There was also no mention of porosity or does that not even matter as well, lets just throw that out too while we are at it! At this point we could get into some scientific mayhem and just end the whole conversation all together.
But The Natural Haven also weighed in and broke it down very nicely on BGLH, and like a perfect pot of soup that needs nothing else, we have nothing to add. We would still like to reiterate some parts of her post though, we liked her response to question 2:
Q2: What does science say on oil and moisture?
A scientific study looked at the effect of applying oil to hair on both moisture retention and moisture pick up from the air (Journal of Cosmetic Science, pp 135-145, 2007). The oils* used were coconut, sunflower and mineral oil*. The 3 key findings were:
– Oil DOES help to prevent moisture loss from the hair fibre. Hair with an oil layer has higher moisture retention compared to uncoated hair.
– Oil DOES have a sealing effect. Hair with an oil layer will take up less water vapour compared to uncoated hair which means that the oil layer slows moisture uptake.Coconut oil allowed more moisture in than mineral oil* (i.e mineral oil is a better sealer).
– Oil layers on hair DO NOT prevent hair from taking up water vapour. Although uncoated hair will take up the most water vapour from the air, hair coated with oil (mineral, sunflower or coconut) will also still take up significant amounts of water vapour from the air.
This closely matches the findings of Jeni of JGA’s sealing experiment as shown below. The image is pretty self explanatory…
And to question 3:
Q3: What exactly is in the glaze product suggested for shine instead of oil?
The Ouidad shine glaze serum suggested as a final touch for shine contains two silicones (silicones are oils*), alcohol and an emollient (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Alcohol Denat, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate). It is pretty much a silicone based serum that will feel less oily due to the emollient. In the grand scheme of water entry prevention to hair, silicones and mineral oil are top of the table.
Sonnie Williams says
Everybody is always trying to sell you on their product. If oils work for your hair keep doing what you feel is best for your hair.
Shaniqua says
I think these statements were made with an agenda. It is a scientific fact that oils and water repel each other, so there’s obviously some natural sealing properties as well. I can see where the hesitation to use that term comes from, because it can lead those who are new to hair care to believe that all you have to do is moisturize and seal once and then they’re good to go for the next month or something like that. We all know this isn’t the case, but it is something to think about. But to go so far as to say oils basically do nothing, that is straight up untrue. and I think the motives behind that statement are purely commercial.
Karen says
Despite what was written or said, I use my oils for moisture and sealing my ends and I’m not about to change that! I love using Coconut Oil (because it penetrates the hair shaft), leaves my hair soft and manageable and keeps my scalp healthy. I also use Jojoba Oils, Castor Oil, Grapeseed oil and many various oils that help my hair regiment, hair and scalp. I’m not worried about what Ouidad claims or reports. So what, really?! They are trying to sell a product, like other hair products, I know what works and what doesn’t. Their “untrue” statement and belief is just that, There are too many sisters out here who know what their hair needs and how their hair will respond to specific oils, I’m not impressed at Ouidads’ statement. Will I purchase and try their hair products? Maybe I will or maybe not, it depends on what they have to offer……in the meantime, I will stick to what is working for me!
Jameka says
I agree with this post. So what is Ouidad saying? That natural oils don’t seal the hair but her serum does? I’m guess I’m not clear on the difference between sealing and coating, to me they seems to be pretty much the same, except coating is heavier seal?
maria lucia de Jesus almeida says
I work with stretching hair , and people who seek my salon are usually people with curly hair that has no growth or are totally damaged by harmful products for hair straightening , people looking for my salon often are people who have given up take care of your own hair for not having options , lost hope . BRAZIL I have a salon in RIO DE JANEIRO, is not a big room , plus I have many clients who often arrive with very low self esteem because they praticamentes or partially bald with alopecia and many other scalp problems , I PROPRIEARIA HALL MARIA LUCIA started this business because I suffer with the same plobrema and felt the need to have a place where people get pudecem . Without feeling worse than they are already feeling . They arrive When my team and I do our best , do stretching in a very natural human hair, more in the background as I they are not fully satisfied , because we want the right to use our own hair and that stretching is an option and not a necessity , it was then that I knew her work on the internet and was amazed poi hope emerged a different proposal still no solution for curly hair , I’m taking care of my hair with the its wonderful tips to 15 days and I am already seeing results , I took chemistry I’m doing my hair with moisturizing oils , I’m wearing a wig in order to take better care of my natural hair and I’m super happy, I’m studying everything you send to my email and I hope soon to be able to use their techniques in my clients , thank you for this wonderful work you do . KISSES AND CONTINUE HELPING ME tHANK YOU !
Vivian says
I’m late to the party but I’d have to disagree with Ouidad. I’ve been doing the L.C.O. method for four years. My hair is SUPER moisturized. No shade..but there is no way I’m using a silicone shine serum in place of my oils.
Dor. Miller says
I have stop. Weaving my hair and notice my hair line is thinning what can I do plz help with suggestion I have braid my hair at present.
Elsie Hill says
Who are these people? They don’t know much about oil.
Steen How says
Well that was intense…I just started taking care of my hair a few years ago and added oil to my hair regimen to seal. And my hair has never been happy! I’m thinking your leave in should be sealed in unless you want the moisture from your hair to evaporate, because the main ingredient is water. Also when it is winter time, I add butter to my leave in and oil and my hair stays luscious. Soooo I’m staying with what I got! Ay-thank-ya!
Cb Sampson says
THEY JUST WANT YOU TO BUY THEIR PRODUCTS I LOVE MY COCONUT OIL AND CASTOR OIL
Ashley Aj Mason says
I may not know the exact scientific break down and properties of oil and why it works myself, but I do know that before I started using it as a sealer, my hair dried out fast and my ends split quickly. Now they don’t. It does what I need it to do for me so no matter why it works or what it really does, it’s what I need.
Valenty Isaacks says
Hi can you also tel me whr i can get that oil pls?
Estelle Holder Harildstad says
Afro hair needs oil, Basta
Monique's Natural says
I disagree as well