The best oils for your hair and skin
By Fatima Yazdi
May 11, 2021
Image Credit: Courtesy of Chelsea Shapouri for Unsplash
When it comes to hair, skin, and nails, there’s an oil for your needs. But, with each oil serving a different purpose and the numerous varieties of each, it can be difficult to narrow down the ideal oil for your needs. Here are our top hair and facial oil recommendations:
Hair Oils: Castor oil
Castor oil is a multifunctional vegetable oil that is well-known for helping your hair. It is typically used to help dry and damaged hair, as it retains moisture well and works as a natural conditioner.
It is also known to help lengthen and thicken hair, which is why it’s commonly used as a natural alternative to grow and improve eyelashes and eyebrows, compared to lash serums filled with harsh chemicals. Castor oil can be used as a hair mask, or even be sprayed onto the hair for shine and moisture.
There are various uses and techniques when using castor oil; University of Maryland students enjoy using castor oil as a hair mask before showering.
“I try to oil my hair every three weeks. I would put the oil in my hair, leave it in for a few hours or even overnight, and tie my hair into a bun. Then, once I'm done with the oil sitting in, I’ll wash it out with my normal shampoo and conditioner,” junior community health major Sabrina Manzoor said.
“I enjoy [this] product because it strengthens my hair a lot and it keeps my hair growing and keeping it long,” Manzoor said. “I also see it making my hair thicker and super soft!”
Hair Oils: Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a multipurpose, edible oil that works as a natural conditioner for the hair, and has numerous benefits. According to a Healthline article, one study shows that it may work as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Similar to castor oil, it treats dry hair and gives the hair a shiny, healthy appearance.
“I use coconut oil around twice a week and I put the oils in the night before, and let them sit in my hair overnight. The next morning, I shower and just rinse it off,” freshman business management and government and politics double major Ilhaam Lakhani said. “After using the coconut oil, my hair was less oily and [the oil] prevented hair loss. It even helped my hair grow faster.”
Facial Oils: Rosehip seed oil
Rosehip seed oil has grown more popular with The Ordinary’s recent skincare takeover, and for a good reason.
Cold pressed organic rosehip seed oil is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin A, making it an ideal moisturizer for the skin. It is especially great for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scars due to its skin regeneration abilities. When in doubt, rosehip seed oil will moisturize, improve skin texture, reduce dark spots and give you a healthy glow.
Facial Oils: Argan oil
Argan oil is a multipurpose oil rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It can be used both on the hair and face. Filled with vitamin E and omega fatty acids, it moisturizes, calms and treats the skin for acne with its ability to limit sebum secretion. The vitamin E serves as an effective moisturizer on the hair as well, making it healthy, shiny and smooth.
“Argan oil [leaves] my hair feeling, apart from smelling amazing, very strong, thick, smooth instead of rough and less frizzy,” Lakhani said.
Hair Oils: Castor oil
Castor oil is a multifunctional vegetable oil that is well-known for helping your hair. It is typically used to help dry and damaged hair, as it retains moisture well and works as a natural conditioner.
It is also known to help lengthen and thicken hair, which is why it’s commonly used as a natural alternative to grow and improve eyelashes and eyebrows, compared to lash serums filled with harsh chemicals. Castor oil can be used as a hair mask, or even be sprayed onto the hair for shine and moisture.
There are various uses and techniques when using castor oil; University of Maryland students enjoy using castor oil as a hair mask before showering.
“I try to oil my hair every three weeks. I would put the oil in my hair, leave it in for a few hours or even overnight, and tie my hair into a bun. Then, once I'm done with the oil sitting in, I’ll wash it out with my normal shampoo and conditioner,” junior community health major Sabrina Manzoor said.
“I enjoy [this] product because it strengthens my hair a lot and it keeps my hair growing and keeping it long,” Manzoor said. “I also see it making my hair thicker and super soft!”
Hair Oils: Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a multipurpose, edible oil that works as a natural conditioner for the hair, and has numerous benefits. According to a Healthline article, one study shows that it may work as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Similar to castor oil, it treats dry hair and gives the hair a shiny, healthy appearance.
“I use coconut oil around twice a week and I put the oils in the night before, and let them sit in my hair overnight. The next morning, I shower and just rinse it off,” freshman business management and government and politics double major Ilhaam Lakhani said. “After using the coconut oil, my hair was less oily and [the oil] prevented hair loss. It even helped my hair grow faster.”
Facial Oils: Rosehip seed oil
Rosehip seed oil has grown more popular with The Ordinary’s recent skincare takeover, and for a good reason.
Cold pressed organic rosehip seed oil is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin A, making it an ideal moisturizer for the skin. It is especially great for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scars due to its skin regeneration abilities. When in doubt, rosehip seed oil will moisturize, improve skin texture, reduce dark spots and give you a healthy glow.
Facial Oils: Argan oil
Argan oil is a multipurpose oil rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It can be used both on the hair and face. Filled with vitamin E and omega fatty acids, it moisturizes, calms and treats the skin for acne with its ability to limit sebum secretion. The vitamin E serves as an effective moisturizer on the hair as well, making it healthy, shiny and smooth.
“Argan oil [leaves] my hair feeling, apart from smelling amazing, very strong, thick, smooth instead of rough and less frizzy,” Lakhani said.