How to Make a Personalized Hair Oil

Here's a peek at a few of the products I am testing at the moment. The tallish bottle with no label and golden colored contents is a hair oil.

Oil for the hair?

Yes.

Today, we're going to examine oil for hair and learn how to compose a personalized hair oil.

Oil on Hair?  But That's Exactly What We Don't Want, Right?

Wrong. We want oil on the hair. We love oil on the hair. We need oil on the hair.

You: But why would anyone want to apply oil to their hair when one of the main purposes of washing hair is to remove oil and dirt?

This is really an excellent question, and I'm thrilled you asked.

One might be tempted to explain 'there's desirable oil and undesirable oil', and 'hair needs desireable oil to retain moisture and stay healthy'.

And although this may sound like an oversimplification, it's pretty close to being the whole story in a nutshell.

Some oils can even help repair damaged hair. Mind you, we're not talking about a single magical application and voilá your hair is forever fixed, perfect, and glossy-looking. But repair of damaged hair with the right oil is to do-able to some extent.

A properly composed (and applied) hair oil will not feel or look greasy. Instead, it will nourish and even help strengthen your hair.

So, if you're still with me and maybe just a little curious about the idea of applying oil to your hair, let's have a look at how to compose and make hair oil. Then you can decide if you want to give it a try and see whether or not it makes your hair and scalp happy.

(hint: I'm guessing it will or I wouldn't have written this post)

Hair Types 

For hair oil making purposes, I have created these categories:

• Dry (and Wavy / Curly 2c - 3c)
• Super Dry (and Coily / Kinky 4a - 4c)
• Oily
• Treated (or damaged)
• Normal

Oil Groups

Oil Group 1:  All-round Beneficial for Hair

• Jojoba
• Apricot Seed
• Rice bran
• Sweet Almond

Oil Group 2:  Light, Quickly absorbed, Non-greasy

• Grapeseed 
• Sunflower seed
• Fractionated coconut
• Hempseed

Oil Group 3:  Nourishing, Conditioning

• Coconut
• Castor
• Argan
• Olive

This is by no means a complete list of oils, but  includes some of the most commonly available oils that are suitable for hair.

Guideline for Composing Your Own Personalized Hair Oil

Hair Type: Dry (and Wavy / Curly 2c - 3c)

Oil Group 1:  20 %
Oil Group 2:  35 %
Oil Group 3:  45 %

Hair Type: Super Dry (and Coily / Kinky 4a - 4c)

Oil Group 1:  25 %
Oil Group 2:  30 %
Oil Group 3:  45 %

Hair Type: Oily

Oil Group 1:  25 %
Oil Group 2:  45 %
Oil Group 3:  30 %

Hair Type: Treated (or damaged)

Oil Group 1:  30 %
Oil Group 2:  35 %
Oil Group 3:  35 %

Hair Type: Normal

Oil Group 1:  40 %
Oil Group 2:  35 %
Oil Group 3:  25 %

Converting Percentages

Here's a super easy way to work with percentages.
Convert directly from % to grams.
That will make 100 grams (3,5 ounces) of product.

Method for Making Hair Oil

1. Weigh or measure out your oil into a bottle
2. Cap
3. Shake the bottle
4. Rejoice

Bottle:
A bottle with serum pump is ideal.

If you prefer a spray bottle, go for it, but be aware a spray bottle risks clogging up. Most sprayers are made for watery-type liquids. If you do find a sprayer that works consistently with oils I'm happy to hear about it as I have been looking for one since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

How To Apply Hair Oil

Tip: not like in this pic. That's overdoing it a titch.

1. A few drops in the palm
2. Rub hands together and work through hair
3. Massage scalp lightly with fingertips

This can be applied to wet or dry hair. If applied to wet hair it can be harder to judge the amount needed so for your first time, you might want to try on dry hair.
You can also use hair oil just on the tips.

Have fun!

More Oil and Hair Info

Want to learn about oils? Visit Susan M Parkers website
More about Palm oil as a reparative for damaged hair
New Directions blogpost on carrier oils
Visit Hair Buddha for hair tips and more