tear caused by styling or environmental factors.
3. Improves Scalp Health
Massaging oil into the scalp increases blood circulation, promoting healthier hair growth. Certain oils, like tea tree or jojoba, also help soothe scalp conditions like dandruff, dryness, or itchiness.
4. Protects Against Damage
Oils form a protective barrier around the hair, shielding it from heat styling, UV rays, and pollution. Coconut oil, in particular, helps minimise protein loss during washing and heat exposure.
5. Boosts Shine and Reduces Frizz
Hair oils smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing natural shine. They also tame flyaways and make hair look healthier and more polished.
Best Hair Oils for Different Hair Types
Since you may have a unique hair type, your hair oiling routine will differ from individuals with other hair types.
Here’s how:
1. Fine or Thin Hair
For your hair type, it is recommended that you use jojoba oil or argan oil. The jojoba oil is lightweight and non-greasy and it hydrates without weighing hair down. The argan oil adds shine and smoothness while being gentle on fine hair. These oils mimic natural sebum and provide hydration and protection without making hair limp.
2. Thick or Coarse Hair
For your hair type, your recommended hair oils are coconut oil or shea butter oil. The coconut oil deeply moisturises and tames frizz. The shea butter oil adds intense hydration and makes thick hair more manageable. Thicker hair types benefit from heavier oils that can penetrate deeply and provide long-lasting hydration.
3. Curly or Coily Hair
For your hair type, it is recommended that you use castor oil or sweet almond oil. The castor oil promotes growth and locks in moisture, perfect for curl definition. The sweet almond oil softens hair and enhances curl texture. These oils combat dryness and help curls maintain their natural bounce and definition.
4. Oily Hair and Scalp
For hair that is usually oily, it is recommended that you use grapeseed oil or diluted tea tree oil. The grapeseed oil balances scalp oil production and is ultra-lightweight. While using a diluted version of the tea tree oil soothes the scalp and combats excess oil or dandruff. These lightweight, clarifying oils help balance the scalp without clogging your pores.
5. Dry or Damaged Hair
For dry and damaged hair, you should use olive oil or avocado oil. The olive oil is intensely nourishing and helps repair damaged strands. The avocado oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids for deep repair. These oils restore lost moisture and help heal brittle or chemically treated hair.
Common Mistakes Everyone Makes When Using Hair Oil
Here are some of the common mistakes in hair oiling and how to avoid them:
1. You Use Too Much Oil
The Problem:
You apply excessive oil which can leave your hair greasy and weigh it down, and make it hard to wash out.
How to Avoid:
Start with 1–2 pumps or a teaspoon of oil and add more only if needed, depending on your hair length and thickness.
2. You Apply Oil to Dirty Hair
The Problem:
You apply oil to dirty hair and the oil doesn’t penetrate as effectively when applied to your hair coated with dirt, sweat, or product buildup.
How to Avoid:
Always apply oil to clean, slightly damp hair for better absorption.
3. You Skip the Scalp or the Ends
The Problem:
You ignore the scalp and it misses out on stimulating growth. And by neglecting your ends, you can leave them dry and prone to breakage.
How to Avoid:
Massage oil into the scalp to promote blood flow, and focus on the ends to prevent splitting and dryness.
4. You Don’t Wash It Out Properly
The Problem:
You do a quick wash and leave oil residue inside your hair. It can attract dirt and clog the scalp which results in dandruff or dull-looking hair.
How to Avoid:
Use a clarifying or sulphate-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly. You may need to shampoo twice for heavier oils like castor or coconut.
5. You Use the Wrong Oil for Your Hair Type
The Problem:
You don’t know which hair oil to use for your type and you end up using the wrong one. Remember thick oils such as coconut oil can weigh down fine hair, while lightweight oils such as jojoba may not provide enough moisture for coarse or curly hair.
Here are a few ways you can add more benefits and use your hair oil optimally for your hair type:
1. Warm the Oil Before Application
Warming the oil slightly (not too hot) helps it penetrate the hair shaft and scalp more effectively. Place the oil bottle in a bowl of warm water or heat a small amount in your palms before applying.
2. Massage Your Scalp Regularly
Massaging improves blood circulation, which nourishes hair follicles and encourages growth. Use your fingertips to massage in circular motions for 5–10 minutes after applying oil. This also helps reduce stress.
3. Use as an Overnight Treatment
Leaving the oil on overnight gives it more time to work, deeply hydrating and repairing your hair. Apply oil generously, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or towel, and wash it out in the morning.
4. Combine with Steam for Deep Conditioning
Steam opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the oil to penetrate deeply and lock in moisture. After applying oil, cover your hair with a hot towel for 15–20 minutes before rinsing.
5. Be Consistent
Regular use of hair oil builds long-term strength, moisture, and health for your hair. Incorporate oiling into your routine at least once a week for the best results.
Tools and Accessories to Power Up Your Hair Oiling
Here are a few tools and accessories you can use for your hair oiling:
1. Scalp Massager Brush
A great scalp massager brush enhances circulation while evenly distributing oil across the scalp. After applying oil, use the massager to gently rub the scalp in circular motions for 5–10 minutes.
2. Wide-Tooth Comb
The wide-tooth combs detangle your hair without causing breakage, ensuring oil is evenly distributed from roots to ends. Comb through oiled hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to avoid tangling.
3. Shower Cap or Microfibre Towel
The shower caps or microfibre towels trap heat, allowing the oil to penetrate deeper for a more effective treatment. Cover your oiled hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a hot, damp microfiber towel for 15–20 minutes.
Buy the Best Hair Oils from Salon Trusted
Salon Trusted has a great range of hair oils for various hair types. We know that oiling your hair means giving it the best natural nourishment out there.
