What is a hair oil?

Thehair oil is a type of oil-based care product typically used for aesthetic reasons, either to enhance the condition and overall appearance of the hair. Whether used alone or in combination, the various types of oils used are often intended to impart shine and lustre to the hair, strengthen the hair shaft, reduce hygral fatigue (repeated swelling and drying) that can damage the hair, or provide a protective layer against the penetration of harsh substances (e.g. surfactants in shampoo) by filling the space between the cuticle cells. Furthermore, they are also believed to be a means of providing the essential nutrients to the hair that are stripped away by frequent washing.

Although it is possible to opt for mineral oils, vegetable oils extracted from a variety of plants, flowers, or fruits are more commonly used. Moreover, mineral oils have not shown an affinity with hair proteins and are not capable of diffusing into the hair shaft.

It is important to note that the application of oil to the hair is an ancient practice derived from Ayurvedic medicinal traditions, used since thousands of years ago in India to strengthen and hydrate the hair. Similarly, it has also been reported that the ancient Egyptians seemed to pay particular attention to their hair, as evidenced by the numerous images of hairdressers depicted in ancient relics. Archaic texts from this era containing information on the "recipes" used by the Egyptians to combat baldness have also been discovered.

It is often thought that hair oils, due to their emollient properties, are primarily reserved for dry and damaged hair. Similarly, it is believed that short and fine hair should not use them either. However, whether it's to reduce frizz, define curls, decrease the formation of split ends, or prevent breakage, hair oil comes in several forms that can be used by all hair types.

Misconception : It is commonly believed that hair oils can weigh down and make the hair greasy. However, this is not entirely the case, unless applied in large quantities on a daily basis. Furthermore, oils, no matter how natural they are, can yield different results for everyone. For instance, those with fine and/or oily hair should be more cautious.

How to choose your hair oil?

While everyone can benefit from the advantages of hair care oils, the type of hair oil chosen should depend on your hair type and your hair needs, from the texture and thickness of your hair to the porosity and level of damage as it does not affect all hair types in the same way. Indeed, each hair oil holds a unique chemical composition and texture, as well as specific benefits. Below you will find a list of commonly used hair oils.