With the change of the seasons, your skincare routine is not the only thing that needs revamping. You must not forget about crowning glory: your hair. Many people forget to incorporate the oils necessary to ensure the hair does not become brittle, dry or damaged with the change to harsher weather. So whether your hair is relaxed, natural or loc’d, one or all of these oils are essential to your hair routine to retain hydration and strengthen your crown this Fall.

For loose natural hair as it gets colder, it’s important to have moisture from roots to ends to maintain that lovely curl pattern. Jojoba oil is essential to help aid in moisture and work as a carrier oil for other essential oils when it comes to thicker, curlier hair types. It’s great when applying heat to the hair and ensures the entire hair follicle from root to tip is well hydrated and moisturized.

Jojoba is so great for natural hair because it’s one of the few oils that mimics sebum, the oil your scalp naturally produces. Since it holds these properties it’s able to be easily absorbed by the hair follicle and travel down the hair shaft.

If you prefer to wear your hair relaxed, have no fear that there is an oil to help keep your hair hydrated too. Olive oil is a great oil to help strengthen and seal in moisture for the relaxed hair type. It helps to promote healthy hair growth by preventing breakage.

Additionally, olive oil is also a great way to help restore and add a healthy sheen to your hair. If you feel that your hair is severely lacking hydration don’t be afraid to use this oil as a hot oil treatment for the hair and scalp.

For those who made the commitment to the loc life, it may be difficult to find the perfect oil for your hair without causing too much build up. The one oil I can not live without is coconut oil. Unlike the other two oils discussed in this post, when at room temperature this oil is a solid. When you apply it directly to your scalp and hair, the palms of your hands will naturally melt the oil. Also a great carrier oil, you can combine it with other essential oils to hydrate and strengthen your locs.

To ensure maximum hair health I recommend uses these oils in the LOC method. LOC stands for liquid, oil, and cream. This is the method I use on my locs and my hair could not thank me more.

The first step is picking a Liquid to apply to the hair. Make sure it’s water or water-based to ensure maximum moisture retention.

After your hair is saturated grab your favorite Oil and apply to the hair. I suggest the oils above based on your hair type but, you may use any oil to suit your needs.

The final step Cream is a leave-in cream conditioner. This will lock in the moisture from the previous two steps and help you to put your hair in a manageable protective style.

As we begin to head into the colder months of the year, we can not forget to take care of our hair. Share your favorite essential oil(s) or LOC combinations in the comments below. Have a different method to protect your hair for the Fall season, share those success stories as well below. You never know that oil sitting in your cabinet all summer may just be what your hair needs.