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What are the Best Hair Oils for Hair Extensions?
09-08-2018Share
Looking after your hair extensions is important, but then again, so is looking after your hair in general! The thing with hair extensions is that they are not naturally replenished with vitality the way your own hair is – your hair is alive and can be nourished through nutrition, while the extensions are not. This just means you’ll need to make a little extra effort to keep your extensions in good shape. After all, you probably want them to last as long as possible!
The type of shampoo and conditioner you use is important, and so is the way in which you wash your hair extensions. However, in order keep your hair extensions nourished, it is a great idea to use a hair oil. Just as is the case with shampoo and conditioner, the kind of oil you use and the way you apply it is of the utmost importance.
Natural is Best - Note that a lot of branded hair oils contain hidden silicone's and colouring's. These are not good for your hair extensions and are best avoided, so check the labels carefully and check with the manufacturer if necessary. One way to avoid this issue is to go for a natural oil, as that won’t contain any harmful chemicals. These will be suitable for your hair extensions, providing them with plenty of nourishment.
There are several natural oils we recommend using, so let’s take a look at a few of those below:
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is well known for its health benefits, as well as its moisturising capabilities. Coconut oil has been proven to improve the condition of distressed and/or heat treated hair, so it makes a great restorative product for your hair extensions. This oil sinks into your hair shafts, rather than just sitting on the surface of your hair, which is what makes it such an effective moisturiser.
It conditions your hair thoroughly thanks to the hair-friendly substances it contains: Lauric acid and Vitamin E in particular. Users often report stronger hair and a reduction in split ends, which is due to the high protein levels found in this oil. As if those benefits weren’t enough, this oil will make your hair super shiny!
When preparing your coconut oil for application, you’ll want to heat it a little – but not to a degree that will burn you or your hair. Make sure you only apply the warm oil to the tips of your hair extensions, or at least no further up than the mid shafts; applying it anywhere near the tops of your extensions could cause them to slip, which is the case with any oil. Also note that this particular oil is heavy, so you will have to wash your hair thoroughly to remove it. Shampooing twice should remove it all.
Argan Oil/Moroccan Oil
Argan oil is an ingredient in lots of beauty products but has plenty of benefits when used on its own. Moroccan oil is usually a mix of argan oil and other oils. Either of these oils will do your hair extensions the world of good, especially if the ends have become dry and frizzy.
Where coconut oil is quite heavy and can feel greasy, argan oil is light and non-greasy, so you can use it every day if you feel like it. This oil will help to strengthen your hair extensions and prevent them from becoming brittle.
You’ll only need a few drops of this oil, and to heat it you can just rub your hands together. Then you’ll apply it to the tips of your hair extensions, or from the mid shafts downward if you like – just be careful to keep it well away from the tops! There is no need to wash this oil out; you can just style it as usual and go about your day.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is another miracle product for your hair extensions, provided that you’re using a quality cold-pressed oil. The results are nothing short of amazing! Castor oil is great for prevention of breakage in the hair shafts, and the same goes for split ends. It’s also exceptional at making your hair glossy and shiny.
The consistency of castor oil is extremely thick and gloopy, so you may want to mix it with another oil before application. It will then be much easier to apply. Like coconut oil treatments, castor oil treatments will need to be washed out thoroughly, but they won’t need to be done so often. Once a month is usually enough to receive great benefits, and you’ll be well on your way to healthy looking hair!
No matter which oil you go for, to get the best of your oil treatments it helps to plait the hair afterwards and leave it in for at least a couple of hours. If you want to leave it on overnight (or avoid transfer to your clothing), you can wrap it in plastic or cling film, or put a towel on your pillow.
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