Posted by 
I love the versatility of having naturally curly hair. One day you’re rocking your power hair – curls out everywhere – and the next, you’re showing off a sleek straight style. Lately, I’ve been wearing my (3c-ish) hair straight a lot more and I want to share my tips on what oils are working well to make it last for at least a week between washes. Here are the 4 types of hair oils that I’ve found work best for extending the life of a blowout on natural hair and keeping my straight hair bouncy, shiny, and moisturized without being weighed down.
[Sidenote] Of course, bouncy, shiny, straight hair, that lasts starts with a good foundation. So to make sure you’re giving your style a head start with a good blow dry and flat iron. I’ll do a post with tips on this soon.
The 4 Types of Hair Oils You Need
The 4 different types of oils I use are #1 a dry oil, #2 a hair serum, #3 an edge moisturizer, and #4 a scalp moisturizer. Keep in mind that many different brands make each type of oil. I made some suggestions of brands to try but if you have a favorite, let me know. I love finding new brands and products to try!
#1 Dry Oil
What Is Dry Oil?
A dry oil is a very lightweight oil that gets quickly absorbed by the hair without weighing the hair down or leaving a greasy feeling. They don’t have any water in them, so they won’t cause frizz or reversion. They usually come in a mist form that you spray on your hair. For my straight hair days they are a staple product I can’t live without. And I love how they leave your hair smelling great!
How To Use Dry Oil
I like to use dry oils after I’m completely finished blow-drying and flat ironing my hair. It goes on weightless, gets rid of flyaways, and leaves a nice shine. I spray it all over my hair from the crown of my head to the ends (although focusing more on the ends). Then I finger comb it or brush it through. Depending on the brand, you will need to be careful not to go overboard and spray too much or it can give your hair a heavier feeling. The good thing is, in my experience, any heaviness doesn’t last. It’s usually gone in a few hours or the next day and my hair is still left feeling sleek, smooth, and bouncy.
Dry Oils to Try
Here are 9 dry oils to try – sorted by low to high price. Some I’ve used and some I’ve got my eye on to try.
Marc Anthony Coconut Oil Dry Styling Oil, $7
I am currently using this Marc Anthony Coconut Oil Dry Styling Oil that I picked up recently at CVS since my OGX favorites (below) were sold out. It has Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Biotin to help prevent breakage and split ends while smoothing frizz. In my opinion it goes on a little heavy at first spray, but that heaviness does dissipate pretty quickly and it leave my hair feeling bouncy and moisturized. I don’t know that I’d buy it again, but it does the trick for now.
OGX Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist, $8
The OGX brand has been a favorite of mine for some time. This coconut oil version works well – I actually just finished a bottle. I don’t find it as moisturizing as the Argan oil version (below) so I seem to need to spray more on – but it’s A LOT easier to find than the Argan oil version! ). Either way I love how both products stay super lightweight no matter how much you spray on. Never too greasy. And they’re affordable. I’ll definitely be restocking.
OGX Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil, $9
This OGX Argan Oil Dry Oil has been my full on favorite ever since my daughter introduced me to it last year. I smells amazing and no matter how much I spray, I never feel like it gets too heavy. With regular use it really helped reduce split ends and breakage for me. It’s a staple in my hair regimen but lately, it’s been sold out everywhere (in store + online), so I’m bummed it’s become so hard to find. If you get your hands on this baby, buy it.
Kenra Professionals Dry Oil Conditioning Mist, $18
I’ve never used this Kenra Dry Oil, but it’s on my wishlist. I’ve liked Kenra products in the past (their Platinum Blow-Dry Spray heat protectant is nice and makes your hair smell really good) and this dry oil is supposed to increase shine and softness for touchable, conditioned hair. It also gets rid of frizz and has a fruity, beachy fragrance. And let me tell you, I love anything that smells like the beach! It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon which is pretty good. I am slightly concerned about one thing though, it says that it has some “hold” which means it might be a little hairspray-esque. I don’t know if I would like that but I definitely would still try it to see.
Verb Ghost Dry Conditioner Oil, $18
I have the Verb Ghost serum (see the serum section) so I’d like to try this Verb Ghost Dry Condition Oil to see if they compliment each other. This is described as a “weightless dry conditioner infused with moringa oil that works to fight frizz, add shine, and extend styles.” It’s supposed to moisturize, detangle, and smooth hair – plus provides natural UV protection. From the reviews people love the smell – a light, fresh fragrance with hint of grapefruit and oatmeal. I agree, it’s the same fragrance as in their Ghost Serum (below in the serum section) which I own and really like the smell of. As you can see I’m a sucker for good smelling hair products. Some reviewers have said this goes on a little greasy. So when I try it I’ll plan on spraying it on my hands first and then add to my ends to make sure I don’t get too greasy.
R+Co Neon Lights Dry Oil Spray, $29
I’ve never tried any R+Co products so this will be a first. From what I’ve ready this R+Co Neon Lights Dry Oil Spray not only enhances shine but also brings out your hair’s true depth of color. I’d love to see what that’s like. It’s made with Evening Primrose Oil, Olive Oil, Andiroba Seed Oil and Marula Seed Oil. And R+Co hair care is vegetarian, cruelty-free, gluten-free, color-safe, and made without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil or petrolatum. They’ve actually named the scent for this – it’s called “SERIOUS GAZE” and it’s described as “a bright oriental composition. Juniper Berries, Blood Orange, Rhubarb, Leather Accord, Violet, Dark Woods.” What does that smell like? I’d like to know.
Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil, $32
So for some reason I’m into this brand even though I haven’t tried a lot of Ouai products. I think it’s because the founder is Jen Atkin who’s a hairstylist for the Kardashians and for some reason that equals a yes for me *shrug*. I mean good for her, I like that she has a hustle and started her own thing. Plus, I like the packaging and I even like name – which I had no idea how to pronounce. Apparently “Ouai” is pronounced “Way“, which is the slang version of “Oui” (which is French for Yes). So now we know.
Anyway – one of the Ouai products I do own, and love, is the OUAI Melrose Place Eau De Parfum. The scent is a velvety rich rose and this Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil is supposed to have the same fragrance. So of course, I have to try it. While this has a 4 star rating on Sephora, the reviews seemed mixed – like you either love it or hate it. Also, I can’t really tell if it’s an actual “dry oil” or a more traditional oil (the key ingredients are rosehip oil and absinthium oil). But either way, I’m looking forward to giving this a try.
ALTERNA Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Smoothing Anti-Frizz Dry Oil Mist, $34
The first dry oil I’d ever used was from Alterna’s Bamboo collection. But then I went ahead and forgot all about dry oils for years (until my daughter reintroduced me to them with the OGX brand above). I look forward to trying this CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Smoothing Anti-Frizz Dry Oil Mist. According to Alterna this is a lightweight mist is infused with anti-aging caviar extract and omega oils (abyssinian and avocado) to add shine while taming frizz, leaving hair soft and silky smooth. It also fights breakage and provides heat protection. So it does double duty.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Dry Oil Finishing Spray, $34
This is the last on the list of Dry Oil’s to Try. Bumble and bumble products tend to be hit or miss for me. But I’m interested in trying this Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Dry Oil Finishing Spray. I’ve used the serum from this same Invisible Oil line and liked it. So this is lightweight, frizz-taming micro-mist hydrates and softens dry hair. It’s UV protective and made with Grape Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, and Tiare Flower Extract.
#2 Hair Serum
What’s A Hair Serum?
Hair serum’s are usually silicone-based. They coat the hair surface to add shine and smoothness, fight frizz, and protect against humidity. Many hair serums also serve double duty as a heat protectant. I know some people don’t like the idea of using silicone. But I’ve found serums to be really effective, especially for reducing breakage and giving my hair a lot of shine and silkiness. And you can wash them out on wash day.
How to use Hair Serum
Here’s how I use them. Keep in mind, these are heavier then dry oils so my technique is to use them at night and focus on the ends of my hair. I apply the serum to my ends at night (after it’s been blowdried & flat ironed) then I wrap my hair in a scarf to sleep. I wake up to smooth hair that feels moisturized with body and bounce.
Hair Serums to Try
Here are 8 hair serums to try – sorted by low to high price. Some I’ve used and some are on my wishlist.
L’Oreal ELVIVE Extraordinary Oil, $7
I use this serum – it’s a great drugstore option. The whole L’Oreal Elvive line reminds me of an affordable version of the luxury Kerastase hair line (Plus Kerastase is also owned by Loreal). I think what I like best about the L’Oreal ELVIVE Extraordinary Oil is the smell. It smells like Rich Bi*$h to me. Like I want to wear it when I’m feeling like a boss. It has Camellia + Sunflower Oils to hydrate and nourish hair, transforming dry, lifeless hair to soft and lustrous.
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum, $9
Here’s one on my wishlist since I love the OGX dry oils and it’s super affordable. This OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum has great reviews. It’s described as a “unique blend of organic weightless coconut oil and silk keratin proteins to instantly repair dry, damaged, coarse, and chemically treated hair. It helps resurface the hair, repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness. Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum adds strength and elasticity to weak, brittle and damaged hair, and promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage.” Plus it supposedly smells really good too!
Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Working Serum, $14
I first saw Kristin Ess products at target. I bought her pomade/edge control on a whim – and it’s become a favorite. So I’d love to try this Weightless Shine Working Serum. Its describe as designed to be used on wet hair before blow drying, but that you can also use it on dry hair to tame puffiness and “zip up” dry ends. Nearly 5 stars on both Ulta and Target can’t be wrong.
Verb Ghost Oil, $18
I currently have this Verb Ghost Oil serum in my hair rotation. I like the packaging, the name, and the smell. It’s extra lightweight to me so I don’t always reach for this one – I like my serums to have a little more weight to them. But if you’re looking for the lightest of the light when it comes to greasiness, this is it. It contains moringa oil, bamboo extract and argan oil. It has the same light, fresh fragrance as the dry oil – a hint of grapefruit and oatmeal.
Alterna My Hair My Canvas Glow For It Universal Gloss, $26
I haven’t tried this Alterna My Hair My Canvas Glow For It Universal Gloss yet, but it’s on my wishlist. This “My Hair My Canvas” line is meant to replace the old Alterna Bamboo line I used to like from them years ago. “My Hair My Canvas” is kind of tacky for a name, but hey they like it so… Anyway, it’s described as “a vegan lightweight, multitasking gloss that helps recondition and seal the hair, controls frizz and increases shine, while providing both environmental and heat protection up to 450°F”. Key ingredients include:
- Vegan Botanical Caviar: an Asian super-food known to help improve moisture retention and smooth the cuticle to add bounce, shine and strength
- Prickly Pear Oil: this precious oil’s high omega lipid profile and unique blend of free-radical scavenging antioxidants is traditionally used to help restore and protect hair by locking in moisture and smoothing cuticle damage
- White Charcoal: premium grade, small pore, ubame oak charcoal powder is known for providing superior absorption of excess oils, toxins and irritants to instantly purify and balance
Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil, $28
I own this little bitty bottle. And honestly it’s been taking a back seat to some of my other favorite serums, but I think I’m going to have to give this Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil more of a try now. Reading the reviews, ladies are seeing great results with reducing breakage and I’m all about that since I’m in the process of growing my hair and I need my ends to stay put. It seems to be especially good for anyone using heat tools daily or with a lot of dryness and damage. It says it has a patented system to noticeably repair extreme damage. Overall, it’s described as: “a highly-concentrated, weightless reparative styling oil that dramatically increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy, while minimizing flyaways and frizz, and providing UV/heat protection.”
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, $40
I’ve used this Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil in the past and I’d definitely get it again. After looking it up again I’m actually excited to try this one again. You know how you forget about a good product and then are like damn yea I forgot all about that! It’s a cult favorite and has won an Allure Best of Beauty award. It’s a clear blend of six oils that “vanishes into hair, leaving a frizz-free, feather-soft feel and a trace of shine while helping to provide heat and UV protection”.
Moroccan Oil Treatment Oil, $44
This Moroccan Oil Treatment Oil is one I always come back to. I’m currently using it right now. It’s pricey but it never fails to work. It’s never greasy, and of course it smells good. A little goes a long way too – I only need one pump each night – so the bottle will last you a decent amount of time. It contains Argan Oil which is “extremely rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E), essential fatty acids and antioxidants that hydrate and nourish the hair” as well as Linseed Extract which is “derived from flaxseed … that helps improve the health of hair.”
#3 Edge Moisturizer
What is an Edge Moisturizer?
An edge moisturizer – for me – is any product that conditions, softens, and smooths your edges. This can be things like castor oil, coconut oil, shea butter, hair lotion, pomades, etc. I don’t know about you but my edges need a ton of moisture. It’s the driest hair on my head and the most prone to breakage if I don’t take care of it. Plus smooth moisturized edges are a must to keeping a straight, sleek, style. But I’ve found this the most challenging area to keep hydrated. What I’ve found works best for sleek straight hair are products marketed as Edge Control – but you gotta be careful. Anything too “wet” is going to make them curl and frizz up, and wax based pomades can sometimes be too crunchy/hard and leave white residue. I do have two favorites that I currently use, but I’m still perfecting my technique here so if you have any additional tips let me know!
How To Use An Edge Moisturizer
I typically moisturize my edges at night so I can wake up to sleek hair. I put the edge control on, brush it into my edges and smooth it down. Then tie it down with a satin scarf. You can also use it during the day to smooth down your edges, but keep in mind – because I like lightweight versions of these – they can melt in the sun during the day, look greasy, or lose their hold. So the ones I like are better for evening use. The harder versions that would stay smooth for the day leave too much residue for my taste and get too hard.
Edge Moisturizer To Try
Here are 5 edge moisturizers to try – sorted by low to high price. Some I’ve used and some are on my wishlist.
Let’s Jam Shining And Conditioning Gel Extra Hold, $4
This Let’s Jam Shining And Conditioning Gel is my current favorite. It stays so SOFT! It’s not a gel at all to me, it’s more of a soft pomade. It leaves zero white residue and NEVER gets hard. I don’t like to use this during the day because it’s way too shiny and it will melt all over your head. But overnight it’s perfect.
Kristin Ess SHINE POMADE + EDGE CONTROL, $10
This Kristin Ess Shine Pomade + Edge Control one that actually works well for day and night. I’ve used it for both. If you use too much it can create a little white dust. So just use a little. Smooth it onto your edges at night, brush it down, and in the morning your hair is soft, smooth, sleek, and feels moisturized without being “stiff”.
TPH by TARAJI So Slick Edge Control Treatment, $9
This brand was created by Taraji P Henson (obviously). It says it has workable hold with Castor Oil and an amino acid complex. It says it can be used to give hair sleek & smooth appearance without caking or flaking. And that’s exactly the type of hold I look for when my hair is straight. Gotta have the no crunch.
Mielle Organics’ Honey & Ginger Edge Gel, $12
I’m excited to try this one. This Mielle Honey and Ginger Edge Gel is described as non-flaky, non-gummy, non-greasy with flexible hold that doesn’t leave residue. I like the natural ingredients in it as well – aloe, honey, and ginger root. Honey is also an emollient and a natural antioxidant, helping condition your hair and scalp. Says it’s perfect for straight or curly hair.
PATTERN Edge Control, $12
This Pattern Edge Control is another celebrity brand – made by Tracee Ellis Ross (who I love and think is fantastic). If you don’t follow her on Instagram (@traceeellisross), you should. So, I recently tried this and I’m still on the fence about it. While it says that it easily layers for reapplication the next day without flaking or drying out hair – I found it made my hair a little “hard”. I think the key may be in the amount of application. I’ll continue to try this using less and see how it goes. It did seem moisturizing and I do like that the formula says it protects your delicate curls from breakage.
#4 Scalp Moisturizer
What is a scalp moisturizer
If you’re like me with hair and scalp that can get dry – it’s important to keep your scalp moisturized and free of flakes and dryness when you skip washing your hair for a week. Oils like coconut or argan can work well here, but I’ve found that for me good old fashioned grease works best.
How to use a scalp moisturizer
I use a scalp moisturizer at night before bed. I part my hair in four sections and put the smallest amount on my finger and rub it into the parts and any other dry areas on my scalp. By smallest amount I mean literally I just rub my finger on the product and then rub my finger on my scalp. You can also use a q-tip to apply it right where you need it. Scalp moisturizing is tricky because this is when you can over grease your scalp and weigh your hair down. Use a light touch and you’ll be fine.
Scalp moisturizers to try
Blue Magic Originals Indian Hemp Hair & Scalp Conditioner, $12
Right now, I’m enjoying using good old fashioned grease for this like Blue Magic Originals Indian Hemp Hair & Scalp Conditioner. Yes, it is heavy. But like I said, use just a tiny amount. And it really help moisturize dry scalp so your style can last longer. This version is made with Green Tea Leaves, Jojoba, Aloe & Safflower – and you can see the tea leaves in the product. I’m also interested in trying their Castor Oil version as well.
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Hair & Scalp Oil, $12
This Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Hair & Scalp Oil is another one I have my eye on. It has almost 10K reviews on Amazon and close to 5 stars – so it’s definitely on my wish list to try. It has castor oil and black seed oil and says it also helps prevent breakage. From the reviews, the smell seems to be polarizing and described as either “very organic and earthy” or “dirt” lol. I can get down with natural and earthy smelling products, so I’m willing to give it a try. 3c – 4c ladies seem to really like this and talk about how it keeps hair bouncy with less shedding. Plus it’s sulfate free, paraben free and made without petrolatum mineral oil or artificial colors.
Cantu Shea Butter Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil, $6
This Cantu Shea Butter Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil is also on my list to try. Over 3,000+ reviews and 4.5 stars is always a good sign. According to Cantu, this product “conditions and soothes the scalp while moisturizing strands and promoting healthy growth. Made with pure shea butter, tea tree and jojoba oil to replace vital oils revealing stronger, healthier hair with a natural shine while conditioning the scalp.”
Conclusion
So that’s it. Those are the 4 types of hair oils that I’ve found work best for extending the life of a blowout on natural hair and keeping hair bouncy, shiny, and moisturized without being weighed down: #1 a dry oil, #2 a hair serum, #3 an edge moisturizer, and #4 a scalp moisturizer. Make sure you’re giving your style a headstart with a good blow dry and flat iron first as well. I’ll do a post with tips on this soon.
With regular use, if you focus on the ends of your hair and your scalp – we should all be able to retain growth and have healthier hair overall. Just remember to give yourself a good scrub on wash day to clean all the oil and serum out so you can start with a fresh clean slate for your next blowout!