Hazelnut oil is a very versatile oil that is suitable for most hair and skin types. It has a particular ability to balance the natural oils on the hair and scalp. While the oil is growing in popularity and boasts many health benefits, does hazelnut oil penetrate the hair shaft?
In this article, we’re going to explore this question in depth.
In short, Hazelnut oil does penetrate the hair shaft. As it’s classed as a penetrating oil, it has a natural ability to reach inside the hair shaft and restore moisture, leaving the hair and scalp feeling stronger and healthier.
Benefits Of Using Oil On Hair
Vegetable oils are incredibly beneficial to the hair because they contain antioxidants that stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
They replenish moisture to damaged hair, restoring it to a healthier condition that is free of tangles and frizz.
It’s particularly beneficial for colour-treated hair that tends to get dry or brittle over time, as it reduces some of the adverse effects caused by chemicals.
This is why using an oil such as hazelnut oil that can penetrate the hair shaft is so important.
Here are some other benefits to using oils on the hair:
– Adds smoothness and shine
– Improves the texture of the hair
– It can treat dandruff and scalp itchiness
– Can be used to prevent hair loss and balding
– Strengthens the hair strands
– Re-balances the oils on the scalp
– Defines curl pattern
There are many benefits to using any oils on the hair but they are not all created equally.
While some may greatly improve the condition of the hair, others can weigh the hair down or make it appear greasy.
Of course, it does depend on whether the hair is rough, coarse, or fine.
People with thin hair, particularly at the roots, might find that they have to avoid putting oils on the scalp to evade oily roots.
Thicker, curly hair will benefit from deep conditioning oil treatment all over the hair.
Aso Read: How To Use Castor Oil For Protein Sensitive Hair
Penetrating Oils Vs. Sealing Oils
While most oils provide benefits to the hair, some are more effective at others. This depends on the molecular structures.
Some oils, like hazelnut oil can penetrate the hair shaft while others coat the hair strands.
Coconut oil and Avocado oil are two other examples of oils that penetrate the hair shaft and locking in moisture, leaving the strands feeling stronger and thoroughly hydrated.
Sealing oils are not absorbed into the hair’s cuticle layer, but they do sit on top of the hair and keep moisture locked in.
Castor and almond oil are good examples of sealing oils.
Both penetrating oils and sealing oils are good for the hair and each have their own benefits, but do keep in mind that some of these oils are thicker and heavier than others and can cause the hair to weigh down.
The Importance of Oil Penetrating The Hair Shaft
So, you may be left wondering what the best oil is for your hair type.
Well, that depends on the texture and the feel of your hair, of course.
The reason why penetrating oils work so well on thicker, textured hair is that they have the ability to penetrate the hair cortex and repair any damage.
Naturally, those with thicker, curlier hair will have a thicker cuticle, which needs extra hydration in order to repair and restore weakened strands.
A healthy cuticle is key to good hair growth as well.
Hazelnut oil works wonders as it can penetrate the hair shaft and restore and strengthen the hair so it is at less risk of damage and breakage.
Hair will be stronger and healthier from the roots, which will accelerate hair growth while controlling unruly frizz and tangles.
When To Use Penetrating Oils
Uncontrollable frizz
No one likes to see unruly frizz!
Some of the main culprits are vigorous towel-drying techniques, heat-styling tools, and a lack of moisture.
Some hair types are more prone to frizz than others, of course, but it can also be a sign of damaged, weakened hair.
To restore this damage it might be beneficial to use an oil such as hazelnut oil that can penetrate the hairshaft and strengthen the hair from inside the cuticle.
This will also help smooth frizz and lead to manageable hair that is easier to style.
Split ends
The ends of the hair need extra TLC because they are so fragile and they are constantly prone to damage.
If you have brittle ends or split ends, it’s advised that you apply a penetrating oil all over the hair, while paying special attention to the ends.
One of the benefits of using hazelnut oil to penetrate the hairshaft, is that it can provide instant restorative treatment to the usual wear and tear our hair goes through each day.
Dull, lifeless hair
One of the key indications that your hair is damaged and in need of an oil treatment is when it appears to be dull and flat.
Curls may fall limply around the face when they lack moisture or protein.
Unhealthy, damaged hair will be harder to style because it generally lacks body and volume.
When hair is damaged, you want to avoid touching it and styling it as much as possible as that can lead to further damage.
Also Read: Glycerin For Hair: The Best Answer for Frizz-Free Curls?
Hair is already extremely vulnerable, so putting a penetrating oil on those locks is strongly recommended for glossier, shinier hair with intense definition.
How To Use Hazelnut Oil On Hair To Penetrate the Hair Shaft
Now we know that hazelnut oil can penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense hydration, it’s time to explain how you can use it on the hair and the many benefits it has.
Before Shampooing
Pre-pooing with oils is a great way to revive and restore damaged or brittle hair because it simply provides a protective layer.
Frequent shampooing can strip too many of the hair’s natural oils and it’s not often recommended for thick, textured, curly hair because this kind of hair loses moisture quickly.
Using an oil such as hazelnut oil will protect the cortex and protect it from loss of protein and moisture.
You can simply divide sections of your hair, coat it with the oil and leave it in for your desired time.
Make sure you wash it out thoroughly to avoid an oily scalp!
LOC or LCO Method
Hazelnut oil is an excellent oil to penetrate the hair shaft for both the LOC and LCO method.
This is because while a lot of oils simply sit on the hair and lack the moisturising benefits that is needed to restore and hydrate the hair, hazelnut oil provides ultra-hydration by seeping into the hair cuticle.
This oil can be used either before the cream or after the cream to seal in moisture and keep hair looking healthy and shiny.
Also Read: Can Glue On Hair Damage The Scalp? (Solved!)
During Deep Conditioning
For hair that is extremely dry and damaged a deep conditioning treatment might be far more beneficial.
Leaving the hazelnut oil on overnight (rather than the usual 30 minutes) will give it a sufficient amount of time to fully penetrate the hair shaft and restore to a better condition.
This is an ideal treatment for people with chemically-dyed hair or those who regularly use heat-styling tools that have caused the hair to weaken or break off.
Hazelnut oil is incredibly hydrating and it has an ability to get deep into the hair shaft and lock in that much-needed moisture.
This oil treatment can be repeated weekly for best results.
Controlling Frizz
Controlling frizz can feel like a daily challenge, especially when you try to avoid heat-styling tools.
When hazelnut oil is allowed to penetrate the hair shaft, it prevents protein loss while filling in gaps in the hair cuticle, which is what leads to reduced frizz and flyaways.
When used either before shampooing or as a leave-in treatment, hazelnut oil can control frizz and make styling your hair an easier experience.
For frizzy, tangled ends, you might benefit from leaving in a small amount of the oil to leave it feeling moisturised all day.
This is particularly good during the colder months when the hair is prone to damage.
Why Can’t All Oils Penetrate The Hair Shaft?
The fatty acid content and the components of the triglyceride determines how well an oil will penetrate the hair shaft.
An oil with a shorter fatty acid chain will have an increased ability to penetrate the hair shaft.
Some examples of these are coconut oil, olive oil, and hazelnut oil of course.
While others, depending on the fatty acid content, will merely coat the cuticle rather than penetrating it.
Examples are jojoba oil, castor oil, and almond oil. Now, just because these oils do not have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t beneficial to the hair.
Sealing oils are great at locking in any moisture that has already been put into the hair, which is beneficial for dry, brittle hair that is prone to frizz.
Also Read: Moisture Overload – How To Fix In 3 Simple Steps
Sealing oils are also beneficial at protecting and repairing weak ends while adding an intense shine to the hair. This can reduce split ends and tangles.
There are benefits to all kinds of oils, whether they are penetrating oils or sealing oils.
Determining your hair type and what your hair is lacking will help you to decide whether hazelnut oil is the best oil for you.
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