When it comes to maintaining and protecting your naturally curly hair, there are many products available and thus confusion is inevitable. If you want to avoid the chemicals and parabens, your best bet is to choose natural oils to take care of your natural kinky curly hair. Before you explore any of these natural oils, it is important to know which ones will work best for your hair type and texture. Here are 12 natural oils that help to protect, hydrate and moisturize your natural hair.

Avocado Oil 

Avocado oil is a powerhouse for natural hair. It is rich in amino acids, folic acid, fatty acids, magnesium, copper, iron, proteins, and vitamins A, B, D, and E. It is one of the best natural oils for protecting your natural hair from sun damage. With a light to medium density, this oil works great in hot oil treatment.

Castor oil has been known to work wonders with the thinning hairline – just apply castor oil to the receding hairline to regain hair thickness in that particular area. Ideal for tighter coils, this heavy oil works by sealing the moisture into your natural hair. It is a heavier oil so use in lightly and as needed. If you use too much castor oil, your natural hair will feel weighed down and heavy.

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Grapeseed oil is helpful to all types of natural curls, and is a light oil that moisturizes and hydrates quickly. Using this oil regularly ensures that you increase hair manageability, strengthen your strands, and prevent dandruff as well as dry scalp. Switch to grapeseed oil instead of using heat protection sprays as this oil is a natural heat protectant. You can use it as a protective agent while ironing or blow-drying your hair up to 425 degrees.

Argan Oil

A rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil is very nourishing for your natural hair. The oleic acid and the linoleic acid present in this oil is responsible for its excellent moisturizing properties. This light oil is easily absorbed by your hair, and makes your hair more manageable while also increasing its shine. Argan oil repairs damaged hair follicles and reduces breakage. 

With antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties, coconut oil is one of the few oils that enters your hair shaft. This non-greasy oil can be used on all natural hair types and aids in maintaining strong hair by preventing hair loss. It is light and works well on fine natural hair and can be used oil to deep condition natural hair styles.

If you want to strengthen as well as soften your natural hair, your best bet is olive oil. Renowned as a natural conditioner, this heavy oil can be used as a treatment for dandruff because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you want to use olive oil for hot oil treatment or for a pre-shampoo treatment, it is better to use the extra virgin variation of olive oil. Use less for fine natural hair because the oil can be heavy if not applied in moderation.

Sweet almond oil is a light oil that is rich is essential fatty acids, protein, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Apart from sealing in moisture in your hair, sweet almond oil also softens your natural hair and increases its elasticity. It washes out very easily and does not make your hair greasy.

Jojoba oil is very similar to the natural sebum oil produced by the scalp, which is why the hair strands quickly absorb it. It is considered to be one of the best sealant oils, as it locks in the moisture in your hair. You can add this oil to your shampoo or conditioner because it is non-greasy and has a silky texture. This is the ideal natural oil for your scalp massages.

Tea tree oil is known for its ability to nourish your hair roots and unclog your hair follicles. Tea tree oil is very potent so use it sparingly. You cannot directly apply this oil to your scalp, you will have to use carrier oils like coconut or almond oil. It also aids in getting rid of the itchy scalp and dandruff issues.

Another essential oil that should be mixed with a carrier oil before application is rosemary oil. This light oil is rich in antioxidants and has numerous anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It encourages the blood circulation in your scalp and thereby promotes hair growth.

If you have fine natural hair, it will benefit greatly from rose oil. Strengthening your hair roots, adding shine, and getting rid of the frizz are some of the advantages of using this light oil.

Although the odor of neem oil will put you off, this is one of the best natural oils to protect your natural hair. If you have any scalp conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, or dandruff, this oil is best to treat them because of its potent antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with treating these conditions, this oil also adds shine to your natural hair, strengthens it, and promotes growth.

All of these natural oils are beneficial to naturally kinky curly hair. Consider mixing them together to find oils that work for your hair to create your personal concoction. Use these natural oils for protecting your natural hair and simplify your natural hair journey.