Written By: Jeanette Nkwate
Does oil actually moisturise hair? Well, contrary to popular belief, oils do not directly moisturise hair. Moisture refers to water, and because oils are hydrophobic, they cannot hydrate hair strands.
What oils do instead is act as a sealant, locking in moisture by creating a protective barrier that reduces water loss. To effectively moisturise your hair, you should first apply a water-based product or conditioner, followed by an oil to seal in the hydration. You can learn about this by heading to our other blog post about the LOC method, which is a common method that involves layering products to lock in hydration effectively.
It’s worth noting that some oils, like coconut oil, can penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen it, which is why it’s a fave oil for pre-poos. And other oils, like castor oil, sit on the surface for protection, which is why we’ve used it in Afrocenchix’s Seal.
So What Do Oils Actually Do?
Many of us have grown up with our family members swearing by certain oils or butters, but it’s a common misconception that they can moisturise our hair and skin.
As we mentioned earlier, oils, by definition, are hydrophobic substances, which means they repel water. Moisture, on the other hand, refers to water content, which is why oils cannot hydrate hair.
But they do play a vital role in sealing in moisture, preventing water loss, and protecting the hair from environmental damage. Rather than adding moisture, oils create a barrier around the hair shaft. This barrier helps to retain the water and nutrients that have already been absorbed. And when oils are applied after a water-based product, such as a leave-in conditioner, oils can enhance hydration by preventing evaporation.
Editor’s tip: To truly keep hair moisturised, oils must be used in conjunction with water-based products.
The Afrocenchix, Moisture Surge Set contains products for all three steps — Sheen natural moisturising spray (liquid), Seal (hair oil) and Smooth (moisturising cream). So in this one set you’ll have everything you need to make sure your hair is moisturised and looking great.
Why Oils Alone Aren’t Enough
Using oils on dry hair without first applying a moisturising product may leave hair feeling soft temporarily but doesn’t address dehydration. This is because oils lack the hydrating properties needed to replenish the hair’s moisture levels. When used incorrectly, some oils can even exacerbate dryness by creating a barrier that locks moisture out instead of sealing it in!
Choosing The Right Oils
But are all oils made equal? The short answer is, no. Different oils offer various benefits, and to help you select the right one for your hair type and needs, we’ve outlined some of our favourites and their unique strengths…
- Coconut Oil: This penetrates the hair shaft and reduces protein loss, making it ideal for strengthening damaged hair.
- Argan Oil: Often called ‘liquid gold,’ it smooths the hair cuticle, reduces frizz, and adds shine.
- Castor Oil: Known for its thickness, it is excellent for sealing moisture and promoting hair growth.
- Jojoba Oil: A lightweight option that mimics the scalp’s natural oils, making it suitable for all hair types.
So remember, while oils are a powerful tool in hair care, they cannot replace water-based moisturisers and do not directly moisturise the hair. Their strength lies in their ability to seal and protect, making them a valuable part of a comprehensive hydration routine!
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