Our list of the best oils for your hair

Besides being wonderful for using on your tresses, most of these oils are multi-purpose; some of them can be used as a body moisturiser, while others carry over to the kitchen.

A good hair growth oil should have moisturising qualities that nourish both hair and skin.

The great news is that, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just thick manes or coarse hair that can benefit from oil; even thin, fine and oily locks can reap the rewards too. It’s just a matter of finding the right elixir for you…

Listed below are just some of the oils, and their respective benefits, that can be used in your haircare regime (in no particular order because, even we find it hard to pick a fav!):

Coconut oil: The health benefits of coconut oil are endless and is known as the ultimate multi-tasker! But for hair care, coconut oil is especially great for very dry hair as it is super-moisturising thanks to its high fatty acid and vitamin E content. These same fatty acids and vitamins also remove the sebum build-up from the hair follicles, thus encouraging your hair to grow thicker and faster.

It be certainly be used on all hair types (yes even greasy hair) to replenish your strands and also keep your scalp healthy. Packed full of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, coconut oil can help to build stronger strands too, making it a great weekly treatment for locks prone to breakage and slow growth.

Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil’s molecular structure is similar to that of the scalp’s natural oils and hence doesn’t interrupt the natural balance of the scalp. Not only does it offer antibacterial properties, but can penetrate the hair shaft and thus hydrates the hair from the inside. It is also a great conditioning and protective agent, leaving the hair shiny and strong.

Argan oil: Hailed as liquid gold in its native Morocco, nutty argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, it can help turn dry, coarse and unruly hair into softer and shinier, more manageable tresses, while cutting frizz and fly-aways too. It also repairs damaged hair, protects hair from heat, is a natural sunscreen, aids hair growth and is an intensive conditioning treatment, leaving hair soft and silky smooth.

Castor oil: This oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids that help accelerate hair growth, among many other benefits. Castor oil, in short, contains natural compounds that promote hair growth and contains Ricinoleic acid, an essential amino acid required by the body. Women who swear by JBCO say it helped regrow thinning edges and made their hair grow faster overall.

Lavender oil: Suitable for all hair types, lavender oil helps restore the scalp’s natural balance. Offering antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is ideal for healing and soothing inflammatory scalp conditions and regular massage is said to reduce hair loss.

Rosemary oil: Packed with antioxidants which fight the free radicals responsible for hair thinning and greying, rosemary oil is best known for its growth enhancing properties by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. It is also a treatment for an itchy, flaky scalp. Rosemary oil increases the cellular metabolism in hair follicles to stimulate hair growth.

Tea tree oil: With its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil soothes and heals an itchy scalp, combats dandruff and nourishes the hair. It is also an effective, natural lice-repellent. Just add a few drops to your shampoo.

Avocado Oil: The fruit offers plenty of nutrients so it’s only natural that the oil would too. Avocado oil nourishes the hair and scalp, encouraging strong and healthy hair growth.
The above oils are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Chamomile, Lemon, Thyme, Sandalwood Geranium, Peppermint – the list goes on- all offer amazing benefits when used on the hair. The beauty of using oils in your hair regime, is that you don’t need much – just a drop or two – which can be added to a natural shampoo, or if you’re adventurous you can make your own by using a base shampoo and adding your required oils.

Almond oil: Though one of the lighter nut oils, almond oil is jam-packed with goodness. Along with antioxidants, vitamin E, fatty acids and protein, it’s also high in magnesium, which will help to boost hair growth and reduce breakage. If you suffer from irritation on your scalp, try massaging your scalp with almond oil whenever you wash your hair, to reduce inflammation, redness and dandruff.

Grapeseed oil: Like sweet almond, this one is a lightweight oil perfect for women who don’t want heavy hair. Due to its light, non-greasy nature, grapeseed oil is often used as a carrier when combining oils. However, it is hugely beneficial in its own right, helping restore the scalp’s natural balance, and it protects and strengthens hair. Due to its high linoleic acid content (a type of omega-6 fatty acid), grapeseed oil has the ability to protect against moisture loss, making it an ideal treatment for dandruff. Dandruff sufferers may find relief from regular grapeseed oil scalp massages

Baobab oil: Perhaps not as well-known as other oils, baobab oil has earned some hype as a hair growth stimulator as well as for its high vitamin content and we are starting to see why. Along with the essential fatty acids needed for deep hydration and nourishment, baobab also packs vitamins A, D, E, and F, which all combine to improve the elasticity of your locks, and encourage cell regeneration. That’s right, it can actually help your hair grow faster!

Have we missed anything? Which is your favourite oil?

Ps. Atara uses ALL of the above oils in different combinations for MAXIMAL benefit according to their respective properties and according your hair type and curl pattern! Request our hair survey by emailing contact@atara.online and receive personalised haircare recommendations! 😉