NBC Select: How To Find The Right Hair Oil For Your Hair Type

If you feel like your hair is dry, lackluster and feeling the brunt of damage you’ve put it through, you may want to consider adding hair oil to your self care routine. Unlike hair serums, which form a protective coating on top of strands, hair oils penetrate deeply into the hair to increase moisture levels, reduce breakage and keep your scalp hydrated and healthy, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dylan B Alston.

Your hair’s natural oils play a crucial role in moisturizing the hair and protecting it from day to day damage, but sometimes overwashing, hot tool use or chemical processing can strip them. That’s where hair oils come in. They can restore lost moisture and soften the hair, which is ultimately a sign of healthy hair. “Regularly applying hair-specific oils can soften the hair, as the oils seal the gaps between cuticle cells,” says Alston. This, in turn, can make your hair look and feel healthier.

To help you find the right product for your hair type, I spoke to experts about what to look for when shopping for oils, and curated a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.

Hardges is a fan of this formula because it contains castor oil — a well-loved ingredient in the haircare world for its ability to support healthy hair growth. It’s also an antibacterial and high in vitamin E to help improve conditions like dandruff and dryness, according to the brand. Aside from castor oil, the formula includes lavender, another ingredient with antibacterial properties that’s especially good when hair is confined in protective styles like braids or twists, says Hardges. “If your hair is up, I would recommend lightly oiling the scalp, as needed, by dabbing the oil onto the exposed scalp,” says Hardges. You can also add it to your conditioner or use it as a hot oil treatment, according to the brand.

Hair type: all hair types | Scent: earthy

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