The last time we talked about coconut oil I was attempting to pry it out of your cold dead hands. Like a lot of you, I’m totally obsessed with coconut oil, however, with the #30DayHairDetox around the corner I have to explore the alternatives.
For those of that are unfamiliar with the #30DayHairDetox, it’s a hair challenge that I and Natural Hair Stylist Aeleise J. have created. The challenge is simple: for 30 straight days participants are asked not to use coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil or Eco styler in their hair regimen. Participants are also asked not to use any products that list any of these within the top five items on the ingredients list.
Easy, right? Not at all for those of us who love coconut oil down to our socks.
Before you guys join a coconut oil support group (I really considered starting one) there are other oil options available for our hair. Oils that won’t make our hair dry or frizzy. Oils that won’t distort our vision, that won’t have us looking like we have a Soul Glo, oils that won’t end up on bae’s favorite shirt.
Let’s get into these five lighter oils!
1. Jojoba
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Jojoba Oil is the only oil whose molecular structure is similar to sebum (the oil that the scalp produces naturally). Because of it’s molecular makeup it does not disturb the scalps natural balance. It’s high in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E. It also has antibacterial properties that are a great aid for soothing the scalp in addition to treating dry scalp and dandruff.
Jojoba oil hydrates the hair from the inside out while adding shine, elasticity and softness.
2. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a light, non-greasy oil with a consistency similar to jojoba oil. It is rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid, which strengthens hair follicles.
Grapeseed oil is completely odorless and can be used to reduce dandruff and dermatitis.
3. Avocado
Avocado oil is great for moisturizing dry, brittle and damaged hair. It has a light weight formula that’s easily absorbed into the hair and scalp. It contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, amino acids, iron, copper, magnesium, and folic acid.
Avocado nourishes and protects the hair, stimulates growth and unclogs follicles.
4. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil helps to bring out your hairs natural shine and beauty. It also softens the hair and allows it to keep its elasticity, which keeps hair strong, manageable and growing.
A good source of vitamins A, B, D, and E sweet almond oil is rich in antioxidants and acts as an anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for maintaining moisture in your hair.
5. Argan Oil
Argan oil is a ultra-light non greasy oil that won’t weight the hair down. It is rich in vitamin E and contains omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids that provide nutrition for hair. It also contains Linoleic and oleic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize hair.
Argan oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft and repair damaged hair follicles. It is immediately absorbed by the hair and it restores the lost moisture. It has the ability to increase the shine of lackluster, dry hair by locking in the moisture.
Would you be willing to give coconut oil a break to try one of these lighter options?
For more information on the #30DayHairDetox head over to chocolatecurlsbeauty.com and sign up to our email list to get all the latest information about this curl changing challenge!
Aishia Strickland is full-time mom to a little Chocolate Prince, full-time beauty school student, lover of multi-textured hair, tastemaker, Editor of Chocolate Curls Beauty and a knower of all THINGS!
