13 Best Hair Oils For Black And Kinky Hair
Black, kinky, and coily hair types are tough and tricky to maintain. Regular techniques fail to address the needs of such dense and dry hair. However, nourishing techniques like the Liquid, Oil, Cream (LOC) routine that combine oils, water, and gels are most effective. This method uses water to hydrate, oil to nourish, and cream or mousse to deep seal the moisture in the hair. A critical component of this method is the choice of hair oil.
From the humble coconut oil to the exotic argan oil, several hair oils for black, kinky hair are available online. We have listed the 13 best hair oils to nurture black, Afro hair for your consideration. Scroll down to check them out!
In This Article
13 Nourishing Hair Oils For Black, Coily, Textured Hair
1. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil strengthens and restores your hair. Peppermint, infused in the oil, stimulates the scalp. Shea butter deeply moisturizes the scalp and Jamaican black castor oil promotes hair growth. This oil penetrates deep into the scalp and treats each hair strand with minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. The oil is also known to strengthen and condition the hair and increase the hair breakage resistance.
Key Ingredients: Jamican black castor oil, peppermint, organic shea butter
Pros
- No sulfate
- No parabens
- No phthalates
- No mineral oil
- No animal testing
- No petrolatum
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Smells like coconut oil
2. THE Mane CHOICE Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil
THE Mane CHOICE Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil contains an enriching blend of multivitamins and nutrients. These ingredients enhance natural hair growth and retention. The vitamins C and D, biotin, and tocopherol derivatives revitalize and restore hair structure to hold moisture and protein. This gentle formula also contains sealing oils of castor seed, coconut, sweet almond, jojoba seed, grapeseed, evening primrose, and tea tree leaves.
The potent extracts of chamomile flower, sage leaf, sunflower seeds, aloe leaf, and nettle leaf keep the hair healthy and strong. This non-greasy oil nourishes your scalp without weighing the hair down. It penetrates the roots easily and retains the natural black pigments of hair fibers.
Key Ingredients: Soybean oil, Castor seed oil, Sweet almond oil, Rosemary extract, Sunflower seed extract, Tea tree leaf oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, Aloe leaf juice, and Biotin
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for daily use
- Pleasant smell
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Might cause itchiness
3. Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer
The Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer is made with pure shea butter and essential oils that soften your hair. It prevents breakage and restores moisture to damaged hair and scalp. This hair moisturizer contains canola oil, vitamin E, and panthenol that condition dry and brittle hair.
These natural emollients reduce split ends, repair sun damage, and control frizz without weighing the hair down. This oil adds shine and a healthy bounce to your hair. You can apply it as a leave-in heat protectant before heat-treating or styling your hair to prevent chemical and physical stress. This cruelty-free product is suitable for colored, permed, and heat-treated hair.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Canola oil, Panthenol, Vitamin E, Limonene, and Linalool
Pros
- Suitable for colored, permed, and heat-treated hair
- Reduces split ends
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant fragrance
- Adds shine
Cons
- Contains parabens
4. CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil contains vitamin E, biotin, niacin, carrot oil, grape seed oil, and peppermint oil, with a base of black castor, soybean, and olive oils. These oils enhance blood circulation of the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
This hair oil controls frizz and breakage and restores moisture levels of the hair. The zinc and sulfur strengthen the hair and protect it from chemical stress. This product is suitable for all hair types and free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and formaldehyde
Key Ingredients: Black castor oil, Soybean oil, Carrot oil, Olive oil, Grapeseed oil, Wheat germ oil, Vitamin E, Rosemary extract, Biotin, and Niacin
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Stimulates new hair growth
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Petrolatum-free
- Lightweight
- Pleasant smell
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- Might irritates the eyes and scalp
5. Aunt Jackie’s Repair My Hair Argan
The Aunt Jackie’s Repair My Hair Argan is a natural hair oil infused with vitamins and argan extracts. It has a base of essential, deep-penetrating carrier oils like castor seed, coconut, and soybean oils. These ingredients prevent breakage, treat split ends, and reduce hair thinning. This hair oil nourishes the hair and roots to retain the natural black pigments.
You can use it as the “O” step in your LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method. This product stimulates hair growth in bald patches and traction alopecia spots when used regularly as a hot oil treatment. It adds shine as a finishing step to any hairstyle. This hair oil is suitable for all hair types and free of harmful chemicals, mineral oils, and petrolatum.
Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, Coconut oil, Soybean oil, Argan kernel oil, Carrot root extract, and Citric acid
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Pleasant smell
- Softens the hair
- Petrolatum-free
- Adds sheen
- No product buildup
- Easy to wash off
Cons
- Difficult to apply
- Not suitable for low porosity hair
6. African Pride Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Oils
The African Pride Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Oils has a base of five carrier oils – castor seed, coconut, grapeseed, argan, and olive oils. These oils restore moisture and promote natural hair growth. Castor oil nourishes the hair, grapeseed oil provides thermal protection, and argan oil imparts shine to the hair.
This hair oil improves blood and nutrient circulation in the scalp and prevents hair breakage and shedding. It contains vitamin E that conditions dry and heat-treated hair. This product is free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and petrolatum.
Key Ingredients: Castor oil, Grapeseed oil, Argan oil, Coconut oil, and Olive oil
Pros
- Pleasant smell
- Prevents hair breakage
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May trigger hair fall
- Dries out hair
7. Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl
The Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl can be used on the hair and skin to restore moisture. It contains vitamin E, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil that coat your hair with a natural, black sheen.
This oil thickens and softens dry and less porous hair. It penetrates the scalp and moisturizes the hair roots. This product also strengthens the hair to prevent breakage and shedding. You can use it for hot massage oil, as a leave-in conditioner on wet hair, or as a finishing step to any hairstyle.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Olive oil, Almond oil, and Sunflower seed oil
Pros
- Pleasant smell
- Hydrates the scalp
- Easy to apply
- Can be used on the hair and body
Cons
None
8. African Royale Hot Six Oil
The African Royale Hot Six Oil can be used as hot oil, hair oil, body oil, scalp oil, bath oil, and nail oil. It is made of a deep-penetrating blend of sealing oils from castor seed, sweet almond, olive, sesame seed, wheat germ, and safflower seed. These oils boost blood circulation in the hair, skin, and nail bed, which promotes natural growth and replenishes nutrients.
This oil also contains active herbal extracts of sage, chamomile, alfalfa, slippery elm bark, henna, ginseng, and vitamins A, D, and E. It strengthens the hair, seals the cuticles, and adds sheen. This plant-based, cruelty-free, lightweight product is suitable for all hair and skin types.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Sweet almond oil, Castor oil, Vitamins E, A, and D, Chamomile, Sage, and Alfalfa
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Can be used on the body and nails
- Unisex
- Reduces dandruff
- Subtle fragrance
Cons
None
9. Africa’s Best Ultimate Herbal Oil
The Africa’s Best Ultimate Herbal Oil can be used on the hair, body, and nails. The unique all-natural formula conditions a dry scalp and the hair. This oil contains a restoring, active blend of sweet almond, coconut, castor, soybean, carrot, and grape seed oils.
These carrier oils are enriched with extracts of ginseng, sage, Persian walnut, and aloe to stimulate natural hair growth and pigment retention. This oil moisturizes dense, textured hair and thick beards. When used as a bath oil, its fragrance elevates the shower experience. You can also use it on your nail cuticles to accelerate and maintain nail growth.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Coconut oil, Carrot oil, Grapeseed oil, Castor oil, Ginseng extract, and Persian walnut extract
Pros
- Soothes the scalp
- Vegan
- Can be used on the body and nails
- Rejuvenating smell
- Controls frizz
- Detangles the hair
- Affordable
- Unisex
Cons
None
10. Northwest Scents™ Peppermint Hair Oil
The Northwestern Scents Peppermint Hair Oil is scented with peppermint essential oil. It contains coconut and olive oils as the carrier base, which nourish and condition dry, coarse, and textured hair.
Peppermint essential oil gives a cool, tingling effect when massaged on the scalp. This oil treats itchy scalp and moisturizes chemically treated, colored, brittle, and dull hair. It can also be used in hot oil treatments and as a thermal protectant before hair styling.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Peppermint essential oil, and Olive oil
Pros
- Soothes the scalp
- Controls hair fall
- Refreshing smell
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for chemically treated and colored hair
- Affordable
- Acts as a thermal protectant
Cons
None
11. Genuine African Formula SuperGrow Hair and Scalp Oil
The Genuine African Formula SuperGrow Hair and Scalp Oil is a lightweight, leave-in nourishing treatment. It promotes hair growth by restoring moisture and nutrition in clogged hair follicles.
This product contains deep-penetrating carrier oils of coconut, Jamaican black castor seed, olive, avocado, sweet almond, and olive with vitamins A, D, and E. It also contains African shea butter, walnut, and apricot extracts that are rich in essential fats. These active ingredients reinforce hair fiber strength, texture, and natural black shine. The oil improves blood circulation when massaged into the scalp without any irritation or side effects.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Jamaican black castor oil, Avocado oil, African shea butter, and Genuine African formula proprietary essential grow oil
Pros
- Subtle fragrance
- Gentle formula
- Stimulates hair growth
- Lightweight
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
12. Black Queen Carrot Oil Sheen
The Black Queen Carrot Oil Sheen is an alcohol-free hair moisturizing formula made with carrot oil extract. It adds a natural sheen and smoothens coarse and dry hair by restoring moisture balance.
This oil contains a base of coconut, safflower, soybean, jojoba, and avocado oils. Vitamins A, D, and E improve the texture, porosity, and protein retention in the hair. You can also use this oil on hair extensions, locks, braids, wigs, and patches without any itchiness. This oil is also suitable for flaky, irritated, and sensitive scalp and skin.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Carrot oil extract, Jojoba oil, and Avocado oil
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Adds shine
- Suitable for human and synthetic hair
- Moisturizes the hair
- Affordable
Cons
- May feel greasy
13. Wild Growth Hair Oil
The Wild Growth Hair Oil softens and detangles coarse, difficult-to-manage hair. It contains coconut, jojoba, and olive oils that strengthen brittle, lifeless hair. The active extracts of sage, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and geranium amp up this hair oil’s therapeutic value.
Shea butter makes your hair frizz- and tangle-free without drying out the scalp. This hypoallergenic oil reduces the blow-drying time and temperature needed to style your hair. You can also use this oil on the eyelashes, brows, and nails for fast growth and maintenance.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, Pumpkin seed oil, Olive oil, Sage extract, and Sesame seed extract
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Non-drying
- Can be used on the eyebrows, nails, and eyelashes
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Might feel greasy
Mentioned below are a few points to check before buying oil for black hair to make the right choice. Keep scrolling to read.
Things To Consider When Buying Hair Oil For Black Hair
- Type Of Oil: Pick a natural hair oil over synthetic butter blends. Natural hair oils contain active ingredients that are absorbed easily into the hair. Natural oils are heat-stable and can be used safely in hot oil treatments. Synthetic blends may cause product buildup. Coconut, castor seed, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, argan, and avocado oils are a few natural oil options you should try.
- Hair Porosity: Highly porous hair tends to absorb and retain oils, making it difficult to wash off. You may have to use more shampoo or rinse long, which further damages the hair and scalp. Low porosity hair needs either rich emollients or high temperatures to push oils through the cuticles. If not, oil gets built up on the scalp causing odor, dampness, and dermatitis.
Therefore, first, check your hair porosity and then go for an oil blend instead of a single, pure natural oil. This way, you can ensure your hair takes up maximum oil without any post-wash issues.
- Active Ingredients: Most hair oils contain active ingredients like vitamins, herbal extracts, or added minerals. These additives enhance the therapeutic properties of hair oil. Depending on your hair type, look for products that contain extracts of sage, rosemary, peppermint, walnut, hibiscus, sunflower seed, apricot, geranium, carrot, and sesame seed. Vitamins A, D, C, and E help promote blood circulation. If your hair is coarse, dry, and itchy, try oils with shea butter or avocado oil for an extra moisture boost.
Another aspect to consider before buying is the difference between moisturizing and sealing oils. Let’s know what they are in the following section.
Difference Between Moisturizing Oil And Sealing Oil
Moisturizing oils penetrate easily into the hair and scalp. They have small molecules that seep through low porosity hair and densely packed cuticles. These oils are relatively thin, less viscous, and spread easily. Coconut, olive, sweet almond, and safflower oils are moisturizing oils commonly used on textured hair.
On the other hand, sealing oils are thick and coat the hair. They have large molecules that deposit on the surface of the hair and seal them with moisture. They are viscous and do not get absorbed quickly into the hair and scalp. You can find them in hair masks, creams, or mousse. Castor seed, avocado, jojoba, and rice bran oils are sealing oils.
Note: Choose a natural blend of both types of oils to moisturize the scalp and hair and keep your hair soft and frizz-free. Also, take scalp and skin issues into account as skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can worsen when you use sealing or thick oils.
That was our round-up of the best oils for black hair. These oils help nourish your hair, enhance hair growth, and keep the scalp healthy. Choose your favorite product from the above list as per your hair type and porosity.
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