Struggling to get soft, silky hair? These are the 9 best oils for low porosity and fine hair, and how they can benefit your hair type.
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Does this sound like you? You get in the shower and your hair takes forever to get wet.
Then, when you leave your hair to air dry, it takes what feels like a million years to dry.
You apply hair products and it feels like they just sit there on top of your hair, not absorbing. If you can relate, you probably have low porosity hair!
Hair porosity is determined by the structure of the hair cuticle.
Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle layer, where there is no space between the cuticles.
This means that low porosity hair tends to take a long time to dry, and doesn’t absorb water and hair products very easily.
Because of this, products can build up on the hair, and using heavier oils can make the hair feel super greasy and weighed down.
Can You Use Oils on Low Porosity Hair?
Totally! If you have low porosity hair, or fine hair that gets weighed down easily, you can definitely still use oils.
You’ll just want to ensure that you’re using the best oils for the low porosity hair type.
It’s important to stick to lightweight oils and avoid the heavier ones (like castor oil).
Whether you want to do a hot oil treatment, seal your ends after a wash, or use an oil to finger detangle, I’ve got you covered. Here are the 9 best oils for low porosity hair.
Always do a patch test when trying a new ingredient for the first time, especially if you are allergy prone or have sensitive skin. If you experience itching, burning or other signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
9 Best Oils for Low Porosity Hair
You may notice that coconut oil is not on this list! That’s because regular coconut oil might not be that great for low porosity hair.
But there is one switch you can do to make it work for you! Read more about it here.
The oils in this list are especially great for those with low porosity hair and finer strands, but any hair type can benefit from using these.
Experiment and see which ones your hair likes best!
1. Apricot Oil
This is a great oil for sealing the ends of the hair after washing!
- Contains omega-9 fatty acids, which nourish both the hair and scalp
- Locks in moisture, preventing dry and brittle hair, and a dry itchy scalp
- Helps to make the hair feel softer, and smooths the hair shaft
2. Argan Oil
- Contains fatty acids and vitamin E which help reduce scalp irritation and itchiness
- Prevents dryness and frizz
- Increases shine
- Prevents split ends
- Protects against heat damage from the sun and from styling
3. Avocado Oil
- Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which nourishes the hair and scalp
- Encourages hair growth
- Helps to soften the hair
- Strengthens the hair, preventing breakage
These next two are my personal favorites. I love how lightweight they are and how soft they make my hair feel.
I’ve been using both of them on my skin for years as well, and I have gotten amazing results!
4. Grapeseed Oil
- Prevents sun and heat damage
- Increases shine
- Smooths the hair, making strands look sleeker and reduces the appearance of split ends
- Helps the hair and scalp to retain moisture, preventing dryness and dandruff
5. Jojoba Oil
- It’s very lightweight, so it absorbs quickly and won’t weigh hair down
- Increases moisture in the hair and scalp, preventing dryness
- It is the oil that’s most similar to the sebum that our skin naturally produces, so it makes an amazing scalp treatment
- Rich in vitamin E, so it’s very nourishing and softens the hair
6. Macadamia Oil
- Strengthens the hair, preventing brittle hair and breakage
- Protects from damage and oxidative stress, because it contains antioxidants
- Helps restore and lock in moisture, making hair feel softer
- Restores shine and reduces dullness, helping hair to look smoother and healthier
- Regulates oil production
7. Rosehip Seed Oil
- Strengthens hair, preventing breakage and helping to retain length
- Moisturizes and nourishes hair, preventing frizz and scalp dryness
- Increases shine, without a greasy look or feel
- Contains fatty acids and encourages hair growth by stimulating the scalp
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8. Sunflower Oil
- Helps to strengthen hair follicles, promoting hair growth
- Aids in repair and protection against damage and breakage
- Contains omega-9 fatty acids, reducing scalp inflammation, keeping the scalp moisturized and nourished
- Softens hair texture
9. Sweet Almond Oil
Great choice for a more intensive hot oil treatment!
- Moisturizes the hair, which makes it look shinier
- Smooths the hair shaft, reducing frizz
- Contains antioxidants, proteins and vitamin E, which strengthen the hair and prevent damage and breakage
Those are some of the best light carrier oils for hair! Hair is very individual and personal, so try out a few of these and see which ones are your favorites.
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