The Science Behind Oils That Actually Strengthen Hair

Hair oils are pretty common — but not all oils actually strengthen your hair. Some make it look shiny on the outside, while others go deeper and help your strands become more flexible, resilient, and less prone to breaking.

Once you understand the science behind different oils, you’ll start choosing products that truly support healthier, stronger hair.

1. What Makes an Oil Strengthening?

For an oil to genuinely strengthen your hair, it needs to do at least one of two things:

✔ 1. Penetrate the hair strand

This means it’s able to move past the cuticle and nourish the inner layers where strength and elasticity are determined.

✔ 2. Protect the cuticle

These oils smooth the outside of the strand, reduce friction, and help hair retain moisture — all of which reduce breakage.

The best formulas combine both.

Click here for tips on how to prevent hair breakage

2. Penetrating vs. Sealing Oils

Penetrating Oils — the strength builders

These oils actually go inside the hair strand, helping it become more flexible and resilient.

Moringa Oil

Lightweight, deeply penetrating, and rich in oleic acid.
Helps soften the hair from within and makes it less likely to snap.

Sweet Almond Oil

Gentle and nutrient-rich.
Helps improve elasticity and supports smoother, more manageable hair.

Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein

A powerhouse strengthening ingredient.
These tiny protein fragments slip into weak areas of the strand and reinforce them — like filling cracks in a wall so it doesn’t crumble.

Sealing/Protective Oils — the smoothers and defenders

These don’t need to penetrate. They sit on top of the hair and protect it from friction, dryness, and everyday wear and tear.

Sunflower Seed Oil (Calendula-Infused)

Light, soothing, and excellent at locking in moisture.
Leaves hair soft, shiny, and protected — without feeling greasy.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Nutrient-dense and silky.
Helps smooth the cuticle and reduce friction during combing, which lowers breakage.

Baobab Oil

A luxurious, softening oil that creates a protective layer around the hair.
Amazing for dry or brittle strands that need extra cushioning.

What’s in your Nourishing Hair Oil? Click to find out

3. Why These Oils Work: The Fatty Acid Breakdown (Simplified)

You don’t need a science degree for this part — here’s the easy version:

Penetrating oils (like moringa & sweet almond)

These are high in oleic acid, a fatty acid small enough to enter the hair shaft.
This is why your hair feels more flexible and resistant to breakage when you use them regularly.

Protective oils (like sunflower, pumpkin, and baobab)

These contain fatty acids that stay on the surface — and that’s a good thing.
They seal in moisture, add shine, and protect hair from everyday damage.

Protein (like hydrolyzed keratin)

These tiny protein molecules strengthen the hair from the inside out.
Think of them as reinforcement for weak, frayed, or damaged strands.

This bundle will help you grow healthier hair...and protect that growth too Learn more

4. How Strengthening Oils Reduce Breakage

These oils work together in three powerful ways:

1. They reduce protein loss

Your hair naturally loses protein from washing, heat, and UV exposure.
Penetrating oils + keratin help prevent this.

2. They improve elasticity

The more flexible your hair, the less likely it is to snap.

3. They protect the cuticle

The cuticle is your first line of defense.
Protective oils help keep it smooth and intact.

Click here for 5 healthy hair tips I wish I knew earlier

5. How to Use Strengthening Oils for Best Results

Here’s how to get the most out of your oils:

• Pre-wash treatment:
  Apply penetrating oils 15–20 minutes before shampooing.
• After washing (on damp hair):
  Use sealing oils to lock in moisture and add shine.
• Everyday
  Apply one-two pumps of oil daily will protect your hair

Why oiling your hair before you wash it is a game changer, and how to do it

Final Thoughts

Strengthening your hair isn’t about using any oil — it’s about choosing oils that are scientifically proven to nourish, protect, and reinforce your strands.

Penetrating oils help your hair bend without breaking.
Protective oils defend it from daily friction.
And proteins rebuild its structure from within.

When they’re combined in the right way, the result is hair that’s softer, stronger, more flexible, and far less prone to breakage.