In the summer, the humidity, scorching heat of the sun, sweat, and dust can make your hair dry, dull, frizzy, and prone to damage. (1)(2)(3) Say goodbye to these hair woes by simply oiling your hair with the best oils. Such oils include coconut oil, (4) jojoba oil, (5) almond oil (5) argan oil, (5) avocado oil (5) and castor oil. (5)
Regular oiling hydrates your scalp, enhances blood circulation, strengthens the hair roots, boosts hair growth, controls split ends, and adds softness and gloss to your hair. (6)
However, you must carefully choose the best oil that suits your hair and can moisturize and nourish it without making it look greasy or weighed down because not all oils fit your hair in the summer.
Continue reading to know more about what hair oils to try this summer to get beautiful, healthy locks.
Article Contents
Best Hair Oils to Try This Summer for Gorgeous and Shiny Hair
Here are the 7 oils to achieve gorgeous, shiny hair in the summer season.
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is considered the most versatile and popular oil in the hair care world. (6)
Containing abundant vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids, (7) coconut oil shields the hair from UV damage, nourishes the scalp and hair, repairs dry and damaged hair, and combats fungal infection and dandruff. (8) It also makes your hair glossy naturally.
Moreover, coconut oil suits all hair types, especially brittle and dry hair. (9)(10) Applying coconut oil to the roots can also remove buildup and sebum if your scalp and hair are oily. (4)
2. Jojoba oil
Nongreasy and lightweight, jojoba oil is an excellent option for summer. Its molecular structure is similar to sebum (your scalp’s natural oil); thus, it prevents excessive oiliness and dryness while balancing your scalp’s natural oil production.
Additionally, jojoba oil controls frizz and breakage, moisturizes your scalp and hair, reduces inflammation, and promotes hair growth.
Jojoba oil suits all hair types, especially hair that is oily and prone to dandruff. (5)
3. Almond oil
As almond oil is rich in magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, it is best for nourishing the scalp and hair, boosting hair growth, enhancing blood circulation, preventing split ends and hair loss, making the hair shiny and soft, and shielding the hair from sun damage. (6)(11)
Almond oil doesn’t weigh down your hair as it is lightweight, mild, and suitable for all hair types, particularly dull and frizzy. (5)
4. Argan oil
Replete with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, and protein, argan oil regulates sebum production, nourishes the scalp and hair, repairs damaged and dry hair, protects the hair from UV damage, fights frizz, and adds smoothness and gloss to hair. (6)
Argan oil is fast absorbing and lightweight and thus is considered suitable for the summer. It suits all hair types but is best for dull and frizzy hair. (5)
5. Avocado oil
Teeming with vitamins A, B, D, and E, fatty acids, lecithin, and protein, (12) avocado oil is an excellent nourishing and moisturizing hair oil for the summer. It repairs flaky and brittle hair by nourishing the scalp and hair, stops hair loss, boosts hair growth, and adds luster and softness to hair. (13)
Avocado oil can be applied to all hair types, specifically damaged, dull, and dry hair. (14)
6. Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil is derived from leftover grape seeds and is a by-product of winemaking. If you have an itchy or flaky scalp, you can apply grape seed oil to your scalp directly, (15) as it hydrates the hair and seals in moisture without weighing down the hair and making it greasy.
Grape seed oil also contains high amounts of antioxidants called phenolic compounds, which shield the hair against UV damage.
7. Castor oil
Castor oil is suitable in the summer season as it can protect your hair from the harsh conditions of the summer season, such as exposure to the sun, heat, and chlorinated water. All these can damage your hair, causing it to fall and become greasy, brittle, dry, and sticky.
Castor oil has plenty of fatty acids and is a lubricating and soothing oil. Its humectant and emollient properties attract and provide moisture to the skin and hair. For this reason, it is an excellent moisturizer and conditioner, as it reduces damage, frizz, and split ends and makes your hair shiny, full, and thick. (5)
An emollient must be able to slow down water loss by containing a combination of occlusive (moisturizing) agents. A humectant must be able to hold lubricants and moisture in high capacities. (16)
Both these qualities are crucial to stimulate the hair follicles for hair growth and prevent hair loss and are present in castor oil.
Note: Castor oil has a drawback – it can be extremely greasy and sticky for a highly oily scalp. It is recommended to combine it with aloe vera gel.
How to Use Hair Oils in the Summer
To properly oil your hair in the summer, follow these 6 steps:
- Choose the right oil. Go for a hair oil that suits your hair condition and type, such as almond oil, avocado oil, argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or castor oil, which offers different perks such as moisturizing, stimulating, protecting, nourishing, or strengthening your hair.
- Prep your hair. Comb your hair to get rid of tangles. You can use aloe vera juice or slightly dampen your hair to allow the oil to absorb better.
- Apply oil to your scalp. You can use the oil at room temperature or warm it up for better results. Then, with your fingertips, massage the oil in circular motions to improve blood circulation and supply vital nutrients to your hair follicles.
- Apply the oil left on your palms to your hair. Using your fingers, evenly distribute the oil from the middle to the ends of your hair. Avoid excessive oiling, as it can weigh down your hair, making it appear greasy.
- Cover with a towel or shower cap. Leave the oil in your hair overnight or for at least 20 minutes to let the oil penetrate the hair shaft and deliver its full advantages. Cover your hair with a shower cap or a towel.
- The next day, shampoo hair while dry. This eliminates dirt and excess oil without stripping off natural oils. Wash the shampoo off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Depending on what your hair needs, oil your hair once or twice per week. You can make your customized oil blend for your hair type by mixing different oils. If you want to keep your hair shiny and healthy this summer, oiling is the way to go.
General Queries
Can hair oils prevent hair fall during summer?
Yes, oiling your hair during summer nourishes your hair follicles and scalp, thus preventing hair fall. Oils such as castor oil, almond oil, and coconut oil can decrease hair fall and strengthen your hair.
How often should I apply hair oil during summer?
Oil your hair once or twice per week during summertime. The frequency of hair oiling also depends on your hair needs and hair type. Overusing hair oils can make your hair limp and greasy. Therefore, use them moderately.
Can hair oils make your hair greasy?
Applying hair oils in moderation doesn’t make your hair feel or appear greasy, but using too much oil on your roots causes greasiness. The real reason behind oily-looking hair is sebum overproduction by the scalp.
Can I apply a mixture of coconut oil, almond oil, castor oil, and olive oil to my hair?
When mixing coconut oil, almond oil, castor oil, and olive oil, make sure to keep the castor oil in lesser quantity than others, as it is thicker. Therefore, if you use one cup of the other oils, use only half a cup of castor oil.
Final Word
Remember, moderation is the key to oil application in the summer season, so use it judiciously on your hair and scalp. Go for an oil that suits your hair type and doesn’t weigh your hair down. Oil your hair regularly to keep it nourished, hydrated, strong, glossy, and soft.
References
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