When it comes to braiding your hair, finding the right oil can make all the difference. The best oil for braids will help to keep the hair hydrated, reducing the risk of dryness and breakage.

As per our expertise, box braids are a versatile hairstyle that looks great on all face types and doesn’t require constant touch-ups. But at the same time, they can put tension on the scalp, causing irritation and inflammation. Applying oils can soothe and nourish the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth. Some oils even have anti-frizz properties, which is particularly beneficial for braided hairstyles. These oils can help to tame flyaways and keep the braids looking neat and well-maintained. Addedly, certain oils have protective qualities that can shield the hair from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution. All in all, using the right oils can give braids and your hair a healthy shine and luster, enhancing the overall appearance of the hairstyle.

We will explore the world of oils and highlight some of the best ones for braids. So, if you're ready to take your braiding game to the next level, keep reading to discover the ultimate oils that will leave your hair looking fabulous.

• 1
  Best for Damaged Hair

  VIRTUE Healing Oil

  BUY ON AMAZON

Reverse the heat and chemical damage caused to your mane with Virtue's healing oil. Made with tocopherol, Kalahari melon seed oil, and Tahitian gardenia flower. This healing oil is rich in antioxidants that reverse UV exposure. This healing oil nurtures brittle hair, shields the hair from environmental damage, and strengthens weak hair. The best part is that it also acts as a protective barrier against moisture loss. 

2

Best for Frizz

Rahua Legendary Amazon Oil

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Say goodbye to frizz and flyaways once and for all with Rahua's Amazon oil. This nourishing oil adds a hint of shine to the mane instantly after use. It nourishes your name, rehydrates your mane, and combats split ends. Suitable for all hair types, this oil adds density to your main without sogging the scalp. The silicon-free formula can be applied root-to-tip, or from mid-length based on your needs. 

3

Best Anti-itch Formula

Cantu Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil

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This nourishing oil for braids is infused with tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter to provide the ultimate boost of hydration and care to your hair and scalp. The natural properties of tea tree oil help to soothe and heal the scalp, while jojoba oil moisturizes and strengthens hair follicles. Combined with the goodness of shea butter, this oil provides deep conditioning, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and manageable. It also penetrates deeply into the scalp, delivering essential nutrients and vitamins, thereby promoting healthy hair growth and preventing breakage.

4

Most Budget-friendly

Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Growth Oil

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You can pamper your hair with this braid oil from Bronner Brothers. Crafted with a blend of all-natural ingredients, it provides a revitalizing experience that your hair deserves. Enriched with essential oils, such as argan oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, this potent formula deeply penetrates each strand, locking in extra moisture and promoting strength from root to tip. Adding to that, not only does this growth oil stimulate hair growth, but it also works to combat dryness and frizz, leaving your hair feeling silky smooth and manageable.

5

Best for Dry Scalp

Ors Olive Oil Exotic Scalp Oil

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This is one of the best oils for braids from Ors Olive and it will be your ultimate solution for a healthy and nourished scalp. Formulated with the finest ingredients, this exotic scalp oil is designed to provide effective care and rejuvenation for your hair and scalp. In addition, packed with the natural goodness of olive oil, this scalp treatment oil deeply moisturizes and hydrates your scalp, helping to prevent dryness and flakiness. It also helps to soothe and calm irritated scalp, reducing itchiness and discomfort. The best part? The nourishing properties of the oil help to promote a healthy scalp environment, encouraging optimal hair growth.

6

Best for Coily Hair

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse

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This powerful and revitalizing scalp oil for braids from African Pride is designed to deeply cleanse and nourish your scalp while promoting healthy braids. Formulated with the natural goodness of black castor oil, this cleansing rinse also effectively removes dirt, build-up, and impurities from your scalp, leaving it refreshed and revitalized. Addedly, it helps to unclog hair follicles, protects dry hair, and promotes a healthy environment for hair growth. To top off, it aids in reducing itchiness and irritation that may occur with braided hair and provides a soothing and refreshing sensation, leaving you feeling comfortable and confident.

Quick Tip

To keep your scalp healthy, don’t wear your braids too tight, and let your hair breathe from time to time.

7

Best for Dandruff

Sulfur8 Loc Twist and Braid Oil

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Formulated with a unique blend of active ingredients, Sulfur8’s hair oil for braids is enriched with sulfur, which promotes hair growth and helps to reduce breakage. This powerful oil also contains essential vitamins and minerals that deeply penetrate the hair shaft, providing long-lasting moisture and preventing dryness and itchy braids. With regular use, Sulfur8 Loc Twist and braid oil helps to maintain the integrity of your locs, twists, and braids, keeping them looking fresh and well-defined. It also helps to minimize hair frizz and flyaways, giving your hairstyles a polished and professional finish.

8

Best for Breakage

Kuza Jamaican Black Castor Oil

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This 100% pure and natural braiding oil from Kuza is specially formulated to provide nourishment, adequate hydration, and rejuvenation to your hair and skin.Made from the highest quality castor seeds in Jamaica, it is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy hair growth and improve overall skin health. Its unique composition penetrates deep into the hair shaft, strengthening and moisturizing each strand from root to tip. Whether you're dealing with damaged hair or dryness or simply looking to enhance your natural beauty, Kuza Jamaican Black Castor Oil is your go-to solution. It helps to moisturize and condition your hair, leaving it smoother, silkier, and more manageable. 

9

Best for Dehydration

AllDay Locks Braid Oil

BUY ON AMAZON

Designed specifically for those with braided hair, this exceptional braid oil from AllDay Locks is here to elevate your hair care routine to new heights. With its specially formulated blend of natural oils, it provides the perfect combination of hydration, moisture, and protection for your braid styles. Adding to that, infused with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, this oil penetrates deep into the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing dryness and breakage. What’s more? With regular use of this product, your braid hairstyle will feel softer, smoother, and more manageable.

10

Best Unisex Formula

Glammed naturally oil Premium Braid Oil

BUY ON AMAZON

Infused with a blend of natural oils, including argan, jojoba, and avocado, Glammed Naturally Oil’s anti-itch oil for braids deeply hydrates your hair, preventing dryness and breakage. To note more, the rich blend of essential oils in it not only promotes hair growth but also adds a natural shine to your braids, making them look glossy and glamorous. This clearly means, that whether you're rocking box braids, cornrows, or any other braided style, this oil will take your look to a whole new level of sophistication.

11

Lockology Scalp Therapy

BUY ON AMAZON

Designed to provide relief from itchiness and discomfort, this braid oil from Lockology is a powerful formula that is a must-have for anyone with locs or braids. Crafted with care, it combines natural ingredients known for their soothing properties. The unique blend of essential oils and botanical extracts further helps to alleviate irritation, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and revitalized. One of the standout features of this product is its easy-to-use spray bottle. All in all, regular use of this spray oil will prevent dryness, and product build-up, allowing your locks or braids to thrive.

Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best oils for braids, let us take a look at the following buying guide and steps to use the product.

Here, we will guide you on how to choose the best hair oils to maintain healthy braids.

Hair Type: The first step in choosing the right hair oil is to consider your hair type. Different hair types have different needs, and using the wrong oil can lead to greasiness or dryness. For example, if you have fine hair, lightweight oils like jojoba or grapeseed oil might work best for you. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, heavier oils like castor or olive oil may be more beneficial.

Nourishing Ingredients: When selecting a hair oil, pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for oils that are rich in nourishing vitamins and antioxidants. Some popular ingredients to look out for include argan oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil. These oils are known for their moisturizing properties and can help strengthen and protect your braids. They also help to style your hair, without causing any damage, and while enhancing the quality and texture of your strands. Adding to that, they prevent itchiness in braids, soothe the scalp, and also work on cornrows, locks, and twists.

Absorption Rate: Consider how quickly the oil is absorbed by your hair and scalp. Lighter oils, such as grapeseed oil, are easily absorbed and won't leave your braids feeling greasy. Heavier oils like castor oil can take longer to penetrate your hair, but they provide excellent moisture retention.

Scent: While it may not be the most important factor, the scent of the hair oil can greatly enhance your experience. Some oils have a natural scent, while others may be scented with essential oils. Choose a scent that you enjoy and find soothing. Keep in mind that heavily scented oils may clash with your perfume or other hair products, so opt for a subtle fragrance if you prefer a more versatile option.

Applicator: Last but not least, look for hair oils that come with comb-like attachments for even, precise, and mess-free application. It will also help reduce wastage of the product. 

Added Benefits: Apart from nourishing your hair, some hair oils offer additional benefits. For example, some oils contain ingredients like tea tree oil or organic peppermint oil, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These oils can help prevent scalp infections and soothe any itchiness or irritation. Additionally, some oils contain UV protection, which is crucial for protecting your hair and scalp from sun damage.

By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect hair oil that will keep your braids healthy, moisturized, and beautiful. 

Before applying any oil to your braids, make sure your hair is clean and dry. This will ensure that the oil penetrates the hair shaft and scalp effectively. You can use a dry shampoo or a gentle clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup before oiling your braids.

Step 1: Section Your Braids: To make the oil application process more manageable, divide your braids into small sections. This will allow you to apply the oil evenly and reach every strand. Use hair clips or hair ties to secure each section while you work on the others.

Step 2: Apply Oil Using the Palm of Your Hands: To apply oil to your braids, pour a small amount into the palms of your hands. Rub your hands together to warm the oil slightly. Starting from the hair roots, gently massage the oil into your braids using your fingertips. Work your way down the length of each braid, ensuring that the oil is evenly distributed. Avoid applying too much oil as it can weigh down your braids and make them look greasy.

Step 3: Focus on the Scalp: While applying oil to the length of your braids is important, don't forget to pay special attention to your scalp. The scalp is where your hair follicles are located, and keeping it moisturized is essential for healthy hair growth. Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp, stimulating blood circulation and promoting hair health.

Step 4: Wrap Your Braids: After applying oil, you can wrap your braids with a satin scarf or bonnet to help the oil penetrate your hair further. This will also protect your braids from friction and help to retain moisture. Leave the scarf on overnight or for a few hours to allow the oil to work its magic.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed: The frequency of oil application will depend on your hair's needs. Some people may benefit from oiling their braids every few days, while others may only need to do it once a week. Pay attention to how your hair feels and adjust the frequency accordingly. Over-application of oil can lead to buildup, so find the balance that works best for you.

Step 6: Consider Applying Regrowth Serums: Baby hair can be troublesome in maintaining your braids and keeping them intact for longer. Here, regrowth serums, mostly infused with shea butter, work as a sealing product and keep your braids looking neat throughout the day. They also make your hair healthier and stronger, reducing breakage and providing SPF benefits as well.

Below mentioned are the key benefits of using oil for braids - 

• Moisturizes the Scalp: One of the most significant benefits of using oil for braids is its ability to moisturize the scalp. When you have braids, it can be challenging for your natural oils to reach your scalp, leading to dryness and itchiness. Applying oil to your scalp on a regular basis helps to keep it hydrated, reducing the chances of dandruff and scalp irritation.
• Reduces Frizz And Flyaways: Braids can sometimes become frizzy or develop flyaways, which can detract from the overall neat and polished look. Using oil helps to tame frizz and keep your braids looking sleek and well-kept. It smooths down the hair cuticles, preventing them from becoming unruly and creating a clean look.
• Strengthens the Hair: Oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil are known for their nourishing properties. These oils penetrate the hair shaft, strengthening it from within. So, when applied to braids, they help to fortify the hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting healthy hair growth. Stronger hair means your braids will last longer without becoming loose or falling apart.
• Adds Shine: Who doesn't love shiny, lustrous hair? Using oil for braids can enhance the natural shine of your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. The oil adds a protective layer to the hair strands, reflecting light and giving your braids a beautiful sheen. So, why wait? Say goodbye to dull and lackluster braids with any of the oils above!
• Soothes the Scalp: Braids can sometimes cause tension on the scalp, leading to discomfort and even pain. Applying oil to the scalp can help to soothe any irritation or inflammation, providing relief and promoting a healthy scalp. Massaging the oil into your scalp also improves blood circulation, which can stimulate hair growth and improve the overall health of your hair.
• Prevents Breakage: Braids can be quite tight, especially when freshly done. These tight braids, combined with external factors like friction from pillowcases and clothing, can lead to breakage. Using oil helps to lubricate the hair strands, reducing friction and minimizing the risk of breakage. It also adds flexibility to the hair, allowing your braids to move more freely without snapping.

Here is how you can take good care of your braids, in the comfort of your own home – 

1. Swap cotton pillowcases, bandanas, wraps, or bands for silk ones. Cotton can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. Silk or satin, on the other hand, locks in moisture and prevents your roots from drying out. 

2. Apply a smoothening or sealing product regularly at the roots to prevent frizziness associated with regrowth. It will also help in making your braids softer and shinier. 

3. Massage your scalp and hair with essential oils twice a week to attain the hair of your dreams.