Best hair oils: These 9 oils will nourish, protect, and shine your hair in summer
Does your hair become dry, frizzy, and damaged in summer? From exposure to harmful UV rays to increased humidity and heat, your hair goes heywire if not properly cared for. It is therefore important to take proactive measures to protect and nourish your hair to maintain its health and lustre.
Summer brings with it a myriad of hair woes, including dryness, frizz, breakage, and scalp irritation. Exposure to UV rays can lead to protein damage in the hair shaft, resulting in dryness and brittleness. Additionally, the humidity can cause the hair to swell, leading to frizz and loss of definition in curls or waves. It's essential to follow a proper hair care routine to combat these issues and keep your locks looking and feeling their best. One effective way to maintain good hair health is through the practice of hair oiling. This ancient practice involves massaging herbal oils into the scalp and hair to nourish, strengthen, and protect the strands. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), regular oiling can help improve hair texture, reduce breakage, and promote hair health Here are 9 different herbal oils that can help keep your locks luscious this summer (Image: Canva)
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Coconut oil: A go-to oil, it is a powerhouse when it comes to hair care. Coconut oil creates a protective layer around the hair, sealing the cuticle and locking in moisture.. According to studies cited by the NIH, coconut oil can help prevent protein loss in the hair, making it an excellent choice for combating dryness and damage (Image: Canva)
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Argan oil: Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, argan oil is known for its moisturising and nourishing properties. It helps repair damaged hair, reduce frizz, and add shine. Research suggests that argan oil can improve hair elasticity and protect against environmental damage (Image: Canva)
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Jojoba oil: It closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an excellent choice for balancing oil production and moisturising the hair and scalp. Studies have shown that jojoba oil can help improve hair texture, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth (Image: Canva)
Olive oil: Research suggests that olive oil can improve hair softness and manageability. It is rich in vitamins E and K, and also antioxidants, which help to nourish and strengthen the hair. Beaides, it beneficial for dry, damaged hair, as it helps restore moisture and prevent breakage (Image: Canva)
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Almond oil: A oil that is lightweight and easily absorbed, almond oil is ideal for all hair types. Almond oil contains fatty acids with double bonds that shield against UV damage. It softens and moisturizes dry hair as an emollient. Additionally, it boosts hair elasticity by filling gaps between cuticle cells (Image: Canva)
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Castor oil: Castor oil offers multiple hair care benefits. Its moisturising effect, attributed to ricinoleic acid, hydrates the hair. The oil's fatty acids deeply nourish the hair follicle. As per a study in NIH, the ricin and ricinoleic acid in castor oil provide germicidal and fungicidal properties, protecting against infections. In androgenetic alopecia, ricinoleic acid may promote hair growth by inhibiting prostaglandin D2 synthase (Image: Canva)
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Avocado oil: It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the hair. It helps repair damage, smooth frizz, and promote shine. Research indicates that avocado oil can penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen the strands from within (Image: Canva)
Amla oil: It possess antifungal properties against various fungi, attributed to unsaturated C18 fatty acids. It contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and tannins, which absorb reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus potentially preventing graying of hair. Additionally, it demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against various bacteria (Image: Canva)
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Rosemary oil: This oil helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, and may also promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Studies have shown that rosemary oil can help increase hair thickness and density (Image: Canva)
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
