To ditch or not to ditch scalp oil treatments? By now, the Black hair community has discussed, and debated, at length the use of raw oils and butters for hair and scalp care. Many who have been oiling scalps for generations and revere the act as a long-kept cultural practice have a difficult time accepting what many modern hair care professionals suggest about the matter.
While nourishing oils have a place in hair care, it may not be through the methods many have grown up with. Hair care professionals, specifically curly hair specialists, advise against using raw oils and heavy butters directly on the hair and scalp, as they can cause build up and leave the hair less hydrated than intended.
A simplified scientific explanation behind this reasoning would teach us that oil and water (in their raw forms) do not mix, therefore putting a sealing oil directly onto dry scalp and hair prevents water or hydration from penetrating in. When used in excess, it can also cause product and oil build up, which weighs down the hair and doesn’t allow for a proper growth cycle.
While oils do provide substantial benefits for hair, professionals suggest using products where the formulation allows for better absorption. Curl specialists such as Camille Janae have shown the difference it can make in hair health and styling when heavy oils and butters are ditched for products that are more absorbent and nourishing.
As hair care companies continue to develop the best practices for healthy hair and scalp care, more and more scalp serums have started to pop up on the market. These serums promise to offer benefits such as length and density retention, itch relief, as well as hydration and nourishing properties.
If you’ve been curious about leaving behind raw oils and folding a scalp serum into your routine, we’ve got you covered with six different hair care companies that offer serums to address various concerns.
Read below for the products, their pricing, and what areas they target.
