16 Natural Oils for Healthy, Happy Natural Hair

Many of us are on a mission to achieve that perfect, healthy head of hair, trying various products and treatments. However, nature itself offers some of the best solutions in the form of natural oils.

Loaded with beneficial nutrients and properties, these oils can transform your hair care routine, leading to stronger, shinier, and faster-growing hair. Ready to dive into the world of natural oils?

Here are the top 16 picks that could be the secret to unlocking your hair’s full potential and helping it be as healthy and vibrant as ever.

Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil, derived from the Nigella sativa plant, is a hidden gem in natural hair care.

This potent oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for soothing scalp conditions, reducing inflammation, and combating dandruff.

Its various nutrients, including fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, strengthen hair follicles, promote hair growth, and add a sleek, glossy sheen to your tresses.

Incorporating black seed oil into your routine can help maintain the scalp’s health and enhance your hair’s overall texture and volume.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a powerhouse for hair care, renowned for its deep moisturising properties.

Rich in lauric acid, it has a unique affinity for hair protein, helping to reduce protein loss and protect hair from damage. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for penetrating the hair shaft, providing hydration and preventing breakage.

Regular use can enhance hair growth and impart a glossy sheen, making it a staple in many hair care routines.

Argan Oil

Dubbed ‘liquid gold’ for hair, argan oil hails from Morocco and offers a plethora of benefits.

It’s packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, moisturising the scalp and adding luminous shine.

Argan oil is also known for its ability to tame flyaways and protect hair from heat damage, making it ideal for styling.

Baobab Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the Baobab tree, this oil is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and F, as well as omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids.

Baobab oil is easily absorbed by the hair and scalp, providing deep hydration and nourishment.

It helps strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote growth, while also soothing scalp irritation and reducing inflammation.

Baobab oil is suitable for all hair types and can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, leave-in conditioner, or styling product.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil’s structure closely resembles sebum, the natural oil the scalp produces.

This makes it an excellent choice for balancing oil production, hydrating the hair, and maintaining the scalp’s health.

Its antibacterial properties also help cleanse the scalp, promote hair thickness, and stimulate growth. Jojoba oil is incredibly versatile and suitable for all hair types.

Olive Oil

A staple in the Mediterranean, olive oil is not just for cooking; it’s a fantastic hair elixir.

High in squalene and antioxidants, it moisturises and strengthens hair from the inside out.

Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly beneficial for treating dandruff and reducing scalp irritation.

Its deep conditioning effect is perfect for restoring shine and softness to dry, damaged hair.

Castor Oil

Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil is famed for its hair growth-promoting properties.

It enhances circulation to the scalp, supporting hair growth and strengthening the roots.

Its thick consistency helps moisturise and condition the hair, reduce breakage, and prevent dandruff. 

Castor oil is also beneficial for thickening hair and enhancing its overall texture.

Almond Oil

Almond oil has a treasure trove of essential nutrients, such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, which promote hair health.

It not only stimulates hair growth but also helps reduce hair breakage and split ends, making hair stronger and shinier.

Its natural SPF 5 provides slight protection against sun damage, and its lightweight nature makes it perfect for smoothing and conditioning.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a superfood for hair, loaded with biotin and vitamins A, B-5, and E. Its moisture-sealing properties lock in hydration, while its antioxidants help repair damage and strengthen hair.

Avocado oil is particularly effective for nourishing and revitalising dry, damaged, or brittle hair, promoting healthy hair growth and imparting a natural lustre.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a non-greasy and light oil with high amounts of linoleic acid and vitamin E. It moisturises the scalp and hair and is known for treating dandruff, reducing hair loss, and promoting hair growth.

Its lightweight nature makes it an excellent choice for moisturising without weighing hair down, making it ideal for acceptable hair types.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a stimulating essential oil that invigorates the scalp with a cooling sensation, promoting hair growth by increasing circulation. It’s often used in small quantities diluted in a carrier oil.

Peppermint oil can cleanse the scalp, combat dandruff, and soothe itchiness, contributing to healthier hair roots and promoting a healthy hair growth cycle.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful ally against scalp conditions such as dandruff, itchiness, and seborrheic dermatitis.

It encourages healthy hair growth by unclogging hair follicles and nourishing the roots. To avoid irritation, it should be used diluted in a carrier oil.

Baobab Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the Baobab trees, Baobab oil is a luxurious, nutrient-rich oil that offers profound benefits for hair health.

It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and F and omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which deeply nourish the hair and scalp.

This oil is particularly effective for dry, brittle hair, providing intense hydration, improving elasticity, and reducing breakage.

Baobab oil also protects hair from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays, promoting softer, more resilient, and beautifully hydrated hair.

Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for all hair types, enhancing shine and promoting healthy hair growth without leaving a greasy residue.

Hemp Seed Oil

Derived from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins E and A.

This combination of nutrients makes it an excellent choice for nourishing the scalp and hair. Hemp seed oil helps to improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.

Additionally, its moisturising properties help to alleviate dryness and prevent the scalp from flaking, while its lipids add elasticity and volume to hair, reducing the risk of breakage.

Unlike some other oils, hemp seed oil does not leave a greasy residue which makes it suitable for daily use to promote stronger, thicker, and more vibrant hair.

Sacha Inchi Oil

Sacha Inchi oil is extracted from the seeds of the Plukenetia volubilis plant, native to the Amazon rainforest, is a powerhouse of nutrients beneficial for hair health.

This exceptional oil is rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, antioxidants, and amino acids, making it an ideal ingredient for strengthening and moisturising the hair.

Sacha Inchi oil penetrates the hair shaft to deliver intense hydration, reducing dryness and brittleness. Its high antioxidant content also helps protect the hair from environmental stressors, promoting scalp health and preventing hair loss.

For those with curly or coily hair, Sacha Inchi oil can enhance curl pattern and manageability, leaving hair soft, shiny, and beautifully defined.

Marula Oil

Marula oil, sourced from the nuts of the Marula tree, is a lightweight and fast-absorbing oil that’s making waves in the beauty and hair care industry. Its high content of antioxidants and oleic acid makes it an excellent hydrator and protector for all hair types.

Marula oil is known for its ability to seal in moisture and smooth the hair cuticles. It also offers protection against environmental stressors and can help to repair damage caused by styling and heat.

Regular use of marula oil can result in a noticeable increase in hair strength, elasticity, and shine, making it a prized oil for those seeking healthy hair.

What to do next?

Incorporating natural oils into your hair care routine opens up a world of benefits, from enhancing growth and shine to preventing breakage and treating scalp issues.

These top 16 natural oils, each with unique properties, offer a natural pathway to achieving the luscious, healthy hair you’ve always desired.

Experiment with these natural treasures to find the perfect concoction for your hair type and concerns, and witness the transformative power of nature on your journey to vibrant, healthy tresses.