Of all the curly hair secrets, oil application has to be the most tried and true. And, of all the oils, mineral and coconut oil have had the curly-haired community talking for years!
If you haven’t caught the detangling and frizz reducing fever that is natural oil, then not only are you missing out, but you have a tough choice to make!
Of course, by simply knowing the benefits of using mineral and coconut oil for hair care and which hair fix you are looking for, you can easily determine which oil is best for your specific head of hair. So, read on and try it out. We promise, you won’t regret it!
Are Natural Oils Safe For Hair?
First of all, we have to touch on the topic: are natural oils good for your hair? The truth is, scientists have continuously researched the notion that these oils are unsafe; however, there has not been any substantial proof to support the claim.
While these oils are often used in conjunction with petroleum, organic oils for your hair can be found easily. The organic versions of these oils contain no ingredients that would cause damage to your tresses. Because of this, you need not be fearful in using them for a home remedy to frizz or other hair damage.
As always, simply pay attention to the ingredients.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a popular ingredient found in many personal care and cosmetic products. It is a great lubricant and is non-greasy. Because it is a lubricant, it is great for detangling curly hair.
It works by sitting on the surface of your hair, forming a barrier that protects the hair’s cuticle. This creates a smooth and fly-away free look.
Besides the frizz fighting agent, mineral oil has also been proven to decrease the damage done to hair from chemical relaxers, making it perfect for those transitioning their locks.
For curly hair, mineral oil is great for forming and defining your ringlets. The oil acts as a sort of magnet for hair, attracting the fibers to one another. Ultimately, this creates a more defined look.
If you choose to use mineral oil, be sure that you also use a sulfate-free shampoo, such as Carol’s Daughter Moisturizing Shampoo.
While mineral oil can offer a lot of great benefits from less frizz to more defined kinks, it can often create a bit of buildup. Therefore, it is important to wash your hair a couple times a week to rid the hair of oil and dirt buildup.
Coconut Oil
For thousands of years, coconut oil for hair care has been used all over the world. It is best known for providing both shine and strength to locks, making it extremely popular for curly hair care enthusiasts.
Coconut oil has proven to be a great leave-in conditioner for curly hair, especially thick tresses. Plus, the curlier your hair, the more oil you can use! This is due to the texture that super curly or kinky hair has. As naturally produced oils have a difficult time sliding down the curls, using an abundant amount of coconut oil will not make the hair look greasy.
Apply the oil to clean, dry hair by rubbing it into your scalp and ends. For those with dry-scalp, coconut oil can also hydrate your hair.
Ultimately, coconut oil prevents the lifting of the hair’s cuticle, which contributes to a frizzy look. A research study done in 1999 by the Nature Care Division of Marico Industries, found that coconut oil is the only oil known to “reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.”
In comparison to mineral oil, coconut oil is less effective at preventing frizz and fly-aways. However, coconut oil for hair is great for someone who needs more absorption, while mineral oil is better for exterior or surface-level hair problems.
Whichever oil you choose, including coconut or mineral oil in your hair care routine will definitely spruce up your locks and keep them healthy, longer.
