Hair oils__ may have become an overnight sensation in the beauty industry, but for us Latinas, because of our abuelitas and mamás we've been using oils for years to keep our hair gorgeous and healthy. These miracle workers do it all from nourishing your strands, to boosting shine, reducing frizz, fighting dandruff, and even promoting hair growth.
Read more in ¿Qué más? Rosemary oil: A miracle all-in-one beauty treatment!
You can find any of these oils at your local botánica, health foods store, or hair supply store, but nowadays they're in a ton of beauty products too. Need I say more? Just make sure not to overuse them, especially if you heat style, because then you might wind up doing more damage than good. Check out my guidelines below to help you find the best oils for your hair needs!
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Argan oil
This nutrient-rich oil works wonder on coarse, dry, or chemically processed hair. Not only will it leave your tresses healthier, silkier, and shiner but it also makes it easier to style. Avoid the scalp and roots of your hair and apply a nickel-sized amount using your fingers to rake it through your mid-shaft and ends. Or try Moroccanoil The Original Treatment ($43).
Coconut oil
Dominican women have been using pure coconut oil on their hair for centuries. It contains strengthening and protective qualities that helps keep strands strong and healthy and it also seriously helps boost shine. Some chicas even use it to help promote hair growth. Just massage a small amount of oil on your scalp for a few minutes, and then add a dime-sized amount to mid-length sections and ends. Leave it on overnight and rinse out in the morning. Or try The Body Shop Coconut Hair Shine ($8).
Tea tree oil
Struggling with flakes? You might want to rub some tea tree oil on your scalp. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent that can immediately relieve any symtoms of dandruff or dry scalp. Apply a few drops to your scalp and massage it on using a circular motion for about 2 to 5 minutes. Then rinse it out and shampoo as usual. Or try Jason Natural Cosmetics Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo ($8).
Rosemary oil
This essential oil is known for stimulating the hair follicles to help promote hair growth for women experience hair loss or thinning. Take a small amount and massage in on your scalp like you would with coconut oil for a few minutes. And then rinse out and shampoo and condition as usual. Make sure to do it at least once a week to see results. Or try Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil and Natural Conditioner ($17).
Olive oil
If you have normal or oily hair you might want to avoid olive oil because it can leave your strands kind of greasy. But if your struggle with dry, damaged tresses, this oil will do you wonders. Apply a quarter-sized amount to your ends only and then cover hair with a plastic bag or shower cap. Leave it on for no more than 15 minutes and then rinse it out. Or try Carol Daughter Olive Oil Infusion Kit ($25).
