5 Effective Essential Oils and DIY Recipes for Curly Hair

Frizzy, dry and tangled hair. These are the common complaints we get for having curls.With tons of hair products available on the market, only one solution stands out. The answer to all curly hair issues? Essential oil application.

Essential oils are extracted from plants. Each essential oil contains properties from the plant it. Each oil has different chemicals.The Molecules of essential oils have the ability to penetrate the cell in just a matter of minutes. This is a good reason why using them is great for curls.They are volatile when exposed to air. If combined with carrier oil, natural oils improve absorption.

How to Get Essential Oils from Plants:

There are 3 methods in collecting essential oils.

1. Steam Distillation- It uses steam to gather the concentrated portion of essential oil available.
2. Expression- This method requires scraping some parts of the plant to produce oil. An example is zesting lemons.
3. Supercritical extraction- This uses carbon dioxide as a solvent. It gives high quality extract similar to the raw material.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils in Hair:

• Promote blood circulation

Essential oils stimulate proper blood circulation to the scalp. They help distribute the nutrients that hair follicles need to grow.

• Provide calming effect

The aromatic scent of essential oils create a peaceful sensation to the user.

• Prevent dandruff

Some natural oils have a germicidal effect that eliminates fungi causing dandruff.

• Heal scalp

Frequent use of strong hair products may lead to irritation and itchiness. Applying natural oil soothes the scalp and lessens the redness.

• Antioxidant

Essential oils are excellent antioxidants that help delay the greying of hair. They release free radicals that destroy hair follicles.

• Strengthen hair

Applying essential oils to the scalp helps prevent hair fall. It makes the follicles stronger and healthier.

• Thicken hair

Natural oil increases cell rejuvenation that is necessary for hair growth.

There are 2 types of Essential oils for curly hair.

• Sealing oil- This type of oil needs the aid of water to seal in the moisture.

• Moisturizing oil- This can moisturize the hair alone. It is much heavier in consistency than sealing oil.

The curly hair pattern affects the overall hydration. Sebum is a natural oil found in the scalp and brushing it down is a way to hydrate the hair.Curls are difficult to brush. It's the reason why curly hair is dull and fragile. The solution for this is to find the right oil.

Types of Curly Textures

Loose curly hair- This type follows an S pattern producing big waves of hair. It is less voluminous. People with loose curls usually get much frizz, as their hair is losing definition.

Coarse hair- This texture has curls that appear slightly twisted. The curls are defined and may look dull.

Fine coil texture hair- The curls of this hair are tightly packed and voluminous. It tends to shrink and may look shorter than what it actually is.

Coily hair- This hair has tight coils on the scalp, making it more prone to damage. It appears shorter than the usual length.

5 Best Essential Oils for Curly Hair:

Essential oils are curls’ best friend. Consider adding them in your everyday beauty regime.

• Argan Oil

This natural oil instantly penetrates the hair shaft, restoring shine and softness. It is best for treating dull and brittle hair.

• Coconut Oil

The coconut oil has antibacterial property that aids in removing dandruff and heals dry scalp. It works best to apply it before taking a shower for deep treatment.

• Jojoba Oil

The use of Jojoba oil is to seal in the moisture and reduce hair frizz. Jojoba oil doesn’t clog the scalp pores and imitates sebum in a natural way.

• Olive Oil

This moisturizing oil is not only for kitchen use, but it also works wonders in curly hair. It prevents tangles and adds shine to bring life in dull hair. Olive oil is best for hot oil treatment.

• Moringa Oil

The natural blend contains vitamin B, which aids in cellular rejuvenation for hair growth. It disappears instantly when applied, a fast absorbing formula for a non greasy feel.

There’s a lot of benefits in doing homemade hair products.

• It is safe. The ingredients found in commercial hair products contain harsh chemicals. They can cause scalp irritation and redness.
• Less waste. Products made at home require less packaging. Use mason jars or old glass containers to store DIY serum.
• Gift ideas. Creating homemade elixirs are great gift ideas. Share your hair recipes to your family and friends.
• The ingredients found in a homemade hair mask is also used for skin care. It serves a dual purpose.
• It’s cheap. Most ingredients are already available in the kitchen.

Do It Yourself Recipe for Curly Hair:

1.) Argan Hair Mask

Uses: To achieve glossy hair

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Argan oil

• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin Coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon honey

How to make and apply to hair:

1. Combine the ingredients together in a saucepan.
2. Heat in low flame for 3 minutes while slowly mixing.
3. Apply the mask evenly on the hair while massaging the scalp.
4. The heat will aid in opening the hair pores for maximum absorption.
5. Focus on the tips to reduce split ends.
6. Cover with a shower cap and leave for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Rinse and apply shampoo.

2. Lavender and Argan Oil Hair Serum

Uses: Replenish dry hair

Ingredients:

• 2 oz organic Argan oil
• 12 drops organic Lavender oil
• 6 drops organic Rosemary

How to make and apply to hair:

1. Pour the Argan oil into a 2 oz. glass dropper bottle.
2. Add all the remaining essential oils. Screw the lid tight and shake well.
3. Apply the serum directly on scalp.
4. Give it a massage for at least 20 minutes. Use daily for vibrant looking curls.

3.) Coconut Oil Anti Dandruff Hair Mask

Uses: To prevent dandruff and reduce itchiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons Coconut oil

How to make and apply to hair:

1. Mix the solution together and apply on scalp.
2. Massage for at least 15 minutes
3. Wash with your regular shampoo.

4.) Coconut Milk with Avocado Hair Mask

Uses: For dry and brittle curls

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 ripe avocado

How to make and apply to hair:

1. Combine Avocado chunks and milk in a blender and make a puree.
2. Add Coconut oil to the mixture and gently massage on hair.
3. Leave the mixture of 20 minutes.
4. Wash hair in warm water to remove Avocado residue.

5.) Moringa Oil Hair Recipe

Uses: To stimulate hair growth

Ingredients:

1.  3 tablespoon Coconut oil
2.  2 tablespoon Shea butter
3.  1 teaspoon Moringa oil
4.  1 teaspoon Castor oil

How to make and apply to hair:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl
2. Apply on hair for 1 hour.
3. Rinse it out and wash as your hair as usual.
4. Repeat twice a week for better results.

6.) Moringa butter

Uses: For less volume frizzy hair

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup raw Shea butter
• 3 tablespoons Moringa oil
• 1 teaspoon Aloe Vera gel
• 2 capsules vitamin E
• Optional: 2 drops Ylang Ylang oil for scent

How to make and apply to hair:

1. Melt the Shea butter in a pan over low heat. Please note that Shea butter melts fast so keep an eye on it. Set aside once melt.
2. Pinch the vitamin E and add Aloe Vera gel and Moringa oil.
3. Pour the mixture to the melted Shea butter.
4. Stir well until it solidifies. A noticeable opaque color is seen in the mixture.
5. Whisk the solidified butter until it appears smooth.
6. Drop Ylang Ylang oil for scent.
7. Scoop the Moringa butter and store in a sterile jar.
8. To use, dab a small amount of mixture and place directly on scalp.
9. Massage in circular motion. Let it set for 20 minutes.
10. Shampoo and condition as usual.

Repeat this regime every day for faster results.

7.) Olive Oil and Honey Hair Mask

Uses: To add shine and strengthen hair

What you’ll need:

½ cup extra virgin Olive oil

¼ cup honey

3 pcs vitamin E capsules

1 paint brush

How to make:

Place Olive oil in a bowl and add the honey. Pierce 3 capsules of vitamin E into the mixture. Stir and with the use of a brush, smooth the mask on damp hair.

Focus on the ends and apply more concoction. Cover with shower cap and leave for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.

8.) Olive oil and Coconut oil treatment

Uses: hot oil treatment for damaged hair

What you’ll need:

2 tablespoons Coconut oil

1 tablespoon Olive oil

How to make:

Stir the two ingredients and apply the oil mixture in hair, starting from the scalp down to the tips. With the use of a shower cap, cover the hair and let it stand overnight for better effect. Wash with warm water.

9.) Jojoba Oil Hair Serum

Uses: For growth of hair follicles

What you’ll need:

3 tablespoons Castor oil

1 tablespoon Jojoba oil

2 oz. glasses and glass dropper

How to make:

Whisk all the ingredients and store it in a 2 oz. glass. Apply a few drops on the scalp and massage for 10 minutes.

10.) Jojoba Oil Hair Treatment

Uses: For deep conditioning.

What you’ll need:

2 tablespoons Coconut oil

1 tablespoon Jojoba oil

1-2 drops Tea tree oil

How to make:

Start by whisking the Coconut oil. Add Jojoba and tea tree oil and beat it using electric mixer. Store in a mason jar and apply on hair.

For hot oil treatment: Apply the mixture on damp hair. Cover the hair with a hot towel or place a shower cap. Let it stand for 15-30 minutes. Wash as usual.

For conditioner: Slather the mixture on hair and leave for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Essential oils have a long shelf life. Store the jar away from sunlight in dark bottles.