Natural Hair Serum: Nourishing Your Curls and Coils With Botanical Oils



By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally Published April 27, 2013 | Refreshed October 2026

Hello, my beautiful Curl Friends! 💕

There is something wonderful about discovering the beauty of natural oils and learning how they can complement our hair-care routines.

When I began exploring natural hair care, I was fascinated by the different botanical oils available and the ways they could help soften our strands, improve shine, and make our curls and coils more manageable.

And ladies, one thing I have learned over the years is that caring for our natural hair does not always require a cabinet filled with expensive products!

Sometimes, a few thoughtfully selected ingredients can make a lovely addition to our regular moisturizing routine.

Today, we're revisiting a natural hair serum recipe from the Crowning Glory archives and discussing what we know about its ingredients, their benefits, and how to use oils safely.

What Is a Natural Hair Serum?

A natural hair serum is an oil-based preparation designed to add shine, reduce friction, improve softness, and help hair feel more manageable.

Unlike a water-based leave-in conditioner, a serum made entirely from oils does not directly supply water to thirsty strands.

However, when applied sparingly after a moisturizing product, oils can help reduce moisture loss and improve the feel of the hair.

This distinction is especially important for naturally curly and coily textures, where dryness, tangling, and friction can sometimes make styling challenging.

Remember, ladies: healthy-looking curls begin with good cleansing, conditioning, gentle handling, and a routine that works for your individual strands.

A Look Back: My Original 2013 Hair Serum Recipe

In April 2013, I shared a botanical oil blend featuring camellia seed oil, broccoli seed oil, vitamin E, and several aromatic essential oils.

The original recipe was:

Carrier oils

  • 3 ounces cold expeller-pressed camellia seed oil

  • 1 ounce cold-pressed virgin broccoli seed oil

  • ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

Essential oils

  • 48 drops lavender essential oil

  • 24 drops juniper essential oil

  • 24 drops frankincense essential oil

  • 18 drops cedarwood essential oil

This recipe reflects the ingredients and DIY hair-care practices I was exploring at the time.

A 2026 safety update: I would not recommend copying the original essential-oil quantities without reviewing their concentrations and safety guidelines. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and using several together can increase the risk of irritation or sensitization.

For a simpler DIY approach, start with the unscented carrier oils and omit the essential oils entirely. The mixture can still serve as a lightweight finishing oil, depending on your hair's preferences.

Understanding the Botanical Oils

Camellia Seed Oil: A Beautiful Finishing Oil

Camellia seed oil has a smooth texture that makes it appealing in hair-care formulations.

It can help lubricate the strands, add shine, and make the hair feel softer during styling.

Because a little can go a long way, I recommend beginning with just a few drops rather than saturating the hair.

Broccoli Seed Oil: Slip and Smoothness

Broccoli seed oil is another interesting botanical ingredient.

Its fatty-acid composition gives it a slippery, conditioning feel that some people enjoy in natural hair products.

For curly and coily hair, that added slip can be useful when smoothing the ends or finishing a style.

However, no single oil is guaranteed to work for every hair texture.

Vitamin E: Supporting an Oil-Based Formula

Vitamin E is commonly included in cosmetic oil blends because certain forms help slow the oxidation of oils.

It is important to understand that vitamin E is not a substitute for proper product preservation, nor does adding it guarantee hair growth.

Its role in an oil-based mixture is different from that of a conditioner, cleanser, or scalp treatment.

How I Would Use a Natural Hair Serum Today

As our understanding of natural hair care continues to develop, so should our techniques.

My preferred approach would be to keep the routine simple:

  1. Begin with clean, conditioned hair.

  2. Apply a water-based leave-in conditioner or moisturizing product when needed.

  3. Rub a few drops of the oil blend between your palms.

  4. Gently smooth the oil over your strands, paying particular attention to the ends.

  5. Style as desired, adding more only if your hair needs it.

Ladies, the goal is softness and manageability—not greasy, weighed-down curls!

If you have fine strands or low-density hair, an even smaller amount may be sufficient.

What About Scalp Massages and Hot Oil Treatments?

Oil massages can be relaxing, but they are not necessary for everyone.

Some people find that oils help ease the feeling of dryness, while others experience buildup or scalp irritation.

Avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to your scalp, and always discontinue a product if you experience itching, redness, or discomfort.

Also, be cautious with heat. There is no need to apply very hot oils or towels to obtain the cosmetic benefits of a hair serum.

A gentle routine is generally preferable to one that places unnecessary stress on your hair or scalp.

The Difference Between Moisture and Shine

One of the lessons I continually return to is that shiny hair is not necessarily moisturized hair.

A beautifully glossy strand can still be dry or prone to breakage.

That is why I encourage my Curl Friends to pay attention to how their hair actually feels, how easily it detangles, and whether their routine is helping them retain length.

If your hair feels soft, manageable, and comfortable between wash days, you may be finding the right balance!

For more information, visit my article 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized.

You may also enjoy Water, Water, Water! The Secret to Healthy, Hydrated Natural Hair, where we explore why hydration is such an important part of caring for natural curls.

And if you're wondering why different products behave differently on your strands, read my article What Is Hair Porosity? Understanding How Your Hair Absorbs Moisture.

My Final Thoughts

Looking back at my original 2013 recipe reminds me of how exciting those early years of my natural hair journey were.

We were discovering oils, trying new techniques, exchanging recipes, and learning that our beautiful curls and coils deserved thoughtful, individualized care.

Today, my philosophy remains simple:

Learn your hair. Listen to your hair. And never feel pressured to follow every new trend.

Natural hair care is a journey of discovery, and every crown has its own unique needs.

Let's Talk, Ladies! 💕

Do you enjoy using botanical oils in your natural hair routine?

Have you discovered a favorite oil that leaves your curls soft and beautiful, or do you prefer lightweight, water-based products?

Share your experiences in the comments below. I always enjoy hearing from my Curl Friends!

Until next time,

Happy Curls to You! 🌸

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset

© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.

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