How to Use Marula Oil In Your Haircare Routine for Soft, Supple Strands

There seem to be so many new ingredients that promise shinier hair, softer ends, and a healthier scalp that we're starting to lose track of what we actually need. We know the popular oils like coconut oil and argan oil are beneficial, but what about lesser known ingredients that promise softer, longer, stronger hair? Meet marula oil, the fruit oil that is chock full of antioxidants and fatty acids, and can work wonders for your hair. But what else do you really know about the buzzy ingredient? We reached out to two dermatologists and two hair experts explain why marula oil deserves a spot in your beauty cabinet.

What Is Marula Oil?

Marula oil is an oil extracted both from the kernels and the nuts of the marula fruit tree, which is native to parts of southern Africa. Marula oil is best known as a skincare ingredient, but it has immense benefits for hair as well.

Benefits of Marula Oil for Hair

• Lightweight texture: While applying oil to your hair may seem counterintuitive (dry shampoo doesn’t grow on trees, you know), marula oil’s lightweight texture and fast absorption mean it leaves a satin finish on your strands without making them look greasy or weighing down your style.
• Rich in antioxidants: "Marula oil is rich in vitamins C and E, protective antioxidants that nourish and add moisture to the hair follicles," says Instanatural brand care manager Lindsey Gess. "This helps repair damaged hair and prevents split ends."
• Smooths frizz: A few drops seal and coat your hair cuticle, eliminating frizz and adding tons of shine. It can also help promote a healthy scalp. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Cybele Fishman says, "It has a lot of fatty acids, which lock in moisture in the hair shaft."
• Balances your hair’s natural oils: "Marula oil will help balance your hair’s natural oils and both hydrate and protect the scalp against free radicals," Gess explains.

• Protects hair from damage: Marula oil is a great ingredient for damaged hair. "It also protects the hair from moisture loss," says certified trichologist, Gretcen Friese.
• Promotes hair growth: "It is high in L-arginine, which is the precursor for nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator. Vasodilation of the blood vessels that feed the hair may promote hair growth. This is one of the ways Minoxidil (the main ingredient in Rogaine) is thought to work, by increasing blood supply to hair follicles," explains Fishman.
• Strengthens hair: Marula oil is a natural skin care product that improves hydration of
  hair shafts, which therefore, fortifies and strengthens hair, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp.

Hair Type Considerations

Marula oil can be used on all types of hair, but works best on dry, frizzy, and curly hair types. As far as hair texture goes, Gess says those with dry, brittle, damaged, or overtreated hair or those struggling with an irritable scalp will benefit the most from marula oil. Your hair texture can also play a role in the best way to apply the oil.

Marula oil is lightweight, so it may not be as heavy as other oils. "Those with thick, coarse hair may prefer to incorporate a shampoo and conditioner that contains marula oil into their routine, whereas those with fine and brittle hair may choose to apply the oil directly onto hair," Gess explains.

"It is important to note that people with fine or oily hair may find that oil-based products can make their hair greasy or weighed down," says Camp. If your hair is more on the oily side, you may want to apply the oil on your ends only.

How to Use Marula Oil for Hair

"Marula oil can be used daily on particularly dry or damaged hair. Otherwise a good rule of thumb is two to three times a week," notes Camp. Marula oil is used in a variety of ways. Since the ingredient has recently gone mainstream, there is a slew of beauty buys that help you incorporate marula oil into every aspect of your hair routine. You can also opt to add it to your current hair care products or whip up something new entirely. And, of course, you can also use it by itself.

• Use it on its own: Marula oil can be rubbed onto your hair to treat dry, parched strands and prevent split ends. Friese says, "If hair is dry or frizzy, apply either while hair is damp, and if more is needed, add to dry hair. For fine hair, it’s usually best to add a few drops when hair is wet. With thicker or curly hair, you may want to apply to wet hair and then add more when dry to increase smoothness and shine."
• Massage into the scalp: Additionally, you can massage it into the scalp (remember, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores) to promote healthy hair. "If you’re applying it as a scalp treatment or an allover treatment, you can rinse with shampoo and conditioner after about 10 to 15 minutes," says Gess.
• Use before heat styling: You can also apply it from roots to ends before heat styling or use it to tame frizz in high humidity. "If you want to leave the oil on the ends of hair, you will want to apply it to washed, damp hair," says Gess.
• Add to your existing products: You can put a few drops of marula oil in your current shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. It’s especially helpful for those who want to continue using their current products but reap the soothing and nourishing benefits of marula oil.