Whether your hair is curly, fine, wavy, or coarse, it needs nourishment. For most of us, the process begins in the shower with a collection of creamy shampoos and rich conditioners. As you're soaping up your strands, you're also infusing them with proteins and enriching ingredients. But your hair needs just as much nourishment after wash day. That's where hair oils come into play. Like a deep conditioner or leave-in treatment, they work to repair damage and soften your strands for a healthy look and feel. 

If you've ever strolled the aisles of your local beauty store, you know there are many different kinds of hair oils, each boasting its own set of results. From argan to coconut and castor, the options are endless. While variation is always nice, choosing the right type of oil for your hair's texture and needs can be difficult. To simplify things, we've created a helpful guide to the most popular hair oils. Read on to see which type is best for your hair. 

Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is one of the most well-known hair oils and for good reason. Rich in nutrients and natural fatty acids, such as lauric acid, it smoothes the hair's cuticles and softens its texture. But its benefits extend beyond making your hair silky, soft, and shiny. According to one scientific study, coconut oil is one of the few natural substances that prevent protein loss. Coconut oil is a triglyceride and has a high affinity for hair proteins. This allows it to penetrate deep inside the shaft to repair damage at the source.

Considering the science behind this fruit oil, it's easy to see why it's become a popular ingredient in hair products. Whether included in shampoo or used post-washing, it can increase moisture retention and provide supreme hydration. It can be beneficial for all hair types. However, the consistency tends to be a little on the heavier side. That said, finer textures may want to use it sparingly or try a shampoo containing small amounts of the oil.

Argan Oil

You're probably already familiar with this oil and its many hair benefits. Hailing from Morocco, argan oil is extracted from the kernels of argan fruits and is beloved for its lightweight texture. From shampoos to conditioners and stylers, it can be found in a range of products and is suitable for all hair textures. However, it is particularly beneficial to natural curls and waves since these textures are more prone to frizz. Applying an even coat to your strands smoothes the cuticle and eliminates the chance of coils getting poofy. As a result, your curls stay intact and even have a glossy shine. Aside from keeping your locks smooth and frizz-free, this luxe oil is packed with antioxidants that shield the hair against environmental damage. 

Jojoba Oil

This oil is prevalent in several hair products, including wash-day items and treatments, for many reasons. For starters, it's packed with a plethora of vitamins and minerals, including zinc and vitamins C, B, and E. This helps strengthen the strands, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends. Unlike lighter oils, jojoba has a thicker consistency that borders on occlusive, making it intensely moisturizing and beneficial for textures that are prone to dryness. It's even useful for scalp conditions and has been proven to be helpful for reducing dandruff.

Amla Oil

Amla oil is particularly buzzy in the beauty industry right now, but it has been used for centuries as a traditional Indian remedy. Extracted from gooseberries, it contains high concentrations of vitamin C and antioxidants that make it a powerful ingredient in skin care and hair care products. Still, the ritual of hair oiling has skyrocketed amla oil to viral fame.

When used as a treatment (either pre-washing or daily), the oil can nourish and moisturize the scalp to promote hair growth. The hair oiling method involves massaging the oil into the scalp to stimulate the follicles, but the composition of this oil is equally helpful. Scientific studies have proven that amla oil is a powerful inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, which has been known to cause male hair loss.