What if I told you that marula oil can transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and healthy? You may have heard the buzz about using marula oil in the skincare world. But do you know that this lightweight, super nutritious oil also deserves a place in your hair care regimen?
Looking for an easy and effective solution to make your hair healthier, shinier, and stronger? Just keep scrolling. By the end of this article, you’ll find the solution you’re looking for and will know why you should choose marula oil for hair without any doubt.
What is Marula Oil
Marula oil is a natural and versatile oil that offers numerous benefits for the skin and hair. This oil is extracted through cold pressing from the kernels and nuts of small yellow fruits of marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea). Marula oil is typically pale yellow and has a light, non-greasy texture which makes it suitable for various applications.
Marula tree is actually native to sub-Saharan Africa, and African women have been using this oil for ages in their skin and hair care regimen. But now, this well-kept secret ingredient is creating buzz all over the world because of its rich nutrient profile and versatile benefits.
Benefits of Marula Oil for Hair
Will you be convinced if I say that this more-than-trend hair oil can be a game changer in your hair care journey? How? Well, let’s explore the numerous benefits of marula oil for hair and determine if it’s really worth the hype!
Strengthen Hair
Regular use of marula oil can effectively strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Marula oil contains fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, that help strengthen hair strands from within. This oil is also rich in essential nutrients like zinc, calcium, vitamins, and amino acids, which all help to promote an optimal environment for hair follicles and healthy hair growth.
Protection Against Environmental Damage
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules responsible for oxidative stress and damage. These molecules can be generated from external factors like pollution, smoking or UV rays. Marula oil is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E that neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidative stress in hair and protect hair from environmental damage or harmful UV rays.
Improve Scalp Health
You can’t hope to get healthy hair without a healthy scalp. And here comes our hero ingredient, marula oil. The fatty acids present in marula oil show anti-inflammatory properties and improve scalp condition, which is optimal for healthy hair growth. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make this oil a good choice for conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Emollient and Moisturizing Properties
If you have dry hair or want a deep conditioning treatment, you can definitely choose marula oil to get soft and hydrated hair from within.
Marula oil has remarkable moisturizing and hydrating properties. Its fatty acids provide deep moisture to the hair shaft and reduce dryness. It also serves as an excellent emollient due to its ability to create a barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps to protect moisture loss from the scalp and hair strands.
Limited Anti-aging Properties
A study shows that nutrient-rich marula oil has limited anti-aging properties. It enhances hair elasticity, making it less prone to breakage and damage. Eventually, you will get stronger, healthier and more resilient hair.
Absorbs Easily
One of the best parts of marula oil is its lightweight texture and non-greasy consistency. Marula oil absorbs quickly into the hair and scalp without leaving any greasy residue. This oil provides proper hydration to fine or oily hair without weighing it down.
Shine Enhancement
Marula oil not only moisturizes your hair but also enhances its shine by imparting a glossy finish. Its shine enhancement property makes it an excellent choice for dull and lackluster hair. Regular use of it will give your hair the natural shine and radiance you always wanted.
Reduces Hair Frizz
Hair frizz? Don’t worry. Marula oil will never disappoint you. It smooths the hair cuticle which can significantly reduce frizz and flyaways. A small amount applied to damp or dry hair can help achieve a frizz-free polished look.
Makes Detangling Easier
If you struggle with hair tangles and knots, marula oil can help. It makes hair more pliable and less prone to breakage. Applying it as a pre-styling treatment can ease combing and make your hair detangle smoothly without any breakage.
Suitable for All Hair Type
It doesn’t matter what hair type you have, you can use marula oil anyway. Wavy, curly, frizzy hair? Marula oil can give your hair proper hydration and moisture, making your hair more manageable. Its lightweight consistency defines waves and reduces frizz without weighing it down. If you have fine or straight hair, marula oil can also help you add shine and luster to your hair, making it healthier from the inside.
Though it is suitable for all hair types, the nourishing, nutritious profile of marula oil makes it best for dry, damaged, or brittle hair.
How to Use Marula Oil for Hair
Just like its numerous benefits, marula oil can be used in a variety of ways for your hair. You can use it daily if your hair is more prone to dryness and breakage. Or you can use it on a weekly basis according to your hair requirements. Trust me, it won’t be too much marula oil ever!
- Pre-shampoo Treatment: Before your regular shampoo routine, apply marula oil to your dry hair. Focus on the ends and areas that feel particularly dry. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it out with shampoo.
- As a Leave-in Conditioner: After washing your hair, apply a few drops of marula oil to your palms and rub them together. Then gently distribute it through your hair, from mid-length to the ends. It will help to keep your hair moisturized throughout the day.
- As Scalp Treatment: Apply marula oil directly to the roots of the hair using your fingertips and then massage it for 5-10 minutes. It will stimulate blood flow and promote a healthy scalp environment.
- As a Heat Protectant: Whether you’re blow drying, straightening or curling, apply a few drops of marula oil to your hair. It will create a protective barrier around the hair shaft and protect it from high temperatures.
- As a Hair Mask: You can use marula oil for deep conditioning treatment by mixing it with your regular hair mask. Combine it with other nourishing ingredients like honey or yoghurt to create a hydrating hair mask. Apply it to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it out. It will add moisture and shine to your hair.
- Mixing Marula Oil in Your Hair Products: The simplest way of using marula oil for hair is by mixing it with your existing hair care products. Add a few drops of oil to your shampoo, conditioner or other products. It will keep your hair well-maintained without putting any additional effort.
Precautions
Normally there’s no proven risk associated with using marula oil for hair but still no harm to be cautious.
- Some people may be allergic to nuts. So it’s always wise to perform a patch test before using it directly in your scalp. Apply a small amount of the oil to the discreet area of your skin, such as the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs, such as redness, itching or swelling. If nothing happens, then you’re good to go!
- Ensure you’re using pure, cold-pressed high-quality marula oil.
- Store marula oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the oil.
Final Words
Let’s get back to our concern. Is it really worth the hype? Yes, certainly! Whether you’re looking to hydrate and strengthen your hair strands, enhance shine or protect against heat, marula oil can be an effective solution regardless of your hair type.
FAQ
1. Can I use marula oil daily?
Since marula oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic, you can use it daily on your hair. However, if you have oily hair, using it sparingly or twice a week is better.
2. Can I leave marula oil in my hair overnight?
For a deep moisturizing treatment, you can leave marula oil in your hair overnight. Its lightweight texture will help to absorb well and nourish your hair without leaving any greasy residue.
3. Is marula oil better than jojoba oil?
Both marula oil and jojoba oil are excellent for hair but, you can choose any of these according to your hair care concern. Marula oil might be a better choice for dry, damaged, or thick hair as it is more moisturizing and rich in antioxidants. Jojoba oil is better for oily or sensitive scalps as it is great for balancing oil production and promoting scalp health.
4. Does marula oil make your hair grow?
Marula oil is not directly known to stimulate hair growth. But its nutrient-rich profile can improve the overall health of your scalp which can eventually contribute to healthy hair growth.
5. Can I use marula oil on my skin?
Absolutely! Marula oil is excellent for skincare. Its moisturizing properties and non-greasy consistency make it suitable for a variety of skin types, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
