Having beautiful hair is partly about genetics, but you can also achieve its health with proper care. A hair oil should be at the end of your hair routine. By using it as a final step, you can transform even the driest ends beyond recognition.
Hair oil as a functional protective barrier
Did you know there is a science of hair called trichology? According to this science, it is a functional barrier that ideally complements the effect of the balm. How can he do that? It creates an occlusive (protective) layer on the hair. The balm or conditioner itself has a more acidic pH and active, cationic substances that smooth the hair scales.
The oil locks the effect of the balm and shampoo. Together, this trio protects the hair from damage and improves its appearance. Among the best hair oils are those that do not leave the hair greasy, but add the necessary elasticity and shine.
Hair oil is not only about instant visual beauty, it also protects the hair fiber from future split ends and damage. Split ends can only be removed by a skilled hairdresser, but the oil will mask the damage. The oil will also protect the hair in contact with clothes or pillows, which most cause friction and weakening of the hair fiber.
How to choose hair oil?
“A good hair oil does not create greasiness, but the illusion that your hair has never experienced stress,” this is how hair stylists simply describe a high-quality product. When choosing an oil, it is necessary to know how porous your hair is. How do you recognize this parameter?
- Low porosity hair (smooth, firm): They have scales close together. In order for the oil to penetrate through their tight structure, they need saturated fatty acids with small molecules. The ideal choice is therefore coconut oil, babassu oil or shea butter.
- Medium porosity hair: They represent the golden mean. Light oils with a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (Omega-9), such as argan, almond or jojoba oil, are ideal for them.
- High porosity hair (dry, chemically damaged, curly): They already have an open structure and absorb and lose moisture very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to supply them with oils with large molecules that envelop and fill the hair, for example linseed, grape, hemp oil or black cumin oil.
The right choice of oil will ensure that your hair does not fall flat. You will give them life, elasticity and airiness. Consistency is also important. You should include oils in your hair routine just like shampoo.
Are you following the correct sequence of hair care steps?
In hair care, not only the product itself is important, but also the method of its use. The individual steps of hair care have a fixed order that will contribute to strengthening the hair. So follow these three steps:
- Step one – hair cleaning: The first step is always shampoo, which effectively washes away dirt and grease. Quality shampoos have a slightly acidic or neutral pH (around 5.0-5.5), so they do not open the hair scales. Cleaning takes place thanks to surface-active substances (surfactants) that emulsify the dirt. Then apply a conditioner or a mask that hydrates and smooths the hair.
- Step two – no-rinse care: After gentle drying with a towel (never rub the hair, it is ideal to use a turban), a leave-in conditioner spray or cream follows for easier detangling.
- Step three – applying oil: It’s time for the oil itself. If you apply it to damp hair before blow-drying, you will make styling it easier. If you apply it to dry hair as the last step after styling, you’ll fix the hairstyle, smooth out stray hairs and give them a luxurious shine. Please note that at high temperatures during blow-drying, it is also advisable to use a thermal protection product.
You can also use hair oil for so-called hair oiling, when you apply it for several hours to treat your hair or skin. If you decide to oil your skin, use pure natural oils that prevent dryness or dandruff. Rosemary, castor or caraway oil are ideal.
Beware of common drugstore serums containing silicones, which are labeled as oils, but are applied exclusively to the hair from approximately the level of the ears down. These preparations are not suitable for the skin. On the contrary, pure oils are intensive and caring products that provide nourishment to the scalp and a mirror-like shine to the hair.
