How to use: Choose a cold-pressed avocado oil that is enriched with nutrients. We suggest warming it up by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. It’ll help the product penetrate the hair better. When applying, lightly coat your fingertips and target the areas that you need the most. If you have an itchy scalp, rub the oil onto your head. For split ends, rub it onto the tips of your hair, as well as the driest parts. Lightly work your way up the hair as needed. Use it as a preshampoo treatment, then wash it out using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
Best Grapeseed Oil: Pure Grapeseed Oil for Skin, Hair, and Scalp
Best for: Fine hair and dry scalps
Grapeseed oil is on the lighter side, so it’s a great match for hydrating fine hair. Kay recommends routinely rubbing a small amount of this cold-pressed oil onto a dry scalp to keep it moisturized, soothe dandruff, and amp up hair growth. She also says, “It’s filled with antioxidants, which help it masterfully treat and prevent split ends.”
How to use: If your strands tend to get dry or frizzy, add a few drops of this oil to your palms and lightly coat the lengths of your hair after showering. Whether you blow- or air-dry, it will help reduce frizz and improve hydration without weighing it down.
Best Macadamia Nut Oil: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Treatment
Best for: Dry scalps; 3C, 4C hair
As one of the richest oils, macadamia is great at penetrating the hair shaft and softening very thick or curly hair. This product has therapeutic properties that revitalize heat-damaged hair, provide UV protection, and even extend the life of color treatments.
How to use: Take a dime-size dollop of virgin cold-pressed macadamia oil. Rub it between your palms and then smooth it throughout your dry hair. Pro tip: Pay careful attention to getting the oil to the ends of your hair to help repair split ends and damage.
Best Baobab Oil: R+Co On a Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Collection
Best for: Softer strands; knotty hair
In search of an oil that delivers a nongreasy shine? Baobab oil has incredible conditioning properties that “adds a subtle gloss to all hair types,” says Kay. Beyond making your strands look more lustrous, this spray-on oil styling mask has a baobab oil-protein technology that rebuild bonds and seals the hair cuticle.
How to use: Spray this oil mixture evenly from roots to ends on clean, damp hair. It’ll help detangle knots, while repairing dry hair damage. Comb through and style as normal. You’ll be left with a soft, lustrous finish.
Best Tea Tree Oil: Briogeo Scalp Revival Organic + Australian 100% Tea Tree Oil
Best for: Scalp health; calming dryness and itchiness
A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, and tea tree oil contains potent nutrients that calm and soothe a dry, itchy, oily, or flaky scalp. This 100% organic version works for all hair types and textures, without leaving oily residue behind. This formula is also a multitasker as it can be used on the skin, specifically for blemishes and irritation. And because it’s a smaller size, it could be a good product to bring with you on the go.
“I have a pretty content scalp in that I rarely experience irritation or dandruff, but when I used this, it did feel refreshing and clean, like a facial for my scalp. Plus it rinsed out easily and left my strands feeling super soft. Just be mindful that it is an oil and can make for a mess—while I didn’t have trouble with the bottle leaking per se, the oil does sit around the neck and on the cap, so when I placed it on the counter, it left a ring of residue.” says DeSantis.
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