As for which oils work for certain hair types, Brendnetta Ashley, a hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador, recommends lightweight oils like grapeseed or jojoba for fine hair, while thick hair and curly and coily hair work better with heavier oils like castor oil or coconut oil.
On ends
You can apply hair oil to damp or dry hair, but Bellemare recommends using it on dry strands. “Hair oil is best applied to dry hair because oil and water don’t mix. On wet hair, it can’t properly absorb and may just sit on the surface,” she says. “Applying it to dry hair helps seal in moisture, adds shine, and smooths frizz where it’s most effective. It’s also best to avoid using oil before blow-drying, as most oils aren’t heat protectants and can cause damage when exposed to high heat.”
Drop the appropriate amount of hair oil onto your palm and rub your hands together. Starting at the very ends of your strands, work the oil through the hair, making your way up to your midlengths. With the excess oil left between your fingers, comb the rest through the midlengths to the ends.
As a treatment
If you’re using hair oil as an overnight treatment, Cavalcante recommends timing it with wash day. Use a generous amount on the scalp and ends before bed, then wash out the excess the morning after.
Don’t have the time? Bellemare says to leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is recommended for deeper nourishment. “Be sure to shampoo and condition thoroughly afterward to remove excess oil and prevent product buildup.”
When should I use hair oil?
The most optimal times to use hair oil are before washing your hair or after a blow-dry or blowout. “Before washing, apply it to the midlengths and ends to create a protective barrier that helps prevent shampoo from stripping moisture, especially for dry or coarse hair,” says Bellemare. “It’s also ideal as a finishing step after blow-drying; once hair is fully dry to help lock in moisture, smooth frizz, and boost shine.”
Why is my hair still frizzy after hair oil?
If you’ve followed the above steps and you’re still getting frizz, Bellemare says there might be more factors are play. “Frizz can stem from a mix of factors — dryness, heat or chemical damage, lack of moisture, and environmental conditions like humidity,” she says. Although hair oil can help smooth strands and lock in moisture, it doesn’t hydrate completely on its own.
“If your hair is still frizzy after oiling, it likely needs deeper moisture,” Bellemare says. “Try using a hydrating shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in treatment before applying oil to better target the root issue. Think of oil as a sealant — it works best after proper hydration, not in place of it.”
Although hair oil has plenty of benefits, it’s not going to change your hair type. “Some hair types are naturally more prone to frizz,” adds Bellemare. “While oil can enhance smoothness and shine, it won’t change your hair’s natural texture or behaviour.”
This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR (US).
