How Do Hair Oils Work?

Hair oils serve multiple purposes — from sealing in moisture and smoothing frizz to strengthening strands and improving scalp health. Scientifically speaking, they work by:

• Forming a protective barrier around the hair shaft to reduce protein loss and breakage.

• Penetrating the cortex (in the case of oils like coconut and olive) to deeply nourish from within.

• Lubricating the hair surface, which reduces friction during brushing and styling.

This multi-functional approach makes cosmetic hair oils both a styling aid and a treatment product.

Oil and Hair Structure: A Perfect Match

Your hair is made of keratin, a protein that becomes compromised due to heat styling, colouring, and environmental stress — all common in the UK’s unpredictable weather. Oils rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, like argan, marula, or avocado oil, help restore elasticity, shine, and strength by binding to damaged keratin sites.

Benefits You Can’t Ignore

• Improved manageability: Great for detangling and reducing static.

• Enhanced scalp health: Oils like tea tree or rosemary promote circulation and reduce dandruff.

• Heat protection: Applied before styling, certain oils offer a mild shield against thermal damage.

Best Practices for Using Hair Oil

• Apply a few drops to damp hair to seal in moisture.

• Use as a pre-wash treatment to reduce protein loss.

• Avoid applying too close to the roots if you have an oily scalp.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the science behind hair oils helps you make informed choices tailored to your hair type and goals. With the UK's beauty scene leaning into ingredient transparency and functionality, hair oils are no longer just a beauty trend — they’re a research-backed solution for healthier hair.