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If you’ve ever struggled to keep your baby’s curls soft, defined, and moisturised with creams and conditioners, only to end up battling frizz, tangles, or worse, a parched, flaky scalp, take a seat.
These carefully selected baby oils for curly hair in Nigeria are what you need. They are lightweight and nourishing oils made with natural and safe ingredients, including coconut, avocado, and jojoba. They lock in moisture and protect delicate curls without leaving a greasy feel or causing irritation. They also make a great baby shower gift.
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Why Your Baby’s Curls Need Baby Oils
Baby oils are perfect for keeping those little curls moisturised and shiny. Rubbing a bit on damp hair helps the water soak in instead of sitting on top. As their hair dries, the oil locks in all that hydration, making their curls feel super soft and look healthy without being greasy.
Another notable benefit is that these oils provide gentle protection against dryness and breakage. A light coat of oil cushions each curl, reducing friction when they sleep or move around. Over time, you will likely notice fewer split ends and less hair on your brush. Additionally, the best baby oils typically don't have strong scents or perfumes, which helps prevent irritation to sensitive skin. Here are 7 of them.
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1. Alexsial Coconut Oil for Baby & Adult
This cold-pressed, 100% pure extra-virgin coconut oil from Alexsial isn't just for babies – it works wonders as a hair treatment and all-over body moisturiser for everyone in the family. It soaks right into your hair, hydrates it, and stops breakage. Additionally, it has a light coconut scent that feels like a little treat every time you use it.
What's so great about it? It provides deep nourishment without any artificial silicones or preservatives. If you have a flaky scalp, its natural antifungal properties can help soothe it. It's super versatile—use it before you shampoo, leave it in overnight as a mask, or smooth a little through your hair daily to seal in moisture.
Price: ₦3,087.50. Where to Buy: Alexsial.
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2. Makari Softness Care Baby Oil
This baby oil feels luxurious and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft and smooth without a greasy residue. It has a delicate, sweet scent of almond and chamomile. It's also gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
It's packed with sweet almond oil for deep moisture and shine, plus chamomile to calm sensitive scalps. Squalane and Vitamin E help your hair bounce back and stop breakage.
Why we love it: This paediatrician-approved formula is free of parabens and phthalates, locks in moisture for all-day bouncy curls, and transforms bedtime oiling into a calming process.
Price: ₦23,000. Where to Buy: Shop Cocci Beauty.
3. JOHNSON’S Baby Oil Pure & Gentle Daily Care
This classic baby oil has a wonderfully light and silky feel that spreads easily through delicate curls without leaving behind a heavy, greasy feeling. Made with pure mineral oil and extra vitamin E, it's designed to hold in up to ten times more moisture when applied to wet hair than regular lotions on dry hair.
Dermatologists have proven and tested it, so it's safe even for the most sensitive baby skin. Plus, it has a lovely, subtle baby powder scent that's comforting without being too strong. It works great for all skin types; even adults can use it.
Price: ₦8,002.34. Where to Buy: Care to Beauty.
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4. Pears Baby Moisturising Oil
Pears Baby Moisturising Oil is an affordable, lightweight, clear baby oil with a mild fragrance. It is specifically formulated to create a protective barrier on delicate curls. Mineral oil and glycerin provide intense, long-lasting hydration, resulting in soft, smooth strands.
Plus, it is hypoallergenic (it won’t cause any allergic reaction), dermatologist-approved, and free from colourants or harsh additives, ensuring gentle care for your little one's hair.
Why we love it: Its mild, powdery fragrance is familiar to generations of Nigerian parents (it’s a classic), and the non-sticky texture makes daily use a breeze, even on fidgety little ones.
Price: ₦3,000. Where to Buy: Cocci Beauty
5. Boots Baby Oil Gentle & Mild
Popular in the UK, this light, unscented baby oil contains gently refined mineral oil that forms an invisible layer to hold in moisture.
Its mild formulation helps prevent irritation, making it ideal for the delicate curls of newborns or babies with particularly sensitive skin. Even though it has no fragrance, it leaves hair looking naturally shiny and feeling wonderfully soft.
Price: ₦8,075. Where to Buy: TOS Nigeria.
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6. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Baby Oil
Palmer’s products have never been missed, and this Cocoa Butter Formula Baby Oil is another top-tier product. It is a lightweight, non-staining oil with a hint of chocolate vanilla scent that moisturises your baby's skin after bath time.
It's made with pure cocoa butter, Vitamin E, canola, and sesame seed oil to nourish dry skin, give it a healthy glow, protect against damage, keep skin strong, and make detangling a breeze.
It's gentle and has been tested by dermatologists, making it safe for sensitive skin. It doesn't contain mineral oil, but it keeps the skin moisturised for up to 48 hours. You get high-quality ingredients without spending a lot. Apply the oil immediately after drying your baby after a bath to help lock in moisture and make their skin extra soft and shiny.
Price: ₦3,500. Where to Buy: Mama Tega.
7. Baby Secret Amino Acids Baby Oil
Baby Secret Amino Acids Baby Oil absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel. This oil is formulated with amino acids and nourishes your baby's delicate skin and hair. The inclusion of amino acids helps to strengthen hair and reduce breakage. Glycerin and water offer light moisture, preventing a heavy or greasy sensation on skin and hair.
This baby oil has been dermatologically tested and is safe for even the youngest babies. Its versatility allows for application on both the hair and the entire body. Offering good value, a generous amount of oil is available for under ₦10,000.
Price: ₦7,000. Where to Buy: Cocci Beauty.
FAQs on Baby Oils for Curly Hair
Can I mix baby oil with other products?
Yes. You can blend baby oil with lightweight leave-in conditioners or curl creams to boost slip and shine. Just start small: mix a drop or two of your chosen baby oil into a pea-sized amount of conditioner on your palm, then smooth through damp curls. This little DIY helps seal in moisture without weighing down fine baby hair.
How often should I oil my baby’s curls?
Most parents find success oiling their baby’s hair two to three times a week—enough to keep curls soft and hydrated but not so much that hair feels greasy. On bath days, apply the oil right after towelling off when the hair is still damp and ready to absorb moisture. If your little one has dehydrated curls or you live in a harsher climate, add a quick nightly seal: just a drop or two massaged gently into the ends before bedtime.
Is mineral oil bad for baby hair?
Mineral oil isn’t inherently “bad.” It effectively seals in moisture but can potentially cause dullness or scalp irritation for babies with very fine or sensitive curls by attracting dust or clogging pores.
If you choose a mineral-oil-based baby oil (like classic Johnson’s), opt for those with added natural oils (such as almond, jojoba, or coconut) and use it sparingly. Alternatively, pure plant-based oils offer a lighter, nourishing treatment that seals and feeds curls.
What are the key ingredients to look for in a good baby oil?
Choose baby oils with natural ingredients like coconut, jojoba, and sweet almond oil, which nourish without weighing down hair. Look for added vitamins E and A, aloe vera, and chamomile to promote a healthy scalp, soothe irritation, and provide a light scent. Avoid parabens and sulfates, which can strip natural oils and irritate sensitive skin.