If you haven't used oils before, you may be a bit unsure how best to use them to suit your hair type and routine. Here I have provided a list of ideas on how to use oil on your hair/body. Please note I have included some here that are not Curly Girl / Curly Hair Method approved so if you are strictly following the Method, look out for the Curly Girl checkmark on product pages.
As always, this list is not extensive. You will find that you are able to use many of them in all the different ways (scalp/hair/body) so be sure to experiment! Caution: watch out for spicy ingredients like cayenne and cinnamon when using them near your eyes or other sensitive body parts.
For more information on using oils, check out my blog Oils and Your Hair.
Oils for Stimulating Hair Growth
Ecoslay Cayenne Lemon Squeeze Growth Oil
Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil
Camille Rose Nangai & Tsubaki Strength Restore Hair Oil
Curlsmith Full Lengths Elixir
Camille Rose Coco Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum
Camille Rose Rejuva Grow Back Drops
Top Tip: Remember to follow the instructions on our website and/or the bottle for exact use and don’t over use. Part of what encourages hair growth is a good scalp massage so don't skip this step. These products would be best used in the evening in case your roots look oily the next day.
Oils for Scalp Health
Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster
Ecoslay Hot Sauce
Amika Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil
Jessicurl Scalp Stimulating Oil
Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Scalp Oil
Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil
Righteous Roots Rx
Top Tip: Use a soft touch with your finger pads (not nails) to massage your scalp as this increases blood flow. You can leave it in overnight if desired or wash out after the time you have available. It is also possible with smaller amounts to massage an oil in and leave it.
Pre-Shampoo (Pre-Poo) Oils
Flora & Curl Superfruit Hair Oil
Boucleme Revive 5 Hair Oil
Hair Dance Revitalizing Beauty Oil
Jessicurl Oil Blend for Softer Hair
Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil
Righteous Roots Pre-Poo Pre-Wash Detangler
Top Tip: A pre-poo helps your scalp plus it sets your hair up to not absorb as much water. It also helps with softness and flexibility. Start with your scalp by massaging in a few drops. When applying the oil to your hair just use a few drops in a section and rope it down the length of your hair. When this is done you can add a bit extra to the ends. You should only use enough that your hair removes the excess oil from your hands. Once you can no longer remove it (hands stay oily/shiny) you have enough in for your texture and density. Leave it in for an hour or so. Overnight is okay but to protect your bedding you may want to cover your hair. Then shampoo your hair - maybe cleanse twice if needed - rinse and condition. Style as usual.
Oils for Shiny Hair
Curlsmith Shine Oil
Innersense I Create Shine
Uncle Funky’s Shining Star Hair and Scalp Elixir
Uncle Funky’s Glossy Finishing Hair Polish
Ouidad Revive and Shine Mist
AG Glow Shine Infuse Serum (more serum than oil)
Jack 59 Liquid Gold Hair Serum
Olaplex #7 Bonding Oil
Top Tip: Follow the instructions on the bottle and use a small amount roped down through each section of hair. If oil remains on your hands you have used too much. You'll want to use just enough that it is absorbed into your hair. We all have different textures and densities so this amount will vary from person to person. You can use these oils to SOTC (scrunch out the crunch) as well.
Dry Oils
Curl Keeper Dry Oil Elixir
Ouidad Revive and Shine Mist
Top Tips: These are great if you have found any oil too heavy but want to add a bit of shine and protection. Curl Keeper Dry Oil is a pump while Ouidad is an aerosol.
Sealing Oils
Camille Rose Oud Rich Infusion Hair Oil
Joboba Oil
Rice Bran Oil
Top Tip: Oils are not moisture and most oils will penetrate your hair. You can read more about this in my Oils and Your Hair blog or in this helpful post from Science-y Hair Blog.
Oils That Help with Damage
Curlsmith Bonding Oil
Olaplex #7 Bonding Oil
Top Tip: Olaplex has silicones and their patented ingredient. Curlsmith is CG approved and uses protein to help repair damage. They are both designed to stay on your hair so don't rinse them out.
Oils That are Multi Purpose (hair/body)
Hair Dance Revitalizing Beauty Oil
Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil
Jessicurl Oil Blend for Softer Hair
Curl Keeper Dry Oil Elixir
Aunt Jackie’s Soft All Over Multi-Purpose Oil
Camille Rose Oud Rich Infusion Hair Oil
Ecoslay Moonshine Hair & Body Oil (caution near eyes or sensitive areas - cinnamon)
Top Tip: Use these anywhere on hair/scalp/face and body. To avoid looking greasy, allow the oil enough time to soak in to your skin and don't use too much.
Oils That Offer Some UV Protection
Flora & Curl Superfruit Hair Oil
Boucleme Revive 5 Hair Oil
Olaplex #7 Bonding Oil
Top Tip: These oils can help protect your hair on sunny days. For extended outdoor periods always consider a hat.
If you have any other questions about oils or curly hair products, reach out to us at products@curlwarehouse.com or visit us in store. We are always happy to help you find the right product to suit your needs.
