Recently, I discovered that doing a hair mask with natural vegetable oils was very good for my dry hair so I decided to tell you more about it!
I realize that I have rarely been talking about hair care lately, so here goes…
First of all I have a good reason for not constantly talking about hair care products: I don’t change my hair products very often. I have been using the same products for ages, and usually always from the same brands. Some trusted brands (Phyto or Leonor Greyl most of the time), who don’t put too much crap in their products compositions: like silicones or SLS (but be careful, there may have some SLS in certain Phyto shampoos) (it’s better to always check the composition).
I have been a big fan of oil hair masks for several years and I usually use specific hair oils (including the famous “Huile de Palme” by Leonor Greyl, which has since changed its name and is now called “L’Huile de Leonor Greyl“) and I am quite happy with them so far.
But after hearing and reading a lot about the benefits of natural vegetable oils (like coconut oil for example) and Leonor Greyl being practically impossible to find in Dubai, I thought I would give them a try.
Well, what a great idea it was! Natural oils are so much cheaper but more importantly, I found them to be more effective on my hair!
Reminder: the natural oil hair mask
What is it for?
The oil hair mask helps to repair deeply the dry and damaged hair. But depending to the oils used, it can also soothe an irritated scalp, reduce the excess of oiliness or also be a very efficient weapon against lice (gross but true).
Vegetable oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or castor oil for example, have a special affinity for keratin (the hair’s protein), they can really soften and smooth the hair scales. They really penetrate deeply in the hair to repair it.
How does it work?
Ideally, especially if you’re like me, spending your time using styling products to pump up the volume or using dry shampoo, you will have to start by washing your hair to get rid of all the residue those products leave behind, clogging the hair and preventing oil from penetrating deeper in your hair.
To wash them really effectively, I use the Phytoneutre shampoo by Phyto, a detoxifying shampoo (which is not the softest shampoo in the world, I prefer to warn you…).
AND then and this is important, I let them dry completely. Wet hair does not absorb in the same way. An oil hair mask is far more effective on dry hair.
Obviously if you don’t put anything on your hair, you can apply oil directly, you will definitely save some time! wink
Then, you just have to apply the oil you chose in your hair (and your scalp if needed), comb your lengths to distribute the product evenly and leave it work.
Generally, I do it during the evening and I leave it on overnight. I put a plastic cap and a towel over my head and my husband thinks I’m the most glamorous woman he’s ever seen.
It’s better to leave it on as long as possible. It takes at least 3 hours to notice a difference in the hair and see a result.
To rinse it off, I’ll give you a tip: it’s easier to use hot water (because hot water helps “de-grease” better than cold water) and to do at least 2 shampoos (or 3).
I do love to follow with a good moisturizing hair mask that I apply on my damp (but not too wet) hair. I leave it on for 15 minutes, to really smooth and detangle my hair…
But quite frankly, especially if you have fine hair and if it’s not too damaged, the pre-shampoo oil mask is totally enough to soften your locks. But hey, you’ve got to know me by now. With me, it’s definitely “more is more”. wink
The result?
Soft and silky hair and I really noticed I also have significantly less split ends.
How often?
Ideally, once a week, especially for very dry and damaged hair. But for healthier and less dry hair, once a month is not that bad.
What are the best natural oils to do oil hair masks?
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is really the best for very dry hair! And moreover, it smells so delicious!!!
I use organic coconut oil 100% pure and natural and without any chemical treatment.
At less than 25 degrees, it’s a solid oil, but it melts very easily. Generally, I get it to melt directly into my hands, but you can also put the jar under hot water to liquefy the oil faster.
I highly recommend to NOT melt in the microwave because it would destroy its benefits…
Usually, I apply the equivalent of 4 teaspoons to cover all my hair (I have long hair). I’m specifically applying it onto my hair lengths and ends.
It can also be used on the scalp if it’s dry (but it’s not really my case) and a little tip for moms of young children: coconut oil is a great natural anti-lice product! (it suffocates them)(yes, I know, it’s gross)(but hey it’s useful to know!)
Personally, I only use coconut oil for my hair but I know that on dry skin (face or body), it can also be used as a nourishing balm. I know that some people are using it as a makeup remover (like a cleansing oil), but I wouldn’t recommend it: I find it very difficult to rinse, and it may have a tendency to clog the pores of the skin.
Otherwise, it can also be used every day on the hair as a kind of serum for dry ends but rather on thick hair. If I do that with my fine hair, it has a very greasy effect… So for me, coconut oil is mainly used as a great oil mask and with 3 soft shampoos after!
You can find some coconut oil in any organic food store (I bought mine at Organic here in Dubai) as well as online, like I-Herb.com (for example) for $8.22.
Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil is a super interesting oil because its composition is very similar to the human sebum.
It’s a very fine oil (more than coconut oil) which is liquid and can be applied on the face but also on the hair and the scalp.
Same thing than for the coconut oil, I’m using a completely pure and natural oil. It’s better if it’s organic and without any chemical transformation.
I’m usually using jojoba oil for my scalp because it has balancing properties and prevents my hair from becoming greasy too fast. I first apply jojoba oil on my scalp, massaging with my fingertips and then I use coconut oil for the rest of the hair.
From time to time, I also use it for my hair’s ends, still before my shampoo but I don’t leave it for a very long time. I do this between two deeper treatments with coconut oil. Jojoba oil is thinner than coconut oil, so it can be rinsed easily. (unfortunately, it doesn’t smell as good)
This oil is also great if you have combination skin because it is regulating. I sometimes use it instead of my night cream. I mix it with 1 or 2 drops of tea tree essential oil (purifying).
I also found this jojoba oil from Desert Essence at Organic, but you can also order it on their website for $15.99.
Other vegetable oils are also great for dry hair, such as castor oil, olive oil or argan oil, but I haven’t try them yet. If you have some recommendations, feel free to let me know in the comments! I’m all ears!;)
And you, are you also a fan of natural oils used as hair masks? What are your favorite vegetable oils?
Photos credits: bonnie-garner.com
Cet article est aussi disponible en français: Le bain d’huile pour les cheveux, mode d’emploi