The Good Oil on Hair Oils

Thu, 19 April 2012 3:00PM

I first started using oil on my hair when I was about 14. My mum told me about how, when she was young, she used to warm up a little olive oil and massage it into her scalp and lengths. She’d leave it on for 30 minutes wrapped in a shower cap before shampooing it out. So, I did the same. Cheapest. Treatment. Ever. Except that washing it out was next-to-impossible and took many helping of shampoo, at which point my hair was probably more dehydrated than before.

But the idea was there. And it ain’t new. In fact, oil has been used to treat strands for centuries and would count among some of the oldest beauty treatments around. It’s said that even the ancient Egyptians were mad for it. Thankfully, though, the new breed has been specifically tailored to use not to make chips or pasta sauce, but for hair only, meaning the products are lighter, easier to apply and won’t weigh your style down in the way regular oil can.

But let’s face it: you’d have to be living under a rock to have missed this hair care trend: oils have become the product du jour for your ‘do, celebs (like hard-on-her-hair Katy Perry) love them, and it seems like every beauty brand is jumping on the bandwagon.

Here’s Katy at Coachella – see how lovely, smooth and shiny her style looks, even if it has just been dyed violet and boosted with extensions?

We’ve gone from one extreme to another and now there are so many oils to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. So, I’ve taken one for the team, tried, tested, asked around and put together a list of recommendations for all hair types (the best part is you’ll never have to resort to the bottle of Bertolli again).

Bear in mind that most oils should be applied to clean, damp hair before blow-drying for best results – think of them like a hardcore leave-in conditioner. You can also add a tiny amount to dry hair for a glossy finishing touch (just keep it well away from your roots if you choose to go this way).

If your hair is thick: Moroccanoil Treatment from $26.50, 1300 437 436

Responsible for the rebirth of hair oils, this breakthrough argan oil-based buy is great for wiry, unruly, hard-to-manage lengths. It’ll nourish a dry, itchy scalp, too. Although it’s recommended for all hair types, it may leave fine or oily ones looking a tad limp (there’s a lighter version, so perhaps try that if your ‘do is that way inclined).

If your hair is fine: L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil, $38, 1300 651 141

This option in a handy pump pack works for all hair types, but the lightweight avocado and grapeseed oils in the formula make it just the thing for fine strands. It’ll nourish but won’t add weight or grease when applied to mid-lengths and ends. Promise.

If your hair is coloured: David Babaii Miracle Oil Hair Elixir, 29.95, Adore Beauty

Packed with many delicious ingredients, from certified organic argan oil to sweet almond, brazil nut and açai berry oil, this treatment is great for repairing coloured hair and is light enough for all types. It’s also silicone-free, if you prefer to avoid too many chemicals in your hair products, and won’t affect your salon-perfect shade.

If your hair is curly: Macadamia Natural Oil Luxurious Oil Spray, from $24.95, from pharmacies

Rich in moisturising macadamia and absorbent argan oils, this easy-to-use mist helps to soften and control curls, and speed up drying time. It’s also perfect if your hair texture is fine. The spray bottle makes adding just a small amount a breeze, and you can top up throughout the day for added definition and spring.

As a treatment mask: V05 Hot Oil Hot Oil- Moisture Soak Elixir, $6.99 for 4 treatments, from supermarkets

An oldie but a goodie, these purse friendly vials of oil make for a fast, pre-wash mask. Warm up in hot water, crack open and work through your lengths for one minute before you get into the shower. Just the thing for dehydrated hair, if you swim a lot (it’s great for removing chlorine), or if you don’t have much time for hair treatments. And at this price you can’t really go wrong.

For a helpful styling aid: Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Dry Styling Oil, $24.99, from supermarkets and pharmacies

The lightweight finishing product is easily absorbed and non-greasy. Use it to protect against heat and UV rays and to add a last-minute shot of moisture to your ‘do. Use it as the finishing touch to your blow-dry, especially if you heat style regularly. As an aside, we also love that the bottle and label are eco-friendly and made from recycled or renewable materials.

To fight frizz: Dove Nutritive Nourishing Oil Care Treatment, $9.99, from supermarkets and pharmacies

Think of this itty bitty bottle like a serum and use it accordingly. Add a small amount to your palms and work the coconut and sweet almond oil formula through your damp lengths. Good for beating fluffiness for the coming winter season, but best for brittle, rough or unmanageable strands.

And that, Primpers, is just a small selection of the veritable smorgasbord of hair oils out there. I have to say, I’m kind of believing the hype about them, too. Having given them a spin for a few months now, I’ve noticed a big difference in my (fine, limp) hair. And whenever I speak to my curly-headed friends, they simply rave.

So, have you tried them? Have they changed your life?

And which is your favourite option right now?

Until next week,

Emily x

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: david babaii, dove, frizzy hair, hair, hair oil, katy perry, loreal professionnel, moroccan oil, organix, vo5