Pressing oil is key to getting that smooth, shiny hair finish. It straightens hair without making it feel dry or brittle, and it keeps your hair moisturized while you press it. African American hair tends to be drier than other types and needs more moisture. The best pressing oil for this hair type is usually a light oil that doesn’t weigh it down.
If you’re styling natural hair, straightening curls, or just want to lock in moisture, these top-rated oils can help you get the look you want.
6 Best Pressing Oils for African American Hair
1. Isoplus Pressing Oil
Isoplus Pressing Oil is a professional-grade product for all hair types. It prevents heat damage, promotes hair growth, and reduces frizz. Use it sparingly on your scalp and hair length before using a flat or curling iron. It provides a protective layer, smooths and softens the hair, and adds shine.
2. Palmer’s Pressing Oil Formula
Palmer’s Pressing Oil includes natural ingredients like bergamot extract and vitamin E. These ingredients keep your hair healthy and moisturized while pressing. It protects against heat damage, adds shine, and reduces frizz without making your hair feel greasy.
3. Dax Pressing Oil
Dax Pressing Oil works on wet or dry hair and is lightweight. It contains castor and coconut oils to restore moisture and shine while protecting hair from heat damage. Suitable for all hair types, including curly, straight, and ethnic textured hair.
4. Avlon KeraCare Crème Press
Avlon KeraCare Crème Press helps achieve a sleek look without damaging hair. It contains an emollient that aids sebum flow and imparts shine. It reduces frizz, making the hair look healthier and can be used on all types of curly hair.
5. Blue Magic Pressing Oil
Blue Magic is popular among professional stylists. It has a great consistency and doesn’t leave hair greasy. Ingredients include castor, coconut, and jojoba oils which protect the hair while pressing. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering.
6. Africa’s Best Textures Shea Butter & Coconut Moisturizing Butter Crème
This product has shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate hair. Shea butter contains vitamins A, E, and F for scalp nourishment and growth, while coconut oil restores moisture in dry or damaged hair.
Best Natural Oils for African American Hair
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is popular for its affordability and effectiveness on all hair types. It moisturizes, conditions, detangles, and strengthens. It helps with hair damage, making hair softer, more manageable, and reduces split ends and breakage.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is lightweight, moisturizing, and packed with antioxidants for frizz control. It can be used as a pre-wash treatment, post-wash finish, or heat protectant. It strengthens and conditions hair follicles, repairs damage, and promotes shiny, healthy hair.
3. Argan Oil
Argan oil from the Moroccan argan tree is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, keeping hair healthy and shiny. It prevents dandruff and dry scalp, reduces breakage, and enhances shine while protecting against UV damage.
4. Castor Oil
Castor oil has been used for years due to its benefits in stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss. It moisturizes deeply, reduces scalp infections, and promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, derived from jojoba plant seeds, mimics scalp sebum. It reduces dandruff, prevents split ends, adds shine, hydrates dry hair, and strengthens hair strands to prevent breakage.
6. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lighter alternative to olive oil. It conditions hair ends, reduces friction during pressing, and improves blood flow to hair follicles for healthy growth. It also maintains smooth cuticle layers for less tangling and frizz.
7. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is ideal for pressing because of its high smoke point and hydrating properties. It protects fragile strands, prevents breakage, and conditions hair without weighting it down. It’s perfect for heat styling.
8. Japanese Camellia Seed Oil
This oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It improves moisture retention, prevents frizziness, protects against free radical damage, and promotes healthy hair growth.
Conclusion
African American hair can vary widely in texture, and the right pressing oil can help you achieve a perfect blowout or silk press while keeping your hair moisturized and healthy.
