In today’s blog post, we are taking a break from our regularly scheduled skincare content to focus on another important aspect of clean beauty: hair! Like skin, there are endless hair types and crafting a hair routine should be totally independent and individualized, however, there is one product that can benefit all, and we wanted to take the time to make the formal introduction. So SLFMKR community, meet the hair oil!

Hair oils have been around for over 5,000 years, and their origins date back to the ancient Indian traditional medicine known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a natural and holistic way of focusing on mental and physical health. The tradition of oiling hair started with techniques similar to what we know today as using a hair treatment oil. This means that the oil is applied to the entirety of the hair and massaged into the scalp. It is then left in for a minimum of eight hours to help with scalp and hair moisture and nourishment. While this is an effective method of using oils in the hair, it is not for everyone. Therefore, the styling oil comes in. 

Hair styling oils are the more modern and well-known form of hair oils and can be used by all hair types as a great multi-tasking product. Firstly, hair oils are perfect for adding shine and protection to the hair. By increasing elasticity through the addition of fatty acids which replace lipids in the hair, strands become stronger and appear less frizzy. Not to mention, they help with moisture and prevent breakage. They are essential after shampoo strips natural oils from the hair in the cleansing process, similar to how moisture restoration is needed on the face after cleansing. Important key oils to look for are argan oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, safflower seed oil, and evening primrose oil. 

So, how does one apply a styling oil? It is pretty simple and can vary based on what your goals for the day are. Firstly, hair oil can be used after every wash to increase moisture in the hair. Since strands are more absorbent when wet, they will suck up the vitamins and minerals present helping with strength and moisture. However, hair oil can also be applied dry to tame frizz and act as a heat protectant. In both cases, apply a couple of drops and coat evenly from midway down the strand all the way to the ends. Focus on the ends for preventing splitting.

Now that we have given you all the 411 on hair oils, here are a few recommendations you can find on the SLFMKR shelves (or website)! 

• Alo Head-To-Toe Glow Oil is not only a hair oil but also works on the body, so it’s a wonderful multi-tasking product to leave your whole body moisturized and glowy. It is packed with argan oil, jojoba oil, and an Ayurvedan secret ingredient, amla. Amla is a super berry that is brimming with antioxidants.
• Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil is a styling oil that helps to leave hair shinier and nourished as it boasts all kinds of ingredients that help in lipid replacement such as safflower seed oil. The product also contains evening primrose oil and jojoba oil and is light and able to be used on all hair types. 
• Innersense I Create Shine is another styling oil that targets hair protection and shine. Formulated with cranberry seed oil and macadamia oil, this product is perfect for taming frizz. 
• Lastly, the Agent Nateur holi(locks) Strengthening, Detangling, Anti-Hair Fall Serum is our go-to treatment oil and is perfect for stimulating hair growth, increasing fullness, and targeting breakage, dry scalp, and split ends. This amazing oil is filled with proteins, antioxidants, and even features that same super berry, amla. 

We hope this week's blog helps everyone target their hair goals and bring moisture to their inevitably dry, winter hair as the warm weather creeps in. And as always, those of us at SLFMKR are happy to help!