The Ultimate Guide to the Best Natural Hair Oils for Curly Hair

Originally published on December 20, 2022 | Last updated on July 25, 2025

If you have curls, you’ll know that finding the right hair care products can be a challenge. Curly hair has its own unique needs, and it’s important to choose products that will work with your hair texture. An effective way to take care of your curly hair is by using natural hair oils.

Natural hair oils are packed with nourishing vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that can help to moisturise, strengthen, and protect your curls. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best natural hair oils for curly hair and how to use them to get the most out of your curls.

Types of Natural Hair Oils for Curly Hair

There are a wide variety of natural hair oils that are suitable for curly hair. Some of the most popular options include:

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a versatile natural oil that is enriched with fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps to moisturise and strengthen your curls, and can also be used as a deep conditioning treatment to restore dry or damaged hair.

Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is a lightweight oil that is similar in structure to the natural oils produced by your scalp. It helps to balance your scalp’s oil production and can be used to add moisture to your curls.

Castor oil: Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil that is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps to stimulate hair growth, strengthen your curls, and reduce breakage. Jamaican black castor oil is a type of castor oil that is made from roasted castor beans and is believed to have even more strengthening properties for hair.

Olive oil: Olive oil is not just a kitchen staple, it’s great for curly hair too. This heavier oil helps with moisturising, detangling, and enhancing shine. In addition, it works amazingly well as a deep conditioning treatment.

Avocado oil: Avocado oil is the perfect option for dry and brittle hair. As it’s high in monounsaturated fats and oleic acid, it’s able to penetrate the hair shaft and deeply moisturise your hair.

Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that will leave your strands feeling soft and smooth, while also promoting healthy hair growth. This oil works especially well at helping to control frizz and flyaways.

Choosing the Best Natural Hair Oil for Your Curly Hair

When choosing a natural hair oil for your curls, it’s important to consider your specific hair type and needs. Some factors to consider include:

Hair porosity: Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. If your hair is low porosity, it may be more difficult for it to absorb oils and other products. In this case, you may want to choose a lightweight oil like jojoba oil or a hair oil blend that includes lightweight oils.

Hair density: Hair density refers to the thickness and fullness of your hair. If you have dense hair, you may need to use more oil to adequately moisturise your curls. In this case, you may want to choose a thicker oil like coconut oil or castor oil.

Curl pattern: Your curl pattern can also be a factor in choosing the best natural hair oil for your curls. If you have loose curls, you may want to choose a lighter oil that won’t weigh your curls down, such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. If you have tighter curls, you may be able to handle a thicker oil like coconut oil or castor oil.

In addition to these factors, it’s also important to consider any specific hair concerns you may have, such as dryness, breakage, or frizz. For example, if you have dry hair, you may want to choose a particularly rich oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil. If you have breakage, you may want to choose an oil that is well known for its strengthening properties, such as coconut oil or castor oil. And if you struggle with frizz, you may want to try a lightweight oil like grapeseed oil or jojoba oil.

How to Use Natural Hair Oils for Curly Hair

Depending on your specific needs and preferences, there are a few different ways to use natural hair oils for curly hair. Here are some options to consider:

Pre-shampoo treatment: To use natural hair oils as a pre-shampoo treatment, simply apply the oil to your hair and scalp, making sure to coat all of your curls. Then, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and let the oil sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have time. This will help the oil to deeply penetrate your curls your hair from the inside out.

Leave-in conditioner: Natural hair oils can also be used as a leave-in conditioner. Simply apply a small amount of oil to your hair, making sure to coat all of your curls. You can use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly.

Hot oil treatment: For a more intensive conditioning treatment, you can use natural hair oils as a hot oil treatment. To do this, heat the oil up slightly (but be careful not to overheat it) and then apply it to your hair and scalp. You can use a shower cap or plastic bag to cover your hair and let the oil sit for at least 30 minutes. This will help the oil to deeply penetrate your curls and provide even more nourishment.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to start with a small amount of oil and then add more as needed. It’s better to use a little bit of oil at a time and build up gradually, rather than applying too much and weighing your curls down.

Natural hair oils can be a great addition to your curly hair care routine. When choosing a natural hair oil for your curls, be sure to consider your specific hair type and needs, and try out different oils to see what works best for you. With the right natural hair oil, your curls will become healthy and revitalised like never before.

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