Hair oils have been used for centuries to keep hair healthy, shiny and soft. Hair oils work well for smoothing split ends and even treating dandruff. A number of hair oils may even stimulate hair growth by clearing the scalp and hair follicle.
Types of Hair Oil
Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
Essential Oils are a fragrant essence of concentrated oil of the plant. They are light and evaporate quickly. Essential Oils regulate and balance sebum in the scalp, the hair’s naturally produced oil, and stimulates and cleanses the scalp acting as an astringent.
Types of Essential Oils
- Ylang Ylang has a strong floral scent similar to jasmine. Believed to stimulate hair growth and adds a flowery scent to hair.
- Cedarwood has a soft woody scent and may reduce hair loss.
- Lavender is a soothing and refreshing floral scent, traditionally used in perfumes, and can also be effective on lice and lice eggs.
- Rosemary treats dandruff, promotes hair growth and has a light herbal scent.
Carrier Oils
Carrier Oils feel oily and are the oil derived from a plant, fruit, nut or seed. They are good for moisturizing the skin, fingernail cuticles and hair. Applied alone on damp or dry hair, also can be warmed over boiling water or in the microwave and used as a hot oil treatment. Sesame and almond oils are lighter for thin hair, the others for coarser or thick hair.
Types of Carrier Oils
- Extra virgin olive oil is popular and inexpensive.
- Almond oil is fast absorbing.
- Coconut oil has been found effective for dry skin and chapped lips as well as being a deep hair conditioner and leaving hair smooth and shiny.
- Sesame oil is perfect for black hair as it may darken the hair a little.
- Jojoba oil works for all hair types end is an especially effective conditioner for hair that is extremely damaged or tangles easily Jojoba is very similar to hair’s natural oil, sebum.
Directions for Using Hair Oil
- When mixing essential and carrier oils try this formula of 1 drop of essential oil to 4 tbsps of carrier oil.
- Massage into hair and scalp. Be careful not to use too much carrier oil on the scalp as it could clog the pores.
- Using oils can be messy, make sure you have a towel or shower cap on hand.
- Shampoo with regular shampoo.
- Test a small patch of skin for any sensitivity or allergic reaction.
Where to Buy Hair Oil
When shopping for hair oils, look for oil that is 100% pure extract and not chemical reproductions to be the most effective conditioner for the hair. Hair oil can be found in health food stores, online and in stores that sell organic products.
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