Let us start by saying, we are all different and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
That being said, let’s jump into a few facts. The scalp naturally produces a waxy oil from the glands underneath the skin called sebum. This oil moisturizes and protects your skin from infections. However, you can use various hair oils including essential oils to help balance your sebum production. Oils can be a key part of any hair routine. Treating a range of hair concerns, the use of natural oils for hair health dates back to over 400 years ago. While genetics isn’t something you can buy in a bottle, natural hair care ingredients can surely be found.
Mixed signals
Yes, I know, the thought of hair oil can make some people cringe. Oils can be associated with weight, greasy and pore clogging. While this can be true, it vastly depends on your hair needs and the types of oils you use. Natural oils are extracted from various medicinal plants grown all over the world. These oils have been used and proven to heal and help various hair types and scalp conditions. All oils are not equal. When choosing which oils to use on your hair, choose with intention.
All hair oils are not equal
Hair oils can be deeply repairing, great for sealing in moisture and even serve as a heat protectant. It all depends on the oils you use. Determine what kind of hair type you have and what kind of issue you’re dealing with, this way you can pick an oil that will work to best resolve it. Rice Bran, for example, is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the hair fibers and will also help to seal split ends. Peppermint and Geranium can be very beneficial for those with scalp conditions like alopecia and psoriasis. Argan oil also known as Moroccan oil is jam-packed with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants, which fight UV rays, and prevent hair cell damage. Jojoba oil pronounced ho-ho-ba, is extracted from the jojoba plant and has a chemical structure that resembles the oil that is produced naturally by our scalps (sebum). This means that your scalp is more likely to readily accept it without showing any side effects. Jojoba oil hydrates the hair deep within, moisturizing and treating the hair follicles from the inside-out. Olive oil is high in fatty acids like squalene and oleic acid, which are emollients. These emollients soften and smooth hair strands by creating a film and coating hair shafts. This oil fights off free-radical damage from sunlight and pollution. Saw palmetto, rosemary, horsetail, fenugreek and peppermint to name a few, are all highly effective oils to include in your hair care routine. Not only do they improve the quality of your hair and help with severe scalp conditions, but they also prevent damage.
Heavy-weight
The weighed-down or greasy effect that some people, particularly those with fine or thin hair, associate with oils is typically because they are using the wrong oil, or they are using too much. When applying oil, always start with a pea-sized amount working from the ends up the lengths of your hair, as needed. Those with straight (Type A) or thinner hair should opt for a lightweight oil such as Abyssinian and Rose hip. With oils, less is always more. Using a lot of product doesn’t make it more effective.
For all hair types
Each oil or combination of oils will provide different benefits that are unique for each individual. Some oils, like Argan, are deeply nutritive and work to repair strands from within. While others like Rose hip are more lightweight and will still add nutrition without weighing down your hair. It’s important to determine your hair type and needs before choosing a hair oil. Individuals with oily hair should not question whether they can use hair oil, but rather, which they should apply. Oily hair is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, which are producing too much sebum. You'll want to apply antibacterial oils to help restore moisture balance, so choose options such as rosemary, lavender, and lemon oil. Natural oils work wonders. Whether you’re looking to make your hair shinier or smoother, moisturized, restore elasticity, strengthen, resist breakage or just improve the overall quality of your hair, there is an oil for it all.
Usage
Understanding usage of oils is very important. First determine what oils you are using and for what benefits. Hair that’s craving hydration is a prime candidate for a hair oil reparative treatment. Use an oil like Shea or Argan before you shampoo. Add from ends to length for up to thirty minutes depending on your hair needs and then rinse thoroughly. Steaming your hair while the oil is in will help the scalp and hair shafts to absorb the oil and all of its beneficial nutrients. Some hair oils can just be applied to your hair to polish off your style, adding some instant gloss and shine. While others can be used to seal in moisture or as a heat protectant. Application is key. Split your hair into sections and work a small amount of oil into each part. By sectioning off your hair, you’re making sure the oil is being distributed evenly throughout your hair. When it comes to hair oils and applying them, it’s definitely quality over quantity.
Essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant oils, either distilled or pressed from the plant itself. There are thousands of essential oils, all of which are known to be effective in stress reduction, pain alleviation, combating infections/inflammation, improving circulation, and even in sleep improvement. However, each essential oil has specific properties. And within those essential oils, there are many that have specific benefits to healthy hair growth. Lavender, orange, and rosemary essential oils are a few that help stimulate hair growth. This is due to the calming, stress-relieving effect essential oils have on the body. Hair loss and hair thinning is often attributable to stress, anxiety, bad circulation, infections, or inflammation. Rather than providing a chemical treatment for these conditions, essential oils go to the root of the problem. All three of these essential oils help with dandruff and scalp irritations. Dandruff is just a buildup of dead skin on the scalp, often caused by hair products that irritate the scalp. Essential oils soothe and heal the scalp, reversing this problem.
We hope you’re as excited as we are about the power of oils. Achieving healthy hair takes time, patience, care, and consistency, as well as effective ingredients. We don’t advertise quick or magic fixes at Good Heir. We’re about real, long-term solutions that leave you and your hair as healthy as can be.
We know it can be overwhelming to pick the right oils for your hair, as there are so many different choices! Some oils come already pre-mixed, make sure to read the label to know exactly what's included.
Remember, what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Just because it's heavily recommended or advertised, doesn't mean that it's the right product for you. Be sure to always educated yourself on a product prior to purchase. Making sure the product aligns with your needs. If you feel it's not working for you, don't be afraid to move on to something else. If you want your hair to be stronger, softer, shinier, and overall healthier hair, we highly recommend incorporating a hair oil into your routine.
Lastly, keep in mind that changes like this don't happen overnight. Only consistent care will result in the healthy hair you seek.
*When purchasing your hair oil, look for organic and preferably cold-pressed. (meaning there was no heat involved during the extraction process).
-The Good Heir Journey
For updates on all things Good Heir, subscribe at
For your personalized hair care routine, subscribe to our Good Heir Bible.