Hair oil is often best used on curly hair as the final step in your styling routine, specifically to scrunch out the crunch (SOTC).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Scrunching Out the Crunch (SOTC): This technique involves gently breaking the hard cast formed by styling products (like gels or mousses) to reveal soft, defined curls. Applying a lightweight hair oil helps to soften the cast without creating frizz.
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Locking in Hydration: Hair oil creates a barrier that seals in moisture. Using it after applying hydrating products (leave-in conditioner, cream) helps retain that hydration, preventing dryness and frizz.
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Timing is Key: SOTC is typically the last step after your hair is completely dry (air-dried or diffused). This ensures that the cast is fully formed and ready to be broken.
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Amount Matters: Start with a very small amount of oil (a few drops), and add more as needed. Too much oil can weigh down your curls and make them look greasy.
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Application Technique: Rub the oil between your palms to warm it up, then gently scrunch your curls upward, squeezing the hair between your hands to break the cast.
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Other Potential Uses (Less Common): While SOTC is the primary use case, some people with very dry curly hair may use a tiny amount of oil on damp hair before styling products, but this is less common and requires experimentation to avoid weighing down the hair.
In summary, using hair oil on curly hair is most effective when used as the final step (SOTC) in your wash day routine to break the cast of styling products and lock in hydration.
