How to differentiate hair oils?

The function of oil

We hear a lot that oil moisturizes the hair, well, think again! The oil does not hydrate, it nourishes and retains hydration within the hair fiber.

“Oil doesn't hydrate, it helps. »

- Anna, Colorful Black

Indeed, after going through your daily hair routine, putting a touch of vegetable oil on your hair helps nourish or retain moisture within your hair fiber. It can also be used as a finishing oil to add shine to your frizzy and curly hair.

In addition, many use it in an oil bath before their shampoos for nourished hair and to activate growth. This involves massaging the scalp for 5 minutes with an oil or a synergy of oils and distributing the excess over the lengths; it is recommended to avoid overdose but to use a reasonable amount. Cover the head with a plastic cap , leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The oil bath is done once or twice a month.

The oil can also prepare your hair fiber for your hair routine, it's the "pre-poo" principle.

If you incorporate the oil into your routine, it is important to make the right choice because they do not all have the same properties. Some are nourishing, sealing or both.

Nourishing oils to deeply nourish your hair

As said before, oils are not moisturizing but nourishing. They are identified thanks to their ability to penetrate the hair, made possible by their composition rich in fatty acids. Indeed, the richer an oil is in fatty acids, the more easily it can penetrate the hair fiber. The best known of them, Coconut oil or Olive oil .

Because of their penetrating effectiveness, nourishing oils are ideal for oil baths before shampooing.

There are two types of fatty acids:

• The saturated fatty acids which are the most penetrating
• Monounsaturated fatty acids whose molecular structure is more compact

Their molecular structure being quite fine, it allows these oils to pierce the outer envelope of the hair, i.e. the barrier created by the hair cuticles in order to reach the deep part, i.e. the cortex.

Sealing oils to seal in moisture within your hair fiber

What is special about sealing oils? Unlike nourishing oils, sealing oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids allowing them to easily seal in moisture. With these oils, water evaporation will be limited, so the hair will stay hydrated longer.

In addition to this sealing action, it also protects the hair against external aggressions caused by the cold, pollution, the sun or even drought.

Which also allows it to smooth the scales for shinier and more radiant hair. Grapeseed oil is the ideal oil to represent this process. Remember that Grape Seed Oil is made up of 50% to 70% polyunsaturated fatty acids.

2-in-1 oils: nourishing and sealing

Also referred to as finishing oils, they will enhance your hairstyle by bringing shine. This type of oil notably promotes the elimination of frizz.

If you want to define your curls, WAAM Broccoli Oil is just what you need. Its sheathing action allows you to redraw the curls.

The function of the vegetable oils present in Colorful Black

* Not referenced in the catalog

Want to know more ? Find Anna's expertise through our article " Oil does not hydrate it helps " as well as our coaching offer and our guide to using oils for natural hair .