Every hair follicle produces sebum, a natural oil that conditions and protects your hair and skin. However, your natural sebum production may not keep up with the everyday styling and environmental damage your hair faces. A number of different types of hair oils can be used to improve the condition of your hair.
Regular Conditioning
Regular conditioning after shampooing can help hair retain moisture and offers protection. Coconut and argan, or Moroccan, oil can be used for regular conditioning. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program recommends using almond or olive oils with lavender, rosemary or sage added for African-American or biracial children's hair.
Damage Repair
Thick oils that surround and protect the hair shaft can be used to improve the condition of dry or damaged hair. Good choices for damage repair include almond, emu, jojoba and olive oils.
Specific Condition
Some types of hair oils target specific conditions. Tea tree oil, for example, has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and may be used if dandruff is a problem. Lavender oil may help reduce hair loss and can be used to treat alopecia areata in combination with other oils, according to research cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil and not applied directly to the skin or scalp.
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