“Are certain oils for hair growth? What is the difference between sealing and penetrating oils? If I am a type 2 can I use the same oils for hair growth as a type 4?”
If this whole natural lifestyle isn’t overwhelming, I don’t know what is!
You almost need a chemistry degree to figure out what you should be using on your natural tresses. I know your schedule is already crazy busy, so let’s dive right in.
“Which oils should I be using for hair growth?”
Here is the long short of figuring it all out. Oils are a necessity for curly girls, but before you decide which oil is right for you, do a strand test . It is very important to know if your hair leans more to the hydrophobic (resistant to water”> or hydrophilic (water-loving”> side. Remember, before you do the test make sure you have clarified your hair to remove all of your product build-up.
If you have hydrophobic hair:
- Clarify to remove build-up. If you have heavy build-up present, oils won’t penetrate. A great clarifying shampoo is Original Moxie Get Fresh.
- Perform a steam treatment with a great moisturizing deep conditioner like Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner. The steam helps to swell the hair strands and slightly raise the cuticle. Rinse with cool water to close the cuticle, and lock the penetrating oils in.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner with a water (liquid”> base to wet hair UpNorth Naturals Go-2 Leave In Hair Milk is a great pick. Stay away from hardening proteins and heavy silicones.
What is a penetrating oil?
Like the name, this kind of oil has a molecular makeup small enough to penetrate the hair strands. It is a great idea to have the right penetrating oils in your deep conditioner and leave-in. You may also chose to use a pure form of penetrating oil after you apply your leave-in.
Try one of these penetrating oils for nonporous hair:
- Kendi Oil (which is also for porous hair”> adds shine and rich in omega 3,6, and 9 this can be found in Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil.
- Argan Oil- Promotes healthy scalp and rich in Vitamin E.
- Grapeseed Oil-Improves elasticity in hair. Has the ability to clean the walls of damaged capillaries.
- Almond Oil- Treats hair loss and rich in both Vitamin E and magnesium.
Are sealing oils necessary?
Sealing oils do just that, they seal the moisture and penetrating oils in. Sealing oils should be present in your leave-ins, creams, and styling products.
Some of my favorite sealing oils:
- Mango Butter is great for adding hydration and moisture.
- Muru Muru Butter locks in moisture and promotes shine.
- Cupuacu Butter is great for absorbing water and promotes healthy scalp. A great product for this is Original Moxie Emollience.
- Jojoba Oil moisturizes, adds shine and promotes scalp health.
Steps for hydrophilic hair
1. Clarify to remove the build up of heavy products. A great sulfate free option is Surface Purify Shampoo.
2. Deep condition with a flexible protein. Amaranth protein found in Surface Hair Care Trinity One Shot helps reconstruct damaged hair, lubricates the shaft, and combats humidity.
3. Your leave-in should have the ability to start the sealing process with great oils. I love Surface Trinity Tonic and Trinity Protein Cream.
Penetrating oils
- Coconut oil is said to prevent protein loss in hair.
- Babassu oil adds strength to weak strands.
- Avocado oil has antioxidant properties and protects against further heat damage.
It is important to find oils that have the ability to repair once they enter the cuticle.
Sealing Oils
- Castor Oil helps retain moisture and helps repair damage.
- Olive Oil moisturizes and adds elasticity.
- Shea Butter seals in moisture and helps protect against UV rays. Soultanicals Can’t Believe It’s Knot Butta is packed full of great sealing oils suchs as shea butter, mango butter, and castor oil.
Some oils can be used on both porous and non-porous hair, but remember: it is important to learn what your hair needs, and there is no ‘one oil fits all.’
Which oils do you use to seal?
We want to know what products have your favorite penetrating and sealing oils. Join the discussion by posting your comment your fave products.
