Oils are the lifeblood of natural hair and without them the hair would be deprived of much needed nutrients. One of the secrets to maintaining healthy hair is moisture retention. If your hair is moisturized, it reduces the instance of it becoming dry and brittle, thus reducing the risk of breakage. After you have applied moisture to the hair, it is very important that you seal in that moisture. Failure to do so can result in your hair reverting to its former state of dryness very quickly.

Oils are a trusted means of sealing moisture into the hair and usually become a part of the hair regimen for many naturals. The use of oils can be included in your daily hair routine and - in fact- most of the natural oils that are used in your hair can also used on your skin. Below are a list of five oils which are proven to be valuable to natural hair.

1. Jojoba Oil- Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-bah) Oil is a liquid wax derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant of the deserts of Mexico. This oil has been known to mankind for ages and is loved for its moisturizing and emollient properties. Jojoba oil is a favorite among naturals because it is similar in structure to the natural oil that our hair produces called sebum. Sebum is an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands that prevents the hair and skin from drying out.


Jojoba Oil is good for all types of hair, especially hair that is dry or damaged, has split ends or is prone to breakage or tangling. It is known to provide the hair with much needed moisture. Jojoba Oil also works well on the scalp and keeps it from being dry, thus aiding with the prevention of dandruff. Adding a small amount of Jojoba Oil to your shampoo will generate amazing improvements to the look and feel of your hair and the pore cleansing effects help to promote growth and regeneration. The oil is light enough to be used daily to nourish and condition your scalp.




2. Sweet Almond Oil - Sweet Almond Oil is extracted from pressed Almonds, and is rich in vitamins A, B1, B6 and E. Vitamin B Complex, including vitamin B6, has been shown to improve hair growth. Vitamin E contains antioxidants that promote the circulation in the scalp and Vitamin A contains antioxidants necessary to maintain healthy cell and membrane growth.


Sweet Almond Oil is a moisture-rich oil that penetrates well into the hair shaft and follicles. It helps to relieve dryness and itching, promoting a healthy scalp. It can be added to your conditioner, homemade spritz or applied directly to the scalp. Homemade spritz can be used to add daily moisture to your hair and can be made by mixing together in a spray bottle, 4 oz water, 2 oz vegetable glycerin, 2 oz sweet almond oil and 5 drops of your favorite essential oil, e.g. Lavender, Rosemary etc. A little Sweet Almond Oil added to the fingertips and massaged into the scalp twice weekly will provide a world of benefit to your hair.




3. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - Extra-Virgin Olive Oil contains powerful antioxidants which rids the skin of free radicals and stimulates circulation, which aids in the absorption of nutrients into the scalp and hair follicles. This oil has earned a reputation for being great not only for its nutritional value but also for its nourishing properties for the hair and skin. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, or as some would say "EVOO," is excellent for natural hair.


EVOO can be added to other hair products to provide extra "slip," which allows the product to glide smoothly through the strands, making manipulation of the hair easier. EVOO may also be used as a detangling agent. The oil may be applied to the hair, and worked through your coils in order to make your hair more manageable. It provides agreat source of sheen for your hair. If ever your hair feels stripped of its moisture after a shampoo, just add a dime-sized amount to your palms and rub it into your hair while wet. The results are amazing. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is one of the heavier oils. So as a precaution, if you have very thin, fine hair, try to restrict the amount of this oil that you apply to your hair as it may weigh it down.

4. Grape Seed Oil- Grape Seed Oil is a light, odorless, non-greasy oil which is easily absorbed into the hair. It has many beneficial properties for your hair and scalp. The presence of Vitamin E and linoleic acid in this oil help to strengthen the hair. Grape Seed oil can act as a great heat protectant because it has a high burn point. It has the ability to withstand heat up to about 420 Degrees (F).

Unlike many over the counter protectants, Grape Seed Oil offers a bonus benefit in that it also supplies your hair with sheen and moisture, which will ultimately reduce brittleness, strengthen your hair strands and protect against split ends. It is also packed with antioxidants which help protect your hair from various free radicals. Grape Seed oil can be safely applied to all hair types. 

5. Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil- Coconut Oil is one of the best natural sources of nourishment for the hair. It promotes healthy hair growth and provides it with a shiny complexion. Extra virgin coconut oil is a great way to moisturize your hair whether right after a shampoo or for daily conditioning. Due to its high level of Vitamin E, K and saturated fatty acids, extra virgin coconut oil also provides your hair with a lot of the nutrients that it need to remain strong and healthy.

The oil is also rich in antioxidants and, as such, regular massaging of your scalp with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free from dandruff. It can be used alone or in combination with other carrier oils as a hot oil treatment. Warm two ounces of the oil and apply it to your hair, cover with a plastic cap and leave in for 30 minutes. This can be done twice per month and will surely be beneficial for your hair.

6. Jamaican Black Castor Oil- One of my favorite oils of all time is the Jamaican Black Castor Oil. It is a raw, unrefined form of castor oil and, as such, retains most of its nutritive properties. Despite its pungent scent, it provides a wealth of benefits for natural hair. One notable benefit of using this oil is its effectiveness in increasing hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. By promoting a healthy scalp, it also prevents excessive shedding, dandruff, eczema, itchy and dry scalp.

Another very important reason why most naturals fall in love with this oil is for its moisturizing ability. It seals moisture into the hair and causes it to remain soft for long periods. The oil is very thick and, as such, a little goes a long way. Adding an ounce to your deep conditioner can provide amazing softness to your hair and make it more manageable. One part of castor oil can also be added to two parts of a lighter oil like Sweet almond or grape seed oil for daily nourishing and conditioning.

As in all other aspects of life, everything should be done in moderation. Oil application is no different. Use a little at a time as you don't want your hair to be overly greasy or get weighed down. Experiment and see which ones work best for you. Once you identify the ones that work for you, your hair will be sure to say Oil La La!!!!!!!!!!

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.