This information was posted at another site.  It contains some excellent suggestions and bears repeating.

Coconut Oil or Almond Oil  are heavier oils and therefore, a real small amount goes a long way. It's easy to add more, even on a subsequent day until you determine what amount is correct for you. Remember as you gain length, there will be some adjustment to amount of oil applied.

The big thing to know is that a given oil may be heavier or lighter and one or the other may be more suitable for your hair type. You have to see which one your hair responds to best. The oil, when applied in the right amount (unless purposefully applied heavily), will be readily soaked up by your hair, not lay on top of the hair (as it does with heavy oiling), and leaves the hair feeling soft & silky. Coconut Oil and Almond Oil are probably heavier oils compared to Jojoba Oil, which is a common choice as it's typically, relatively easy to find.

The next thing to know is that not all manufacturers create a "pure" oil. You do want a high grade oil. For example, Jojoba only comes from one tree grown in the desert (as I recall) or a nearly arid climate in one part of the US. HobaCare is a good manufacturer of a high grade, pure jojoba oil. The purity is determined by the "pressing" process. I purchase my Coconut Oil from a whole foods store. The manufacturer is Spectrum Naturals, and they make 2 coconut oils: one for salad dressing and one specifically pressed for hair and skin care. It can be purchased on line, but I only saw it in 4 or 8 oz on line whereas I know they have a jug of 15 oz for about $5.99 US. If you want this oil, contact your local grocer or whole foods/organic store vendor and ask to have it special ordered for you. They are located in Petaluma, California, USA. By the way, this coconut oil does not have that coconut-y smell; it is odorless.

For a nice aroma, I add my own essential oil, one or two drops. I choose from grapefruit, geranium rose, and a few others. For men, pine is a nice scent (thanks DON for the idea!)

Oiling, in case anyone needs to know or would like a refresher, provides a waxy surface (it does not come off on clothing or bed linens) of protection to the hair, imparts moisture to the hair so it is soft, silky and shiny, and additionally adds a little weight to the hair minimizing frizzies and fly-away--allowing even curly hair types' hair to lay a little flatter and therefore the wave and body of the hair to come through such that the light catches it very nicely. Oiling also brings out the various hues of color that is natural to all hair. Naturally, oiling reduces dryness issues, is great for those in hair repair from coloring or perming, helps increase vertical volume and length since hair isn't getting dry & brittle and breaking off, and reduces the occurance regular damage such as splits.

The one oil I don't suggest using is olive oil as I understand the acidity is rather high. Do not oil scalp hair; instead allow natural sebacious glands to work their magic on that portion of your hair. Oil from approximately the earlobes on down through the entire length, adding a tad extra to the very ends (perhaps the last 3 inches).

For those who need to know, apply a small amount of oil to a palm (say the amount taken up by a fingernail tip of nail just barely above the fingertip skin...not unusually long nails), rub between the palms, and if you like add one drop of scent to the mixture and rub the palms together. Apply to already air dried, freshly washed and detangled by smoothly downstroking through the length. Lean over and do one side, then repeat on the other side so as to get both sides of the hair (topside & underside).

Keep in mind that oil does add a bit of wetness to the hair, so when detangling again, be extra gentle. For those who want to boar bristle brush (BBB), oil and detangle and then gently use the BBB to work the oil into the hair and really bring out the shine!!

If oiling extra, as noted in the thread below, putting it up for the day or in a braid or such for the night (I do wear a bun at night: I switched from a braid due to my length and it getting under me since I'm a big toss'n'turn sleeper, and I find that braids still allow hair to rub) to allow the oil to soak in.

heidi w.
[posted 10/3/03 on tlhs]

Thank you for the post- I can say that since I´m using jojoba oil my hair tips are so soft and don´t get dry. Love it! Maybe I´ll try to use oil at the rest of my hair or to use the vanilla flavored almond oil I recently bought.