Are hair oils worth the hype?

Are hair oils worth the hype? (Photo: iStock)

It is a common misconception that oils hydrate hair. In reality, hair requires moisture derived from water. The primary function of an oil is to act as a sealant. It works by forming a protective lipid barrier on the surface of the hair shaft, which locks in moisture that has previously been applied.

Applying oil to dry hair without a water-based moisturiser underneath is counterproductive, as the oil simply coats the hair, leaving it susceptible to brittleness and breakage.