Oils [1] are often essential to the overall health of your hair (especially if it's dry or damaged), but not all of them are created equal. Yes, there are a handful of oils out there with moisturising properties [2] that can soften your ends and nourish them from the inside out, but there are also oils that aren't meant for moisturising — and it's important for you to know the difference.
Put simply, some oils are meant for moisturising and others are meant for sealing. Moisturising oils do just that, and they can typically be used at the beginning or middle of your wash-day regimen, whereas sealants are typically used to follow moisturisers to lock in that hydration. Read ahead to see a few examples of both.
What Is a Moisturising Oil?
Moisturising oils are exactly what they sound like: they are oils that contain molecules small enough to penetrate the cuticle and hydrate the hair shaft.
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil — like Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil [4] ($13) — is one of the most common moisturising oils because it helps smooth frizz and promotes stronger, healthier hair growth.
Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil
Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil [5] ($8) or even the olive oil that you keep in your pantry can also be used as a staple in your haircare regimen. The oil is light enough so that it won't weigh down your hair, but its moisturising benefits are so effective that it can even be used as a deep conditioner.
Maple Holistics 100% Pure Avocado Oil
Maple Holistics 100% Pure Avocado Oil [6] ($10) is another light oil that's high in nutrients and also has the power to strengthen the hair and repair breakage. You can use this kind of oil in homemade hair masks, or you can apply it directly to your scalp as an overnight treatment.
What Is a Sealing Oil?
Sealing oils usually sit on top of the hair shaft. They work best when applied to hair that's already been moisturised because their job is to physically seal in that hydration.
Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil [7] ($9) is one of the most common kinds of sealing oils. It normally has a thicker consistency (which means it works best on thicker hair), and it's used by many as a way to strengthen hair while also promoting hair growth and fighting flaky, itchy scalp.
Now Solutions Organic Jojoba Oil
Now Solutions Organic Jojoba Oil [8] ($9) is strong enough to lock moisture into your strands but also light enough that it won't make your hair feel weighed down. As a bonus, it's also rich in vitamins and nutrients and can help promote curl elasticity and scalp health.
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil [9] ($49) is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E that can reduce frizz and keep your hair looking nice and shiny.
NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil
NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil [10] ($7) has healing properties that can help fight dry, flaky scalp and reduce inflammation.