Oatmeal is often touted as a natural hair care ingredient that can provide many benefits for hair. Some of the claimed benefits include adding moisture, softening hair, reducing frizz, and strengthening and repairing damage. However, some people have also raised concerns that oatmeal could potentially dry out hair or make it feel straw-like. So what’s the real deal – does oatmeal moisturize hair or dry it out?
Oatmeal contains natural polysaccharides and proteins that can coat the hair cuticles and provide a protective barrier. This can help seal in moisture and smooth down the cuticle overlap to reduce frizz. The proteins can also temporarily fill in gaps and micro-fissures in damaged areas of the hair strand, improving the appearance and feel of hair.
However, oatmeal does not actually add or restore moisture – it relies on already present moisture in the hair. So in some cases, overly frequent use of oatmeal without additional hydrating or moisturizing ingredients could potentially dry hair out over time by coating the strands and preventing proper moisture absorption.
The effects of oatmeal on hair depends on various factors like hair type and porosity, oatmeal formulation and quantity used, and what other products are used alongside it. Ultimately, oatmeal can be a helpful natural ingredient for hair health when used properly.
Does Oatmeal Moisturize or Dry Out Hair?
Here is a more in-depth look at how oatmeal affects hair moisture:
How Oatmeal Could Potentially Dry Out Hair
– Oatmeal forms a protective film on the hair that can temporarily improve the look and feel. But this coating could block moisture absorption if used too frequently without also providing hydration.
– The proteins in oatmeal can bind to the hair strands. Excessive protein can lead to a straw-like effect or brittle hair over time.
– Oatmeal has a drying effect on skin and could potentially have a similar effect on hair if used incorrectly or in excess.
– Oatmeal is water-soluble so frequent washing could strip the protective benefits. Moisture balance needs to be maintained with additional hydrating ingredients.
How Oatmeal Can Moisturize and Soften Hair
– The polysaccharides in oatmeal provide a humectant effect by attracting and sealing in moisture. This smoothing effect helps reduce cuticle lifting and frizz.
– Oatmeal proteins help fill in gaps in damaged areas of the hair temporarily, improving the look and feel of hair. This strengthens and mends hair.
– Oatmeal has emollient properties that help soften and smooth the hair cuticle. Less cuticle friction means less moisture lost through the open cuticle layer.
– Oatmeal is able to cling to the hair shaft to help evenly coat and protect the strand. This barrier retains existing moisture.
– Oatmeal is gentle and suitable for frequent use. When used properly in moisturizing formulations, it is unlikely to dry out hair.
Factors That Determine Oatmeal’s Effects on Hair
Whether oatmeal helps or harms moisture levels depends on several factors:
1. Hair Type
– Fine or thin hair gets weighed down more easily so heavy oatmeal use should be avoided.
– Dry, coarse, thick, or curly hair benefits more from oatmeal’s humectant and emollient effects. The protective coating helps retain moisture.
– Oily hair may become too weighed down by frequent oatmeal use. But periodic clarifying washes prevent buildup.
– Chemically processed or damaged hair needs added moisture so oatmeal alone may not provide enough hydration.
2. Hair Porosity
– Low porosity hair has tight cuticles that resist moisture absorption. Oatmeal can seal in existing moisture but may not add hydration.
– High porosity hair needs lots of moisture due to gaps in the cuticle. Oatmeal alone may not provide enough hydration.
– Normal porosity hair can benefit from oatmeal’s abilities to seal in moisture and smooth the cuticle.
3. Oatmeal Formulation
– Colloidal oatmeal has the highest concentration of benefits. It retains the most polysaccharides and proteins compared to other forms like oat flour or oat bran.
– The finer the oatmeal is ground, the better it can cling to and coat the hair shaft. A fine powder disperses better than whole oats.
– Oatmeal on its own lacks the humectant power of glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid. It’s better combined in formulations with additional moisturizing ingredients.
4. Quantity Used
– Only a small amount of oatmeal is needed to provide benefits. Using too much can lead to coating that blocks moisture absorption.
– Conditioners and masks with 3-5% oatmeal content are sufficient for most hair types. Higher percentages may weigh hair down.
– Overusing oatmeal shampoos or rinses too frequently could strip oils and lead to dryness. Moderation is key.
– Stick to 1-2 times per week maximum for oatmeal hair masks to avoid protein overload.
5. Additional Products
– Hydrating ingredients like honey, aloe, glycerin, or oils are needed alongside oatmeal for maximum moisturizing effects.
– Daily conditioner, serum, or leave-in products provide continual moisture between oatmeal treatments.
– Clarifying shampoos 1-2 times per week help remove buildup from excess oatmeal coating.
– Deep conditioning masks and hot oil treatments add lots of moisture to balance oatmeal’s sealing effects.
Best Practices
Here are some best practices for maximizing oatmeal’s benefits while avoiding potential drying effects:
– Always do a hair porosity test to understand your hair’s specific moisture needs.
– Use oatmeal conditioners or masks no more than 1-2 times per week according to your hair’s needs.
– Alternate oatmeal treatments with intensive hydrating masks or oils 1-2 times per week.
– Apply oatmeal treatments only to mid-lengths and ends to avoid weighing down roots.
– Rinse thoroughly after oatmeal treatments and use a clarifying shampoo weekly.
– Follow oatmeal treatments with a good quality conditioner for continual moisture.
– Choose colloidal oatmeal formulas combined with moisturizing oils, butters, aloe, glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
– Adjust frequency of use if hair becomes dried out or straw-like. Discontinue use if excessive dryness persists.
– Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet for optimal moisture balance from inside out.
DIY Oatmeal Hair Mask Recipes
Oatmeal hair masks are easy, affordable DIY treatments to try at home. Here are two moisturizing recipes:
Basic Oatmeal Hair Mask
| 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal |
| 1 cup warm water |
| 1 tablespoon honey |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil |
Combine ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply to damp hair, focusing on ends. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse. Use weekly.
Intensive Moisture Oatmeal Mask
| 1/4 cup colloidal oatmeal |
| 1/4 cup plain yogurt |
| 1 tablespoon coconut oil |
| 1 tablespoon honey |
| 3-5 drops essential oil (optional) |
Mix ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply to damp hair, covering lengths and ends. Leave on for 30 minutes then rinse. Use 1-2 times per week.
The Bottom Line
Oatmeal can be an excellent natural hair treatment when used properly. It provides a protective coating that smoothes the cuticle and retains existing moisture in the hair. However, oatmeal does not add moisture on its own. The key is to use it in moderation as part of a balanced hair care routine focused on hydration. Pay attention to your hair’s porosity and moisture needs. Combine oatmeal with other moisturizing ingredients and treatments. With the right approach, oatmeal can be helpful for achieving soft, frizz-free hair without drying it out.