We’ve been talking a lot about moisture retention, but now let’s talk about how to seal in all of that moisture. Our research indicates that oil is used for moisture in over 75% of our case studies. It’s important to note that not all oils serve the same purpose. Nourishing oils penetrate the cuticle layer of the hair strand and provide amino acids. Sealing oils trap in moisture and nourishing properties by creating a barrier of protection on top of the cuticle layer of the hair strand.
Let’s go a little deeper into the benefits of hair oils and how to implement them into your regimen.
What are the top 3 nutritional deficiencies in dry hair?
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Protein – Your hair’s structure is made up of hardened proteins called keratin. When your hair’s protein is low, the process of generating more protein is slow, which causes the hair to grow slower and weaker.
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Biotin – This is a nutrient that helps promote hair growth, and researchers have discovered that a lack of nutrients can lead to hair loss. When biotin interacts with cell enzymes, it helps produce amino acids, which are compounds that make up protein.
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Omega 3 - Fatty acids are found in the cell membranes of your scalp’s skin; they are also found in the natural oils that your scalp and hair produce to stay hydrated. Maintaining enough of these essential fatty acids can help prevent dry scalp and promote hair growth and shine.
What are the top 3 oils for infusing nutrients and sealing the hair strands?
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Keratin Hair Oil – This oil is enriched with Keratin Protein, Bhringraj Oil, Argan Oil, Almond Oil, and Neem Oil. It nourishes your scalp, promotes hair growth, and helps treat dry scalp and hair loss.
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Peppermint Essential Oil – This oil has been found to promote hair growth and increase hair thickness. An essential ingredient in peppermint oil is methanol. Methanol helps increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which can also assist in hair growth.
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Flaxseed Oil – This oil is rich in fatty acids and provides nutrition for the hair follicle. Flaxseed oil is also rich in protein and selenium, both of which are essential for growing healthy, shiny hair.
What are the top 5 benefits of using oils in your hair care regimen?
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Soften Curls – Curly hair dries much faster than other hair types. When curly hair does dry, it becomes frizzy and hard to manage. Regularly oiling your hair with almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil can help manage the frizz and give you softer curls.
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Protection & Strength – Almond oil and olive oil are both essential in hair maintenance, providing hair protection and strength. Almond oil contains vitamins B, K, and E. Olive oil contains vitamins B3, B6, B12, K, and E.
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Hair Growth – Oils improve hair growth. Coconut oil is used in Thailand, Indonesia, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Brazil for hair growth. Almond oil is commonly used in Europe, the United States of America, and Japan for the same.
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Prevent Fungal Infections - Most oils have anti-fungal properties (coconut, thyme, tea tree oil); these properties keep fungus growth away and fungal infections at bay. Remember that fungal infections grow due to excess moisture, oiling and shampooing the hair regularly can help balance the moisture levels on your scalp and hair.
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Prevents Dandruff - Applying castor oil overnight can help prevent dead skin cell build-up, which is a cause of dandruff.
Overall, there are many benefits of using hair oil in your regimen. Make sure you know what kind of oil you’re using to determine how the oil will benefit your hair. We hope these tips help you going forward in your hair journey.
To keep up with all things hair, follow Myavana on Instagram @myavanahaircare. If you would like to learn more about your hair specifically, check out the Myavana Hair Analysis Kit on our website.