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Hey Brother Longhairs,
My hair is about sixteen (16) inches in length. Some of you have suggested using coconut oil or jojobar oil in your hair. I really like the length, texture, and feel of my hair. I like how the wind can pick it up and play with it and how my hair moves independently of the rest of my body. Would using a oil in my hair have any benefits in regard to the health of my hair; would it make my hair appear shinnier? Would it have the effect of straightening my hair and/or keep it from flowing and moving freely? If you recommend that I use oil in my hair, what kind of oil should I use and how and when should I apply it?
Your long haired bro,
Raymond
Hi Raymond,
Let me try to answer your questions as best I can, according to my own experience of using beneficial oils...
First and foremost, I only apply any of the oils into THE LOWER PORTIONS of my hair -- my scalp gets plenty greasy enough on its own; so I only apply the oil into my hair ends, eventually distributing it up a bit higher than that (but still only oiling the lower half of my mane).
Don't pour out too much -- only a small amount, about the size of a small coin's worth, for example; then rub the oil between your 2 hands before applying it to your hair...
Whether you choose to buy Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Kukui Nut oil, Coconut oil, or Olive oil, make sure you get 100% PURE oil -- almond oil, for example, often has a lot of other stuff in it. (although there's nothing wrong with adding a small amount of fragrant oils like lavender or rosemary oil, if you wish). Since I tend to prefer just plain old common Olive oil, my rule of thumb is: if it's good enough to eat, then it will be good enough for my hair!
Oiling your hair can help prevent split ends; but it doesn't completely eliminate them altogether -- and it definitely cannot "cure" split ends once you see them.
I find my hair to be more shiny, more manageable, have a bit more "body" to it, as well as helps weigh it down from having a lot of "fly-aways"... The results are just really really nice, as long as you don't apply too much oil into your hair (which would then result in it looking and feeling greasy)...
I hope my reply has been helpful!
- Ken in San Francisco
Thanks Ken - Helpful Advice
Hello Raymond,
Oils will prevent your hair from frizzing. They will also add moisture and seal the strands and the ends .
Regarding what type of oil you should try, there is a variety of oils you can choose from. This will depend on your hair type and needs.
The heaviest oil is olive oil and you have to be super cautios because if you use it in the wrong way your hair can end up looking greasy.
If I were you I'd start using the lightest oils such as argan or jojoba oil.
Hey Dave_AR,
Thanks for the advice. I will look for argan or jojoba oil.
Thanks again for the helpful advise.
Hi Raymond.
My dermatologist recommends keeping the hair follicle sites clean to best maintain the health of the hair. The hair shaft benefits from oil application to minimize tangling and split ends. I use commercial oils recommended by a hair salon. Chi Silk Serum is a good one. Use about a half teaspoon on my left hand, then rub both hands together. Then run my hands through the lower portion of the hair. My curly hair gets tangled easily. I need to apply this stuff all over the scalp on the ends of the hair. But mostly in back which is longer. I also use Orofluido, and Itallian make, which is similar to Chi Silk Serum. At the drug store, I look for sales of Garnier Fructose leave-in conditioner oils.
This creates a hair texture that is wavy, smooth, and somewhat shiny for me. Without the oil, I would have rough looking dry frizzy hair with some tangles.
Don
Thanks, Don - Helpful Advice.
Thankfully I don't seem to need much oil on my hair. My hair does not get frizzy although it looks fluffy right after I wash it. When I get more length, this may change.
I would experiment with different oils to find what seems to work best for you. I would also apply it sparingly to only the ends. It should probably be applied to damp hair. I would think it would enhance any curl or wave you nataurally have. A lot of times I have read where people get wavier hair than they thought they had. Curly or wavy hair loves moisture. People who have hair that appears straight can bring out waves with more moisture. But yes, oil will most likely make your hair healthier and shinier. Hope this helps.
Ted
Thanks, Ted - Helpful advice.
Hi Raymond,
I have always loved the color and texture of your hair! Can't wait to see it even longer my friend! Keep it growing and flowing!
Ted
Some of you have suggested using coconut oil or jojobar oil in your hair. I really like the length, texture, and feel of my hair. I like how the wind can pick it up and play with it and how my hair moves independently of the rest of my body. Would using a oil in my hair have any benefits in regard to the health of my hair; would it make my hair appear shinnier? Would it have the effect of straightening my hair and/or keep it from flowing and moving freely? If you recommend that I use oil in my hair, what kind of oil should I use and how and when should I apply it?: Your long haired bro,: Raymond
Hi Ray - Oiling for me is a monthly intense treatment: ( Coconut oil usually = but very recently I used olive oil: ( @ Ken's recommendation & he always espouses its benefits ) - I really saturate my hair from scalp to roots & leave in 24. hours.: ( min.) & 3. days. maximum ) - the purpose is to fully moisturise - then it is to be thoroughly washed out with shampoo & conditioner - there will be no need to add extra oil after it air dries - it will be fully shiny, glossy & it will look healthy with extra body + I suspect you have hair like mine: ( fine in texture, but lots of it ) = good luck !!! cheers CEM. :0)