It seems we
can’t get enough of hair oils. SP Luxe Oil from Wella Professionals (£24.99) is
one of the latest in this genre to transform dry, brittle hair.
Generally,
consisting of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, anti-oxidant rich argan oil and
silicone, these elixirs penetrate the hair so it is protected and nourished.
They also help to smooth the hair and fight frizz leaving your locks looking
shiny.
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| Oils help protect the hair when brushing |
Formulations vary.
Some are heavier than others. For example, Moroccanoil The Original Treatment
(£30.45) tends to be more suited to coarse hair – though I love this in humid
conditions and when my hair needs cutting even though my hair is fine – while
the Wella is a lighter formulation. They all can be used on wet or dry hair.
Some women shy away
from these products as they are concerned about putting silicone on their
hair and turn to oils such coconut, olive and almond instead. But, are they
really better for your hair?
Chairman of the
Institute of Trichologists, Marilyn Sherlock, thinks not. “Manufactured oils
don’t go rancid and are much better for the hair than using oils such as
natural coconut or olive,” she says.
“Silicone is not a problem. Maybe, 30 to 40
years ago it was, but now it is highly refined and can easily be removed from
the hair with water and/or shampoo.”
Marilyn also
points out that these oils help protect the hair when brushing and combing and
also protect it from the elements, especially if you have fine and
flyaway European hair. They can also be good for African hair. “For the best
results, you need to find one for your specific hair type,” she adds.
Natural oils,
according to Marilyn, can adhere to your tresses, especially if you have
European hair, making them difficult to remove.
For black hair,
Marilyn recommends trying small quantities of safflower oil to deep condition
the hair as it is light in texture and not greasy. “If you want to use coconut
oil, use it in small quantities. Almond oil makes the hair look shiny, but may not penetrate the hair shaft. The last
two can go rancid whilst on the hair and smell horrid,” she adds.
She goes on to
explain that most natural oils do not penetrate the hair shaft, they simply
coat it, helping to retain the natural moisture in the hair and make it shine.
Those that are chemically refined may well have a small enough molecular
structure to penetrate the hair shaft.
If you are wanting
to use your oil to tame your frizz, the first step, according to Marilyn is to
define the root of the problem. “Is it happening because you have new hairs
coming through? Or is it broken or damaged hair causing the trouble? If your
hair shaft starts to kink when it is damp outside, you may be better just to
use a leave-in conditioner and not an oil,” she explains.
By Daralyn Danns
