Some people swear that coconut oil is life...while others may have an affinity for much lighter oils like avocado or grape seed oil. But honestly, do we really know why we're using oils on our hair?
Neicy, a former oil using naturalista say's "I used oils for shine and moisture and all I would have is a greasy hand and dry looking hair."
Before discovering the 30dayhairdetox Iyami said " I always used oils...hot oil treatments and greasing my scalp, plus rubbing in for shine...but im free!!! And my hair is loving life bcuz its starting to behave!!! Week by week, style by style... #oilfreeandstillmoist
According to Quiana " I did it because EVERY single video on Youtube I watched gave a million reasons why I should! I was told by other naturals that it moisturized and/or sealed the moisture in. I simply didn't know any better!"
Samantha Payne-Smith said "it depends on what YouTube video I was watching 
but the LOC method seemed to be life. Weekly."
but the LOC method seemed to be life. Weekly."In the past Carlotta say's "I used oils when my hair looked and felt dry."
While the idea of oil being a moisture source tends to be really common it's totally inaccurate. Oil actually acts as a lubricant on the hair and in some cases it acts as a water repellent which is why so many women complain of dry hair when using it continuously as a remedy to 'fix" their dry hair issues.
"So if oil is making my hair dry how am I supposed to "moisturize it?"
When you get thirsty do you grab oil or water?
Our hair isn't any different...In order for the hair to get moisture it needs water and for that to happen the hair strands have to be cleansed throughly with a surfactant (a cleansing agent used to remove oil from the hair) to allow the cuticle (the outer most layer of the hair strand) to lift. Removing dirt, oil and butter heavy styling products and environmental debris from the hair is so crucial in the hair actually being "moisturized."
"But what about sealing, don't you need oil to seal the hair to lock in the moisture?"
No. Moisture is sealed into the hair when conditioner is applied to the hair strands to smooth down the cuticle. It's much harder to get moisture once the conditioner closes the cuticle and leaves a layer of humectants and emollients behind. It's important to note that while it's much harder to absorb moisture it's very easy to lose it.
The moisture acquired during the cleansing and conditioning session generally last anywhere from 4-7 days. It is over this 4-7 day period that the hair begins to become dehydrated/dry, giving us approximately 7-10 days before we need to repeat the process.
So instead of reaching for oil this is where you would reach for your shampoo and conditioner to rehydrate the hair all over again.
"What about my water oil blend in my spray bottle , couldn't I use that to "moisturize" my hair?"
Here's the thing, oil and water don't mix...not even in your spray bottle. Not only do oil and water not mix but every time you spray water on your hair in an attempt to "moisturize" it you're actually disturbing the hydrogen bonds which in turn disrupts your hair style. It's the equivalent to setting up Jenga and having someone come and knock it down before the game even get's started.
"What about the LOC Method then?"
While the LOC Method is problematic for a number of reasons it's important to understand that conditioner has already done what the LOC Method claims to do. In addition raw oil isn't a styler, it doesn't help or aide in the styling and setting of your hair.
"If oil doesn't moisturize my hair, then what does?"
Simply cleansing, conditioning and styling your hair every 7-10 days with botanically based products will help you in your journey to keep your hair hydrated/moisturized.
"This sounds so simple I would love to learn more about keeping my hair moisturized, where can I find more information?"
It actually is very simple and you can learn more straightforward haircare tips and tricks by signing up to our newsletter over at 30dayhairdetox.com.
