With so many cold-pressed oils available in the market—groundnut oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, almond oil, walnut oil, and flaxseed oil—choosing the best oil for hair can be confusing and overwhelming.
Well, don’t worry!
In this article, we will tell you which is the best oil for hair; factors to consider when choosing a hair oil; and the right oils to counter your unique hair problems.
But first of all, let’s understand.
What is Cold-Pressed Oil?
Cold-pressed oil is extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits through mechanical methods without using heat or chemicals. The reason? To preserve the natural vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients of the oil.
Unlike cold-pressed oils, refined oils undergo heavy processing which leads to the loss of their natural goodness. That’s the first reason why you should choose cold-pressed over refined oils.
Why is Cold-Pressed Oil Better than Refined Oils for Hair?
Below are more reasons why cold-pressed oils are superior to refined oils:
- No Heat Exposure: The cold-pressing process doesn’t subject the oil to high temperatures, which means the nutrients remain intact.
- Rich in Nutrients: These oils retain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that help nourish and strengthen your hair.
- No Chemicals: Cold-pressed oils are free from harmful chemicals and additives often found in refined oils, making them safer for your hair and scalp.
Using cold-pressed oils in your hair means you’re using natural hair care remedies which leads to healthier, stronger, and shinier hair.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Oil for Hair
Different people have different hair so consider the following factors to make sure you’re selecting the best oil for your hair
- Hair Type: Whether you have dry, oily, curly, or straight hair, certain oils are better suited for specific hair types.
- Scalp Condition: Your scalp’s condition plays a key role in choosing the right oil. Is it dry, oily, or prone to dandruff?
- Hair Concerns: Are you looking for growth, hydration, frizz control, or damage repair? Different oils target different concerns.
Best Cold-Pressed Oils for Hair Based on Benefits
Oil For Dry Hair
If your hair tends to be dry and frizzy, look for oils that provide deep nourishment and moisture.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil for hair is an all-time favourite, used by many generations for hair nourishment. They are rich in fatty acids so they deeply penetrate the hair shaft to hydrate and reduce frizz. Plus, coconut oil is one of the best oils for damaged hair as it protects from heat damage.
Argan Oil: A lightweight yet highly moisturizing oil. It helps tame flyaways and gives your hair a natural shine, making it an excellent choice for frizzy hair.
Oil For Hair Growth & Thickness
To promote healthy hair growth and increase thickness, these oils can work wonders.
Castor Oil: Castor oil repairs split ends and is packed with ricinoleic acid, which stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, hence promoting hair growth. On top of that, castor oil is excellent for strengthening and thickening hair.
Almond Oil: Almond oil is rich in vitamins E and D, which are essential for strong, healthy hair. And using almond oil for hair will also prevent hair breakage and strengthen your hair follicles.
Oil For Oily Scalp & Dandruff-Prone Hair
If you have an oily scalp or suffer from dandruff, oils like jojoba and sesame can balance and soothe your scalp.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is one of the most effective oils for balancing oil production on the scalp. Why? Because it mimics the natural oils of your skin, it is great for those with oily hair or dandruff issues.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil has antibacterial properties which help maintain scalp health, and prevent dandruff and other scalp conditions.
For Overall Hair Health & Shine
These oils provide general hair nourishment and improve overall hair health.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is one of the best oils for hair, offering both hydration and vitalization benefits. It improves elasticity so it is ideal for preventing hair breakage.
Which Cold-Pressed Oil Should You Avoid for Hair?
While most cold-pressed oils are great for hair, some aren’t ideal for all hair types:
- Soybean Oil: Soybean oil may not provide as much moisture and nourishment compared to other oils (like coconut or almond oil) and can cause build-up on the scalp.
- Corn Oil: Generally, corn oil is not recommended for hair as it doesn’t have the same nourishing properties as other oils.
How to Use Cold-Pressed Oil Effectively for Best Results
Now to get the most out of your hair nourishment oil, follow these simple tips:
1. How often should you oil your hair?
For most hair types, applying oil 2–3 times a week is sufficient. However, if your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you may want to apply it more often.
2. Best Time to Apply Oil
Generally, it’s recommended to apply oil to your hair before washing. This allows the oil to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and nourish it. If you prefer, you can also apply it after washing as a leave-in treatment, but it’s more effective to apply it before.
3. Warming the Oil
Warming the oil before applying increases the absorption into your hair. You can warm it slightly by placing the bottle in hot water or heating it in a microwave for a few seconds.
4. Combining Oils for Better Results
Sometimes, you can mix multiple oils to get the best of both worlds. For example, combining wood pressed coconut oil with cold-pressed castor oil can give you a powerful blend that nourishes and promotes hair growth.
Conclusion
The best oil for hair is the one that targets your specific concerns. Whether it’s dryness, hair growth, or scalp health. Be sure to choose the best natural oil for hair that suits your needs and make it part of your regular hair care routine for healthier, shinier, and stronger hair.
