Hair oils - the latest must-have hair products
Hot on the heels of hair powders and overnight treatments, nut and fruit hair oil-based remedies are the latest product phenomenon in the professional haircare sector.
Hair oils rely on the traditional recipes of the indigenous populations of the places they're grown in, to provide the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern living in the developed world and the damage wreaked on hair's health and appearance.
They do this via a whole host of ultra-hydrating, strengthening and shine enhancing benefits, and have a multiplicity of uses - pre-shampoo treatment, leave-in conditioner, styling and finishing products and making them an ideal product for both in-salon treatments and take-home solutions.
Oil Properties and Uses
Among the current crop of celebrated ingredients that have captured the attention of serious players in the global haircare market, thanks to their therapeutic DNA, and colour pampering and prolonging properties are argan oil, cyperus oil and macadamia nut oil.
- Argan oil
Used for centuries by Moroccan women as part of their beauty regime, argan oil, known locally as "liquid gold" is derived from the fruit of the argan tree, which grows in the southwest of the country, and other parts of North Africa. Key ingredients of these almond-shaped kernels are essential fatty acids and tocepherols, which revive and renew damaged hair and restore elasticity. - Cyperus oil
Obtained from a plant with aromatic tubers, and with beautifying credentials stretching back centuries - Cleopatra was a fan - the oil's softening properties are coupled with superior shine enhancing abilities. - Macadamia nut oil
The power of nut oils are nothing new, they've a long, lustrous heritage in haircare and are attributed with intensely conditioning and shine enhancing properties. Prolific in the South Pacific region, as with so many trends that translate worldwide, the canny Californians were first to spot the potential of the crop.
Popular Hair Oils
Macadamia Natural Oil
Combining nutritional nut oil with blends of nourishing botanicals, the powerhouse products providing plenty of opportunity for cocktailing are Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo, Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Nourishing Leave-in Cream and the Macadamia Oil Infused Comb.
From: £14.75
Stockist info: 08448 403040
Find out more: www.macadamiahair.co.uk
OroFluido Hair Oil
A few drops of luxe-looking Orofluido Hair Oil provide ultimate conditioning. Cyperus oil, linseed oil and argan oil leave locks strong and ultra-shiny. The vanilla fragrance is a sublime bonus.
Price: £25
Stockist info: 0208 399 5624
Find out more: www.orofluido.net
Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Oil
A rich blend of African manketti, argan and evening primrose oil seal and nourish the hair cuticle, discouraging premature colour fade. Regenerates and conditions hair for incredible softness and smoothness.
Price: £15.95
Stockist info: 01282 683100
Moroccanoil
The range was born with the original Moroccanoil® Treatment and now embraces five other argan oil rich products. "It's amazing to work with. I've never seen anything like it, the look and feel of the hair's so different," comments Stephen Way's Hideshie Kondo.
From: £18.25
Stockist info: 0800 3101133
Find out more: www.moroccanoil.com
Matrix Biolage Colorcaretherapie Delicate Care Organic Certified Oil
Certified organic, triple blended oil for luminous colour wear, with argan oil and soothing lavender essential oil. The basis of two new pre-shampoo Shine Enhancing Oil Services in salon, it's also for purchase as an at home shine treatment.
Price: £13.75
Stockist info: 0208 762 4060
Find out more: www.matrixhaircare.co.uk
Amargan Hair Therapy Oil
Just a few drops of this argan oil rich formulation after shampooing and before styling produces silky perfection. Even thick, tightly curled, usually unmanageable hair looks glossier and healthier after just a single application.
From: £14.95
Stockist info: 020 8426 2124
Find out more: www.amargan.co.uk
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue
Soften dry, coarse hair in seconds with this luxurious essence containing concentrated camellia oil, inspired by the hair beauty routines of the Japanese Geishas. "Essence Absolue is a multi-functional star product and a must-have hair softener. Think of it as a softening treatment and primer for hair - remember that beautiful hair starts with a beautiful base," says Adam Reed, Percy & Reed, London
Price: £37.50
Find out more: www.shuuemuraartofhair.com
