Hair oil is a popular yet often misunderstood product in the hair care world.
Did you know that not all oils are created equal?
Different oils serve different purposes—some are moisturizing, while others are sealing.
But do you know the difference between moisturizing oils and sealing oils?
If not, you’re in the right place.
In this article, I’ll explain the difference between these two types of oils to help you achieve the best possible hair care routine. In the meantime, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Moisturizing Oils
Let’s start with moisturizing oils.
Moisturizing oils can penetrate the hair shaft.
These oils work best when used with a water-based leave-in conditioner or applied with water as the primary moisturizing agent.
They are excellent for hot oil treatments and pre-shampoo treatments because they don’t just sit on the hair—they actually penetrate it.
Here are some examples of moisturizing oils:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a key ingredient in many natural beauty products.
It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and penetrates hair better than most other oils.
The molecular structure of coconut oil is small enough to enter the hair follicle, but only in limited amounts.
For best results, use coconut oil with a little water or a water-based leave-in conditioner.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil can have a significant moisturizing effect.
It adds softness and strength to the hair by penetrating the shaft and retaining moisture.
This oil also enhances shine by smoothing the hair’s outer cuticle.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is ideal for hair that is dry due to heat damage or environmental factors.
Its high vitamin E content strengthens hair, preventing breakage while helping to smooth the cuticle.
Lighter than olive oil, avocado oil absorbs into the cuticle without weighing the hair down.
It works best as a pre-shampoo treatment.
Sealing Oils
Unlike moisturizing oils, sealing oils cannot penetrate the hair shaft. Instead, they sit on top of the hair, creating a protective layer.
For best results, sealing oils should be applied after using a good moisturizing (water-based) product.
People often use sealing oils for braiding styles or twist-outs.
Once a thick oil is applied, it forms a seal that prevents moisture from escaping—but it also prevents moisture from entering.
That’s why it’s important to apply sealing oils only after properly moisturizing your hair.
Here are a few examples of sealing oils:
1. Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)
JBCO is one of the best sealing oils for natural hair.
It helps soften the hair while drawing out toxins and impurities that may hinder hair growth.
Because this oil is thick, it’s an excellent sealer for many hair textures.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum our scalp produces.
It is a relatively light oil that effectively locks in moisture after wash day or other hair care routines.
Jojoba oil is also great for people with dry or flaky scalps, as it helps restore the scalp’s proper pH balance.
3. Grapeseed Oil
This lightweight oil can withstand high amounts of heat, making it perfect for sealing in moisture without leaving hair greasy or heavy.
It’s an excellent choice for individuals with finer or thinner hair strands who want to keep their ends moisturized without weighing them down.
Choosing the Right Hair Oil
Finding the right hair oil can be a challenge, especially when trying to determine what works best for your hair type.
That’s why I set out to solve this problem.
If you’re looking for a hair oil that complements your healthy hair care routine, check out the Voice of Hair PureFix Elixir.
This 6-in-1 hair and scalp treatment is designed to support longer, stronger, and more moisturized hair.