# What Specific Oils Offer Benefits to Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-11
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![Rosemary](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/rosemary-herb-bundle-black-and-white-image-for-textured-hair-formulations.jpg)

![Gathering ancestral wisdom by the riverside, a mother shares the time-honored practice of identifying medicinal plants with her child. Baskets overflow with potential remedies, echoing centuries of traditional knowledge, holistic care, and the profound connection between heritage, hair care, and earth](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-and-child-discovering-plant-medicines-legacy-along-riverbank.jpg)

## Roots

For those who carry the stories of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) within their very being, each coil, each ripple, each tightly wound strand is a testament to resilience, a living archive of journeys and triumphs. This understanding, this deep connection to hair as a sacred extension of self, finds its genesis in ancestral wisdom, long before modern science articulated the molecular intricacies of a cuticle or cortex. Our inquiry into the particular oils that lend aid to textured hair begins here, at the source, where elemental biology meets the indelible mark of heritage.

Consider the delicate architecture of a strand, a marvel of engineering, distinct in its helical shape and porous nature. Unlike straight hair, textured hair possesses a unique elliptical cross-section and often features more points of curvature. These characteristics, while lending to its magnificent volume and sculptural possibilities, also mean natural scalp oils face a more arduous path traveling down the length of the strand.

This inherent structural difference renders textured hair more prone to dryness, requiring thoughtful replenishment from external sources. Early civilizations, long before the advent of chemical compounds, intuitively grasped this need, turning to the earth’s bounty for solutions.

![The image evokes the heritage of intricate braiding and protective styling, a practice passed through generations within the Black community. The photograph honors the delicate, textured nature of her hair, representing both self-expression and the preservation of time-honored care rituals, reflecting a deep connection to ancestry and holistic wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-receiving-traditional-protective-hairstyle-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## What Insights Do Ancient Hair Structures Offer?

In many African societies, hair was a language, a visual code revealing status, lineage, age, and spiritual conviction. The meticulous care of hair was not merely an act of personal grooming; it was a communal ritual, a spiritual practice, and a symbol of identity. When enslaved Africans were forcibly brought across oceans, one of the first acts of dehumanization was the shaving of their heads. This act severed a profound connection to self and cultural identity.

Stripped of their traditional tools, their herbal remedies, and the very oils that had protected and adorned their hair for generations, those enduring bondage had to adapt. Without access to the specific resources of their homelands, a profound resourcefulness emerged. They turned to what was available: bacon grease, lard, and even butter, used not for luxury, but out of absolute need to soften, protect, and manage hair under brutal conditions. (Byrd and Tharps, 2001).

This poignant adaptation underscores the deeply ingrained understanding of textured hair’s need for lubrication and protection, even when ancestral ingredients were withheld. It was a profound act of preserving a fragment of heritage, a quiet defiance through care.

> The resilient spirit of textured hair care, born from ancestral wisdom and hardened by historical adversity, found ways to persist even when traditional oils were denied.
The legacy of this early, adaptive care informs our modern approach. We now understand the science behind why these ancestral choices offered genuine benefit. Take, for example, **coconut oil**, a staple across tropical regions, including parts of Africa and the diaspora. Its molecular structure, specifically its dominance of lauric acid, allows it to penetrate the [hair shaft](/area/hair-shaft/) more effectively than many other oils.

This unique ability means it reduces protein loss from within the hair, offering profound internal support to each strand. It is not merely a superficial coat, but a deeper engagement with the hair’s core structure, a principle intuitively understood by those who relied upon it for centuries.

Beyond coconut’s remarkable penetrative qualities, other oils, deeply intertwined with ancestral practices, each bring their particular strengths to the care of textured hair. Their efficacy, once understood through generations of lived experience, now gains validation from scientific inquiry. The interplay between molecular composition and hair structure reveals why certain oils offer profound, lasting aid.

![In a moment of tender holistic care, a woman expertly applies a conditioning mask to textured, natural hair, honoring time-honored Black hair traditions. This protective styling and deep conditioning ritual speaks to embracing natural coils and an ancestral heritage with beauty and wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-woman-applying-hair-mask-to-natural-black-hair-texture.jpg)

## Oils That Sustain and Strengthen

The following table presents a selection of oils revered in traditional [hair care](/area/hair-care/) practices for textured strands, alongside insights into their distinct properties:

![This finely-milled ingredient, presented in monochromatic tones, whispers of ancestral beauty practices ❉ a cornerstone of holistic textured hair wellness. It evokes traditions centered on hair strength, rooted in time-honored herbal formulations handed down through generations for lasting heritage and self expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-powdered-ingredient-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-rituals.jpg)

![In black and white, hands grind ingredients, embodying ancestral heritage focused on preparing natural hair treatments. The scene reflects dedication to holistic wellness and the timeless process of crafting care solutions, showcasing a commitment to textured hair health through time-honored traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-traditional-black-hair-remedies-with-natural-ingredients.jpg)

## Ritual

The application of oils to textured hair transcends mere functional benefit; it enters the realm of ritual, an act often passed down through generations, steeped in cultural memory and purpose. From the careful sectioning of strands to the gentle warming of a chosen oil, each step becomes a tender conversation between past and present. These practices were not random, but refined over centuries, shaped by the environment, available resources, and the communal importance of hair within Black and mixed-race societies.

![The baker’s flour-dusted hands reflect time-honored food preparation, linking generations through shared wellness practices. This black-and-white image evokes a quiet moment of creation while simultaneously celebrating the nourishment, ancestral identity, and expressive creativity embodied by mindful craftsmanship](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/crafting-dough-hands-deep-textured-hair-legacy-flour-dust-black-and-white.jpg)

## What Role Does Oil Play in Traditional Styling Methods?

Protective styles, such as braids, twists, and locs, represent a cornerstone of textured hair heritage. These styles, often intricate and time-consuming to create, served multiple purposes: safeguarding the hair from environmental elements, preserving length, and communicating social standing or marital status within various African communities. Oils were an indispensable component of these styling traditions. Before braiding, oils were applied to lubricate the strands, making them more pliable and reducing friction during the styling process.

This minimized breakage and provided a protective seal, locking in moisture for extended periods. The Basara Tribe of Chad, for instance, are renowned for their use of a mixture known as Chebe, often incorporating an herb-infused oil or animal fat mixture, which they apply weekly with their braids to aid in length retention (Reddit, 2021). This specific communal practice highlights the intentional application of fatty substances within complex styling to achieve a desired hair outcome, a tradition spanning millennia.

The choices of oil were often localized, reflecting the bounty of a particular region. Shea butter, sourced from the shea belt of West Africa, was widely applied for its substantial occlusive properties, forming a robust barrier against the elements. In contrast, in regions where coconuts flourished, the lighter yet deeply penetrative coconut oil became a favored choice for pre-styling conditioning. These regional preferences reflect a discerning understanding of how different oils interact with hair in specific climates, a wisdom gleaned through generations of observation.

> Hair oiling, intertwined with protective styling, was a long-standing tradition that safeguarded strands and communicated cultural identity across generations.
Beyond the functional, the application of oils in styling carried a symbolic weight. The process itself, often performed by mothers, aunts, or community elders, created moments of intimacy, learning, and cultural transmission. It was during these sessions that stories were shared, wisdom imparted, and the significance of hair as a crown, a connection to ancestry, was impressed upon the young.

This hands-on, generational transfer of knowledge regarding hair care, including the artful use of oils, is a powerful legacy. It is a living lesson in self-respect and cultural continuity.

![The basket weaver](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elderly-woman-weaving-basket-with-coiled-hair-crowned-by-wrapped-headcloth.jpg)

## How Does Oil Support Natural Definition and Shape?

Natural styling for textured hair revolves around enhancing its inherent curl, coil, or wave pattern. Oils play a significant part in this process by adding gloss, reducing frizz, and promoting a cohesive strand grouping. For instance, when defining curls, oils like **argan oil** or **jojoba oil**, with their surface-smoothing properties, can be applied to damp hair to help clump curls, minimize expansion, and give a refined appearance.

Argan oil, originating from the arid landscapes of Morocco, offers remarkable sheen and frizz control due to its rich fatty acid content and its ability to coat the hair’s exterior effectively. Jojoba oil, chemically akin to human sebum, balances scalp hydration while sealing moisture onto the hair’s surface, aiding in the definition and resilience of natural patterns.

Consider the delicate balance required for textured hair. It thrives on moisture, yet excess water can lead to swelling and frizz. Oils offer a crucial intervention here, acting as a shield against humidity and a sealant for internal hydration. They allow the hair to dry with greater integrity, preserving the chosen style.

Traditional tools, from wide-tooth combs carved from natural materials to hairpins fashioned from bone, were often used in conjunction with oils to distribute them evenly, detangle knots with care, and gently shape the hair without causing undue stress to the delicate strands. The efficacy of these historical techniques, augmented by the mindful application of oils, is now echoed in modern hair product formulations that seek to replicate these profound benefits.

The use of oils in styling practices, whether for intricate protective styles or to enhance natural curl definition, reflects an enduring understanding of textured hair’s specific needs. It speaks to a heritage of creativity and ingenuity, where available resources were transformed into rituals of beauty, identity, and protection.

![The image celebrates the intimate act of nurturing textured hair, using rich ingredients on densely coiled strands, reflecting a commitment to holistic wellness and Black hair traditions. This ritual links generations through ancestral knowledge and the practice of self-love embodied in natural hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hair-cream-to-coiled-hair-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![Handcrafted shea butter, infused with ancestral techniques, offers deep moisturization for 4c high porosity hair, promoting sebaceous balance care within black hair traditions, reinforcing connection between heritage and holistic care for natural hair, preserving ancestral wisdom for future generations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/grinding-shea-butter-ritual-for-4c-high-porosity-heritage-moisturizing.jpg)

## Relay

The insights gleaned from [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) continue to inform contemporary textured hair care, creating a profound relay of knowledge across generations. This connection underpins the formulation of holistic regimens and strategies for common hair challenges, acknowledging that the wisest path often synthesizes ancient wisdom with modern scientific validation.

![The textured surface of the shea butter block, captured in monochrome, speaks to the rich heritage of natural hair care. Its emollient properties, a staple in ancestral African and Black hair traditions, offer deep hydration and coil strengthening, essential for healthy, resilient hair textures](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-close-up-of-shea-butter-block-for-textured-hair-care.jpg)

## How Do Oils Contribute to a Holistic Care Routine?

A holistic approach to [textured hair care](/area/textured-hair-care/) extends beyond mere topical application; it involves understanding the interconnectedness of scalp health, strand vitality, and overall well-being. Oils play a central part in building personalized regimens that respect this intricate balance. For instance, regular scalp massages with specific oils, a practice rooted in many African traditions, are not only deeply relaxing but also thought to improve circulation to the hair follicles, providing a nourishing environment for growth.

**Castor oil**, with its high ricinoleic acid content, is often favored for this very purpose due to its reported benefits in stimulating the scalp and promoting a healthy follicular environment. Its thick consistency also aids in absorbing impurities from the scalp, a traditional cleansing aid.

Nighttime rituals hold particular significance in preserving textured hair. Bonnets, scarves, and satin pillowcases, while modern accessories, echo an older wisdom concerning protection. In times past, and still today in many cultures, covering hair at night safeguards it from moisture loss, friction, and environmental aggressors. The application of a light oil, such as **jojoba oil** or **avocado oil**, before wrapping the hair, provides an additional layer of protection, sealing in the day’s hydration and preparing strands for the morning.

Jojoba oil, closely mirroring the scalp’s natural sebum, forms a weightless protective layer, preventing water loss without leaving heavy residue. Avocado oil, rich in vitamins and fatty acids, offers deep conditioning and can improve elasticity, particularly for medium to coarse hair types. These choices reflect a continuous commitment to preserving the hair’s integrity throughout all phases of the day, a testament to enduring wisdom.

![This silver-toned hammered hair fork stands as a symbol of enduring hairstyling practices, reflecting the rich heritage of securing and adorning textured formations. Integrating this durable design blends time-honored traditions with contemporary use, embodying holistic wellness and confident, expressive self-care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hammered-metal-hair-fork-for-textured-hair-ancient-heritage-artifact-style.jpg)

## What Oils Offer Solutions for Common Textured Hair Concerns?

Textured hair can present distinct challenges, from persistent dryness to breakage and scalp irritation. Specific oils, through their unique biochemical compositions, stand as reliable aids, often validating practices that have long served communities with textured hair.

- **For Dryness and Brittleness** ❉ Oils such as **coconut oil** and **shea butter** offer substantial moisturizing and sealing properties. Coconut oil’s ability to penetrate deeply ensures internal hydration, while shea butter provides a robust external barrier against moisture evaporation, particularly useful in dry climates or during colder seasons.

- **For Scalp Health and Irritation** ❉ **Castor oil** and **jojoba oil** are often recommended for their abilities to calm and balance the scalp. Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can soothe irritation and aid in addressing conditions like dryness or flaking. Jojoba oil, with its sebum-like structure, helps regulate the scalp’s natural oil production, preventing excessive oiliness or dryness.

- **For Breakage and Weakness** ❉ The strengthening properties of oils like **coconut oil**, through its protein-preserving action, and the conditioning effects of **olive oil**, which reduces interfiber friction, work to fortify strands. Consistent application can enhance elasticity and resilience, minimizing damage from daily manipulation.

- **For Promoting Healthy Growth** ❉ While no oil is a magic elixir for rapid hair growth, certain oils contribute to an optimal environment for growth by supporting scalp health and minimizing breakage. **Castor oil**, with its reputed ability to increase circulation and supply nutrients to hair follicles, often finds a place in regimens focused on length retention and density.
The wisdom embedded in the use of these oils for addressing hair concerns speaks to generations of empirical observation. The solutions offered by ancestral practices, often simple yet profoundly effective, find their scientific explanations in the properties of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants present within these plant-derived liquids and butters. The sustained reliance on these gifts from the earth represents a continuous conversation between our hair’s deep past and its thriving present.

![Hands extract aloe vera pulp for a traditional hair treatment, connecting generations through natural haircare rituals. This image represents a tangible link to ancestral heritage and the enduring beauty of holistic textured hair care practices promoting optimal scalp health and resilient hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/extracting-aloe-vera-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-preparation-method.jpg)

![A tender gesture of ancestral hair care traditions, captured in monochrome, showcases the application of natural ingredients, symbolizing heritage and wellness. This image honors cultural practices while nurturing tightly coiled textures, fostering self-love and communal connection with time-honored Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-of-heritage-hair-care-black-hair-traditions-and-ancestry.jpg)

## Reflection

As we consider the question of specific oils that benefit textured hair, we do more than catalog ingredients or list scientific properties. We trace a lineage. Each drop of oil applied to a coil, a twist, a curl, carries the echo of hands that have performed this care for centuries, across continents, through joy and struggle.

The profound knowledge that guided our ancestors to press seeds for their potent extracts, to warm butters for their nourishing qualities, stands as a testament to an intuitive science, a deep connection to the living world that few modern practices can rival. This enduring wisdom, passed silently through generations, now finds new voice through scientific understanding, yet its soul remains rooted in the tender devotion to a textured strand’s inherent beauty and strength.

The journey of textured hair is one of constant renewal, a continuous conversation between its heritage and its future. The oils discussed here are not merely cosmetic agents; they are conduits of memory, vessels of care that connect us to a past rich with ingenuity and resilience. They whisper stories of perseverance, of identity maintained against all odds, and of beauty celebrated in all its forms.

To choose these oils for textured hair is to honor a sacred legacy, to participate in a ritual that binds us to a collective spirit, securing the radiance of each strand for generations to come. It is an act of sovereign care, a continuation of a profound tradition that recognizes hair as a vital part of one’s living archive, a vibrant expression of soul.

![Hands deftly blend earthen clay with water, invoking time-honored methods, nurturing textured hair with the vitality of the land. This ancestral preparation is a testament to traditional knowledge, offering deep hydration and fortifying coils with natural micronutrients](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-soaking-clay-and-natural-ingredients-for-textured-hair-mask-ritual.jpg)

![This wooden comb symbolizes mindful haircare, resonating with time-honored rituals that embrace the diverse array of textured hair patterns. Crafted for careful maintenance, it echoes traditions of holistic wellness, celebrating cultural roots and conscious beauty through ancestral practices of grooming](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wooden-comb-revealing-hair-texture-density-holistic-scalp-care-approach.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, Ayana D. and Lori L. Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press, 2001.

- Dabiri, Emma. Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Harper Perennial, 2020.

- Davis-Sivasothy, Audrey. The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care. Sivasothy, 2011.

- Rele, A. S. and R. B. Mohile. “Effect of coconut oil on prevention of hair damage: Part I.” Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 50, no. 6, 1999, pp. 327-339.

- Bahuguna, S. and R. K. Kushwaha. “Influence of different oils on penetration of human hair by fungi.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 15, no. 1, 1993, pp. 1-5.

- Vaughn, A. R. et al. “Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, vol. 19, no. 1, 2018, pp. 103-117.

- Fong, P. et al. “In silico prediction of prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitors from herbal constituents for the treatment of hair loss.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 175, 2015, pp. 470-480.

- Rajbonshi, R. “The Benefits of African Shea Butter in Skin Care and Hair Care Products.” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2021.

- Okpalaojiego, Jennifer. “The Remarkable History Behind Black Hairstyles.” University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024.

- Unilever Research Study. “The tiny molecules of lauric acid, a key component of coconut oil, can slip through the hair shaft more effectively compared to mineral oil and sunflower oil.” Cited in OilCocos, 2024.

## Glossary

### [Ancestral Practices](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Practices, within the context of textured hair understanding, describe the enduring wisdom and gentle techniques passed down through generations, forming a foundational knowledge for nurturing Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Protective Styling Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/protective-styling-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ Protective Styling Traditions refer to time-honored methods for safeguarding textured hair from environmental stressors and daily manipulation.

### [Hair Classification Systems](https://roothea.co/area/hair-classification-systems/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Classification Systems gently present a grounding structure for discerning the unique characteristics inherent to textured hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Hair Product Formulation](https://roothea.co/area/hair-product-formulation/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Product Formulation signifies the meticulous craft of designing hair care compositions, a process where scientific principles meet the specific needs of varied hair types.

### [African Hair Heritage](https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-heritage/)

Meaning ❉ "African Hair Heritage" signifies the enduring ancestral wisdom and scientific comprehension pertaining to the unique physiological characteristics of Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Historical Hair Practices](https://roothea.co/area/historical-hair-practices/)

Meaning ❉ Historical Hair Practices for textured hair gently guide us through the wisdom of ages, revealing ancestral methods cultivated across generations, particularly within communities of Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Mixed-Race Hair](https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair describes hair that gracefully carries a spectrum of genetic expressions, often stemming from a beautiful confluence of ancestral legacies, manifesting as a unique array of curl patterns, textures, and porosities across a single head.

### [Textured Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/)

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Care refers to the considered practice of attending to the unique structure of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Hair Follicle Health](https://roothea.co/area/hair-follicle-health/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Follicle Health, particularly for those tending to coils, curls, and waves, refers to the quiet, balanced vitality of the minute dermal structures from which each unique strand gently emerges.

### [Hair Shaft](https://roothea.co/area/hair-shaft/)

Meaning ❉ The hair shaft serves as the visible, graceful extension of our scalp, the very portion we admire and tend to daily.

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                "text": "Protective styles, such as braids, twists, and locs, represent a cornerstone of textured hair heritage. These styles, often intricate and time-consuming to create, served multiple purposes: safeguarding the hair from environmental elements, preserving length, and communicating social standing or marital status within various African communities. Oils were an indispensable component of these styling traditions. Before braiding, oils were applied to lubricate the strands, making them more pliable and reducing friction during the styling process. This minimized breakage and provided a protective seal, locking in moisture for extended periods. The Basara Tribe of Chad, for instance, are renowned for their use of a mixture known as Chebe, often incorporating an herb-infused oil or animal fat mixture, which they apply weekly with their braids to aid in length retention (Reddit, 2021). This specific communal practice highlights the intentional application of fatty substances within complex styling to achieve a desired hair outcome, a tradition spanning millennia."
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does Oil Support Natural Definition and Shape?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Natural styling for textured hair revolves around enhancing its inherent curl, coil, or wave pattern. Oils play a significant part in this process by adding gloss, reducing frizz, and promoting a cohesive strand grouping. For instance, when defining curls, oils like argan oil or jojoba oil, with their surface-smoothing properties, can be applied to damp hair to help clump curls, minimize expansion, and give a refined appearance. Argan oil, originating from the arid landscapes of Morocco, offers remarkable sheen and frizz control due to its rich fatty acid content and its ability to coat the hair's exterior effectively. Jojoba oil, chemically akin to human sebum, balances scalp hydration while sealing moisture onto the hair's surface, aiding in the definition and resilience of natural patterns."
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Do Oils Contribute to a Holistic Care Routine?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "A holistic approach to textured hair care extends beyond mere topical application; it involves understanding the interconnectedness of scalp health, strand vitality, and overall well-being. Oils play a central part in building personalized regimens that respect this intricate balance. For instance, regular scalp massages with specific oils, a practice rooted in many African traditions, are not only deeply relaxing but also thought to improve circulation to the hair follicles, providing a nourishing environment for growth. Castor oil, with its high ricinoleic acid content, is often favored for this very purpose due to its reported benefits in stimulating the scalp and promoting a healthy follicular environment. Its thick consistency also aids in absorbing impurities from the scalp, a traditional cleansing aid."
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Oils Offer Solutions for Common Textured Hair Concerns?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Textured hair can present distinct challenges, from persistent dryness to breakage and scalp irritation. Specific oils, through their unique biochemical compositions, stand as reliable aids, often validating practices that have long served communities with textured hair."
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair describes hair that gracefully carries a spectrum of genetic expressions, often stemming from a beautiful confluence of ancestral legacies, manifesting as a unique array of curl patterns, textures, and porosities across a single head."
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---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-specific-oils-offer-benefits-to-textured-hair/
