Hair oil and Hair Extensions It may seem like an unlikely combination, but hair oils will actually not only greatly improve the quality of your extensions, but they will also improve your natural hair. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t get enough of the oils and nutrients they need to look shiny, healthy and vibrant. One of the best ways to keep your extensions in good condition is to treat them with natural oils, just like your own hair.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the different types of hair oils, their benefits and drawbacks, how to use them properly, and tips to avoid common pitfalls.
Can I use hair oil on my extensions?
The answer is yes! However, while hair oils can be amazing, not all oils are suitable for extensions. Knowing the correct way to use these oils can make all the difference.
Understanding the different types of hair oils
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is known to moisturize and repair damaged hair. It also helps prevent hair loss and thickens hair. If you want to soften your extensions, a few uses of coconut oil will do the trick. This type of hair oil maintains moisture balance without causing excess build-up. Once applied, leave it in your hair for up to 30 minutes. This oil has a thicker viscosity than other oils, so be sure to rinse thoroughly after use.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a lightweight, flexible oil also sold as “Moroccan oil” that is a highly popular and sought-after ingredient commonly used in a variety of beauty products, as well as hair care products. One of the best things about argan oil is that it doesn’t have the oily texture of other oils, making it perfect for daily use. With regular use, you can say goodbye to frizzy, dry hair thanks to its miracle antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that help eliminate static, split ends, and breakage.
To find out more about the benefits of this highly effective hair oil, check out our blog. The benefits of argan oil for hair: How to use it.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is your new go-to for preventing hair loss. Known for strengthening hair follicles, jojoba oil’s waxy texture makes it the perfect treatment for repairing dry, frizzy hair. Jojoba oil doesn’t penetrate directly into the hair strands, but sits on the surface, locking in moisture and filling in cracks on the hair’s surface, making hair softer, more manageable, and shinier. Women with curly hair will be happy to know that jojoba oil works best on kinky hair textures and tight curls.
Almond Oil
Almond oil for hair extensions Clip-in or permanentand can also be used on natural hair as a treatment for dandruff and scalp psoriasis. Applying a small amount of almond oil directly to the scalp increases blood flow to the area and infuses the scalp with powerful antioxidants. However, if you have permanent extensions, it’s best to avoid rubbing your scalp as this can cause the extensions to fall out. If you want to enhance the shine and softness of your extensions, pay special attention to the ends. Massage the oil into the ends and leave the oil in your hair after styling.
Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil is known to have therapeutic properties and is often used for medicinal purposes, and when it comes to hair, it acts as an ideal home remedy to give new life to your hair.
If you’re using temporary extensions that don’t use any adhesives, like clip-ins, you can safely use rosemary oil on your natural hair and scalp. However, if your extensions are attached with glue or tape, you should avoid applying the oil directly to the glue. Rosemary oil is also rumored to promote hair growth, and while much of this is based on anecdotal evidence and countless TikTok videos, it does seem to be true, although research is still ongoing.
Generally speaking, it’s safe to say that rosemary oil can be used on all hair types, including color-treated hair. As with any hair oil, if your hair is naturally fine, keep in mind that rosemary oil has a tendency to weigh your hair down.
Check out our blog for tips on how to use rosemary oil. Is rosemary oil really good for you? Our experts verify whether this is yet another hair rumour to be true.
Hair oils that should not be used with extensions
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil creates a heavy, greasy buildup on hair extensions, making them look sloppy and dirty, it also makes it difficult for hair to breathe, which can damage your hair extensions and shorten their lifespan.
- Castor oil: Castor oil is effective for natural hair growth, but it is very thick and sticky, which can make your hair extensions weighed down and difficult to manage. The residue can attract dirt and dust, ruining the natural look of your extensions.
- Olive oil: Olive oil, another heavy oil, can leave a greasy film on your hair extensions, attracting dirt and debris, ruining their natural look and potentially damaging the hair fiber.
Pros and Cons
Reasons to love hair oil:
- Shine and gloss: Hair oils, especially argan oil, give your extensions a beautiful, shiny finish, making them look just as shiny as your natural hair.
- Frizz Control: Say goodbye to frizz! Oils like Argan and Jojoba help reduce pesky flyaways and keep your extensions smooth and shiny.
- Moisture Boost: Coconut oil is great for deeply moisturizing both extensions and natural hair, preventing dryness and brittleness.
- nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, oils like argan oil nourish hair from root to tip, promoting overall hair health.
- softRegular use of the right oils will make your extensions feel incredibly soft and silky to the touch, enhancing their natural texture and movement.
- Scalp HealthHair oils such as jojoba mimic the scalp’s natural oils, keeping your scalp moisturized and healthy without clogging pores.
Please note:
Like any other hair care product, hair oils do have their downsides. Fortunately, the downsides to using hair oils are fairly minimal, especially if you use them the right way.
- Accumulation risk: Heavy oils like castor oil or olive oil can cause buildup and make your extensions look oily and heavy.
- Extension deviation: Applying oil too close to the attachment point can cause the extension to slip or come loose.
- costHigh-quality oils like argan oil are expensive, but the benefits are well worth it.
- Overuse issues: Using too much oil can make your hair look greasy and clog your scalp pores, and if not used correctly, it can lead to dandruff and other scalp problems.
How to use hair oil
Less is more, especially when it comes to oils and serums. Too much oil can cause your extensions to slip, meaning they will be less secure and more likely to slip out, fall out, or not conform to your scalp as you would like. Depending on your hair, skin type, and sensitivity, using too much oil can actually cause scalp irritation instead of helping it.
Hair oils are nature’s answer to the perfect moisturizer. Applying them to wet hair while it’s drying will add an extra layer of protection and make it silky smooth to the touch. For a more luxurious treatment, you can also add natural oils to your conditioner or hair mask.
How to fix hair extensions that are too oily
Before you start applying hair oil to your extensions, there are a few things to consider. First, is your hair naturally oily? If your hair tends to get greasy quickly, it’s important to wash it regularly to avoid further increasing the risk of slippage. When applying conditioner, focus on the ends and mid-lengths of your hair and avoid getting it on the roots, as this will only make it look and feel greasy. If you use hair oil regularly, be sure to shampoo your hair twice when washing to prevent build-up.
Conclusion
Understanding how to properly use and apply oils can greatly improve the life and appearance of your hair extensions while keeping your natural hair healthy. To avoid issues, use oils sparingly and always focus on the ends rather than the roots.
