Oil and Water Don't Mix: Why the Science Still Stands for Curl Care
Article Originally Written on: August 21st, 2017
As we move into 2025, the age-old advice that "oil and water don't mix" remains more relevant than ever when it comes to curly hair care. While trends in hair care constantly evolve, the fundamental understanding of how oil and water interact with curly hair has been a constant. However, the way curly-haired individuals use these two elements in their routines has shifted, with modern techniques and new products offering smarter, more effective ways to care for curls while respecting the science behind hydration and nourishment.
Today, there’s a growing emphasis on how water-based products serve as the foundation for keeping curls hydrated, defined, and frizz-free. In 2025, the curly hair community is turning to lightweight, water-based moisturizers, leave-ins, and gels to provide curls with the hydration they need without weighing them down. These products, formulated with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid, are designed to penetrate the hair shaft and lock in moisture without clashing with oils that can cause buildup or weigh down curls.
At the same time, oils have maintained their crucial role in curly hair care, but their use has become more targeted and thoughtful. Unlike years past, when oils were applied liberally and sometimes without considering how they interacted with other products, today’s curly hair enthusiasts are using oils strategically to seal in moisture rather than to hydrate. This has led to the rise of multi-step routines that focus on layering, where water-based products are applied first to hydrate, followed by oils or butters to lock in that moisture.
New research and technology in hair care formulations have also introduced the concept of water-soluble oils, which are able to mix with water-based products more effectively. These breakthrough products allow curls to enjoy the benefits of oils, like enhanced shine and smoothness, without the typical heaviness. With these innovations, curly-haired individuals are no longer bound by the "oil and water don't mix" limitation but instead are using smart formulations to balance both elements in their routines.
Moreover, the importance of scalp health continues to rise in 2025, as a healthy scalp is now understood to be essential for optimal curl health. Water-based scalp treatments that hydrate and balance oil production are becoming an integral part of curly hair regimens. These treatments are designed to clear buildup, promote circulation, and create an ideal environment for healthy curl growth—without disrupting the natural balance of oil and water on the scalp.
In short, while the old adage about oil and water still holds scientifically, curly hair care in 2025 is all about smart mixing, targeted application, and embracing new products that respect both hydration and nourishment. With the right approach, curly-haired individuals can enjoy the best of both worlds—moisture and shine—without compromising on their curls’ health.
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We all grew up with a wise, older individual who would use the saying, “oil and water don’t mix.” Whether at home or at school, any time two people who just couldn’t “click” were around one another, you could expect that the trouble that followed would be accompanied by that saying to help explain why it occurred.
When it comes to your curly hair, quite literally, oil and water don’t mix. There are plenty of issues surrounding the use of oil in hair to provide a moisturizing layer. While there is plenty of misinformation surrounding certain oils, we at Curly Hair Solutions have extensive knowledge that proves the old saying applies to both people and their hair.
Common oils used by individuals (including Coconut Oil & Argan Oil) do not provide the moisturizing benefits they claim. Oils naturally repel water once in contact with it. Coating your hair with oil before using a legitimate moisturizer from Curly Hair Solutions (all our moisturizers are water-based) will actually prevent natural moisture from entering the cuticle – the very place that stores moisture the hair needs to be healthy and vibrant.
Depending on your curly hair type, a certain amount of water is needed in order to maintain healthy moisturized hair. How your hair can respond to water is based significantly on its porosity (how people measure your hair’s ability to absorb moisture). Your curly hair, regardless of type, needs a water-based protein treatment to block moisture from passing through the cuticle. Using oils in your hair completely hinders that process.
Besides all of that, the potential side-effects from adding oils to your hair should be enough to deter you from adding them to your daily hair care routine. Rashes, allergic reactions, itchiness, difficulty breathing a general redness of the skin and scalp? Doesn’t sound like the results your curls need to remain healthy, does it?
Just as is the case for your overall dietary health, water is the most natural and healthiest solution for your hair’s overall vibrancy. Water-based curly hair products, like the products Curly Hair Solutions™ has proudly created for all curly locks, gives your hair the ammo it needs to fight frizz and dryness. Health, shiny curls can be yours with water-based washing, conditioning and styling products. Heed the advice of the wise and the experts – oil and water shouldn’t mix in business, relationships and especially when dealing with your naturally curly hair.