Moisturizing Oils vs Sealing Oils: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to maintaining healthy and vibrant hair, there are various types of oils that come in handy. Among the most commonly used are moisturizing oils and sealing oils, each having a distinct function in enhancing the health of hair.

Moisturizing oils

Moisturizing oils are specially formulated to hydrate the hair strands. They contain natural components such as vitamin E and saturated fatty acids that can penetrate the hair shaft, promoting optimal hair health from the inside out.

These oils are typically light, non-greasy, and easy to absorb, making them suitable for all hair types. Moisturizing oils are ideal for individuals with dry and damaged hair, as they help nourish and restore moisture to the hair, leading to smooth and luscious locks.

Examples of moisturizing oils include:

• Argan oil
• Avocado oil
• Almond oil
• Coconut oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Olive oil
• Peppermint oil

Sealing oils

On the other hand, sealing oils work by sealing in moisture, acting as a barrier that locks in hydration in the hair. They have heavier consistency compared to moisturizing oils and sit on the hair strands, preventing water loss, and creating a smooth and shiny look.

Sealing oils are excellent for individuals with low porosity hair, where the cuticle layer is tightly closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair. By creating a barrier, these oils enhance the ability of the hair to retain moisture, improving its overall health.

Examples of sealing oils include:

• Jamaican Black Castor oil
• Shea Butter/Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Sunflower Oil

For sealing oils to do their work, apply them to moisturized hair. Moisturize your hair with a water-based hair moisturizer like our Tsavorite Spritz Moisturizer Hair Spray.

Hair Needs

Be sure to use each oil depending on your individual hair needs. Using sealing oil as a moisturizer may leave your hair feeling dry, and using a moisturizing oil as a sealant may have it looking dull and void of shine.

How To Introduce Both Moisturizing And Sealing Oils To Your Routine

You can use products that include a combination of the two or layer hair oils to get the full advantages of each. Take our Tanzanite Hair Oil for example. The light concoction, which is made using pure unrefined shea butter, avocado oil, castor oil, sunflower oil and peppermint essential oil, coats strands in moisture while sealing it in still. And even with all those various hair oils, your hair is not weighed down.