Oil Treatment for Black Hair

What does your hair need?

Decide what your hair needs before using any oil treatment. Use oil treatments for sealing in moisture, strengthening the hair shaft and softening the hair. Choose natural oils for treatments. Ask people with hair similar to yours what oils they use to treat their hair, and how they use them.

Moisturizing

Black hair tends to be drier than hair of other races.

Moisturizing is tricky for black hair. Over-moisturizing causes weakness by making the hair soft and "mushy" in texture. Under-moisturizing leaves hair prone to breakage and split ends because the hair is dry and brittle. Use oil as a treatment to seal in moisture. Apply your regular moisturizer to your hair and then seal it in with a quarter-size amount of grape seed oil or olive oil. Rub the oil between your palms and then apply it evenly all over your hair, paying close attention to the ends.

Hair Elasticity

Dry hair loses its elasticity and is prone to breakage.

Hair elasticity is another important factor affected by the use of oils on your hair. While not all oils penetrate the shaft of the hair, they do make the hair softer and more pliable. Properly moisturized and sealed hair is elastic and does not break easily from daily combing and styling. Apply light oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil to the hair daily or every two days as needed.

Hot Oil Treatments

Wrap a warm towel around your head to create a warming hot oil treatment.

Hot oil treatments can help to soften and condition hair. Warm the oil in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave or in a double broiler on the stovetop. Apply a handful or more to your hair. Massage the oil into your scalp and from the root to tip of your hair. Wrap your head in a warmed towel or place a plastic shower cap on your head, and sit under the dryer for 15 minutes. Use heavier oils such as coconut oil, olive oil or avocado oil for hot oil treatments.

Choosing Your Oil

Decide which oil to use based upon the application of the oil. If you plan to leave the oil in your hair, then lighter weight oils will be better. Jojoba , sweet almond and grape seed oils are great for leaving in the hair. Jojoba oil is the oil most like our scalp's natural sebum. Olive oil and coconut oil work well for heavier applications such as sealing in moisturizers. Choose heavier oil for a hot oil treatment because you will be washing your hair afterward. Avocado oil, coconut oil and Castor oil work well for hot oil treatments.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have additional benefits for your hair. For example, rosemary oil can darken gray hair as well as stimulate the scalp. Add essential oils to your hot oil treatments, seals and daily applications.

References

• Purcell Jojoba Internationa: Jojoba Benefits
• Rogaine Hair: Rosemary for hair
• Essential Herb Garden: Using Chamomile herb tea for hair... Lighten your hair

Resources

• Healthy Oil Planet: Using Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair Moisturizing and Deep Conditioning