Why does human hair absorb oil?
Sometimes people put oil in their hair in an effort to
moisturize and protect the hair. There is also the common
misconception that hair absorbs oil. While hair does not
technically absorb the oil, the oil does coat the hair. The oil is
unable to completely absorb into the hair. Instead, the oil coats
the hair by latching onto cracks and holes in the hair shaft. The
hair has a scaly surface which allows the oil to penetrate the hair
as it slides down the hair and slips into those cracks. Think of it
like wearing a coat. A coat will protect you, but you would not
actually absorb the coat. Hair and oil work in a similar manner.
The hair is protected by the oil but is not absorbed.