While this winter has been mild by most standards, the colder temperatures have continued to dry out our skin, our nails, and ultimately, our hair. There are tons of hair products out there that claim to help nourish your hair, but many people have the desire for more natural alternatives — ones that are free of harmful ingredients like mineral oils and sulfates.
The Best Natural Oils To Moisturize Dry Hair
Lifestyle
6 Min Read
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Medically Reviewed by
DR. MELISSA ANZELONE, N NDBelow, we’ve listed six all-natural oils that can deliver relief to dehydrated hair. These oils aid in eliminating dandruff, hydrate the cuticles, and can restore luster and moisture to your hair.
Coconut oil
Arguably the most recognized oil for hair health, coconut oil reduces protein loss in damaged hair. Filled with moisturizing vitamin E, this oil serves as a great pre- and post-wash grooming product.
Jojoba oil
An oil extracted from the seeds of an American shrub, jojoba oil can make a great leave-in treatment or a hydrating mask. This oil helps to promote a healthy inflammatory response in the skin (where the hair lives), leading many experts to believe jojoba oil can help support a healthy hair growth cycle. For in-shower use, mix jojoba oil with conditioner to reap all of the hydrating benefits without weighing your strands down.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a staple of at-home beauty. When applied topically, olive oil can help induce anagen, the growth phase of hair. In its natural state, olive oil is not the best for use as a styler; however, the ingredient is wonderful for pre-wash and wash day use. Mix olive oil with other good-for-you must-haves, like avocado and honey, to create a mask. Rinse with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and your scalp and strands will be renewed.
Lemongrass oil
If dandruff is your biggest concern, you may want to add lemongrass oil to your daily hair routine. This oil relieves irritation, dandruff, and dryness with its antifungal and antiviral properties. Not sure how to incorporate lemongrass oil into your regimen? Simply dilute the oil with water in a spray bottle, and spritz the scalp and strands, allowing to sit for 30 minutes. Then rinse as normal.
Tea tree oil
Like lemongrass oil, tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can help with dandruff. Tea tree oil is extracted from fresh leaves and wood of the tea tree shrub. The shrub’s oil contains a number of active compounds that can destroy microbes and fungi, making it an effective treatment for a dry, flaky scalp.
Almond oil
With high amounts of vitamin E, almond oil is known for making hair healthier all-around. If breakage is a problem, almond oil can help make hair less prone to split ends. If dry scalp is a problem, this oil serves as an effective spot treatment. (Not to mention, it smells amazing!)
Stick to natural ingredients
With so many products out there, keeping your hair care ingredients as natural and simple as possible is the best way to ensure you know exactly what’s going on your scalp. Try to only use natural hair oils like the ones listed above. If you really want to make sure your hair is getting the moisture and support it needs, also consider incorporating an all-natural, plant-derived supplement, like Nutrafol, into your hair care routine.