Healthy hair is hair that is strong, grows well, and appears vibrant and shiny. There are a lot of ingredients that go into the recipe that is gorgeous, healthy hair: a balanced diet is key, as is rest and stress reduction. Shampoos and conditioners that lack parabens and sulfates are also important. But, in a sea of hair care products sold at Sephora and Ulta, you may be overlooking the benefits of natural oils for stronger hair — oils you may even have in your pantry right this minute.
Ready to go shopping (without leaving your house?). These four ultra-strengthening hair oils can be used daily or as part of your shampoo day haircare routine for thicker, healthier strands.
Olive Oil
It’s great on food and amazing on your hair and scalp — who knew olive oil had so many benefits? Organic olive oil has nourishing antioxidants and deeply hydrating qualities. It’s ideal for frizzy, dry, damaged hair and can help coat your hair shaft and even banish dandruff from your scalp. If your plan is to add it as a serum, apply it sparingly — a little goes a long way and will impart shine and manageability to your hair. But you can also massage it on your scalp and throughout strands and leave it on for 20 minutes as a mask. Wash your hair well and rinse it with cold water to help seal the shaft.
Coconut Oil
Another common oil many people have at home is coconut oil — and it’s one that can repair brittle strands and help encourage new growth. Coconut oil (organic is best) makes a fantastic hair mask. Apply it to your scalp only if you don’t have an oily scalp — if you do, only apply it to strands. Wrap your hair up in a clip and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing and conditioning it.
Castor Oil
At first touch, castor oil will feel a lot thicker and more emollient than some other oils — your hair won’t need a lot to benefit from it. This moisturizing oil seems to have everything your hair craves, including the fatty acid ricinoleic acid for hair growth stimulation, vitamin E, and omega-6. You can apply it to your scalp and hair and leave it on for a few hours or even overnight (protect your pillow with a pillowcase that won’t stain). And it pairs beautifully with other oils like rosemary oil, which stimulates hair follicle growth, and aloe vera.
Amla Oil
Amla oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and one unique benefit is that is has been found to strengthen hair, help it growth longer and stronger, and maybe even ward off premature grays. It’s rich in vitamin E and does a good job at reducing frizz and moisturizing dry, brittle hair. Apply a few drops to your scalp and hair and leave it one for two hours before shampooing and conditioning your hair.
