Monday, May 28, 2012

Oils and their Benefits


1. Jojoba (Great for Moisture)
Jojoba is  a great choice as a  healing hair conditioner in that the molecular structure of  this oil is very similar to the natural oil or sebum that is produced by the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Hair that has been extremely damaged or that breaks, splits or tangles easily usually  responds well to this moisturizer. The beauty of this oil is that you can use it  straight or in a mix and it will work for just about all types of hair. Jojoba is  also very stable and can be stored for years without going rancid.

2. Extra-Virgin Olive (Great for Moisture and Thick Hair)

Extra virgin olive oil has been used by people for centuries as both a cooking oil and a cosmetic aide. This natural oil is great for hair that is dry or damage, and also  works extremely well on  thick, coarse hair.  Olive oil is also suitable for use in the treatment of scalp conditions and dry skin. It does have quite a distinctive color and odor of its own, which not everyone  will appreciate, and it is rather heavy. Some naturals also prefer to use olive oil in combination with another, lighter carrier oil, like coconut or grape seed.

3. Castor Oil (Great for Moisture/Hair Loss)
Castor oil is often used as beauty aid, to soften and treat rough, dry skin. A naturally-produced vegetable oil makes it ideal for use on the skin both as an emollient, and as a hot oil treatment for dry damaged hair.  When used on the hair, castor oil coats the hair shaft and smoothes the cuticle layer, sealing in moisture and leaving the hair feeling soft and silky. It is also a humectant which draws in moisture and is great when used in a daily moisturizer. If you’re looking to give your hair a little pick me up, try combining castor oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil and water into a spray body and using as a revitalizing spritz (3 part water: 1 part oil).
4. Coconut (Great for Shine) 
The most commonly available coconut oil is refined, bleached & deodorized oil. This oil is produced from copra which is dried coconut meat. At room  temperature coconut oil is a solid, white substance with only a faint scent. The oil liquefies when it is placed in warm water.    This elegant moisturizer and superfatting agent is great for nourishing the hair to give it a healthy shine and helps to also minimize tangles.  Coconut oil is also recommended for the control of dry scalp and dandruff.  Coconut oil can be used alone as a hair and scalp oil or added to shampoo to add special nourishing and softening benefits.
5. Sweet Almond Oil (Great for Moisture)
Popular with the ancient Romans, this very pale yellow and odorless oil nourishes dry, flaky, itchy, sensitive scalps. Although lighter than  olive, this cold burnt oil made from almond kernels provides excellent  lubricating and penetrating properties and it is a favorite carrier oil for hair and skin treatments. Sweet almond oil has also been used throughout history during pregnancy and labor to prevent rips and tears.  While relatively inexpensive, this normally safe  oil should not be used by people who have known almond or nut allegories in  order to avoid an unpleasant reaction.

6. Grapeseed Oil (Great for Shine)
Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest oils and is easily absorbed by the hair and skin. It also can act as a preservative in hair care preparations.      Note, this oil has a slight flavor and a noticeable odor
7. Aloe Vera Oil & Gel (Stimulates Hair Growth)
The oil produced by the aloe vera desert plant is one of the most precious substances for human scalps, hair and skin. This odorless oil, which is different from aloe vera gel, is rich in enzymes, vitamins, proteins and minerals that support health. Not only does aloe vera oil help maintain proper moisture balances, it stimulates circulation which is helpful for hair growth. Excellent for  dandruff, this oil will also soothe psoriasis and eczema of the scalp.
8. Avocado Oil
This clear oil is made from the fleshy  fruit of the avocado. Touted as a hair growth  stimulant, this oil nourishes and restores softness to dry, dehydrated and mature hair  and skin. Problems, especially  psoriasis of the scalp, respond to its high content of vitamins A, B and E  along with lecithin, proteins and fatty acids. Avocado oil has its own distinct aroma and goes rancid quickly. Buy in small amounts and refrigerate.
9. Sesame Oil
This clear light oil is made from uncooked seeds and is used in many sun care preparations for the hair and body to protect the hair from harsh temperatures.   It can be added to other oils to enrich them. Note, sesame becomes rancid quickly and must be stored in a cool dry place.
10. Safflower Oil
This light oil is made from the seeds and penetrates the hair well. It is cheap and readily available in an unrefined state, making it a  useful oil base for a blend.
CREDIT: Thank God I'm Natural Website

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