Thanks for all the encouragement on the last post looking at petroleum and mineral oil. Now onto an alternative. What do I mean? Well, we can start with words such as PEPPERMINT, LAVENDER, JOJOBA or even TEA TREE. Now some of these oils may be found in greases, shampoos etc that contain mineral oil and petroleum; but in what quantities I cannot say.
There are, however, some manufacturers out there whose products will contain no mineral oil, petroleum nor parabens. I read on some blogs and websites that is important to have healthy hair by using natural products containing predominantly - and at times, only - essential oils. But, many never say what they are or what exactly I should be looking out for. One useful website even went as far as to break everything down for easier reading.
And, I also came across some entities who produce Vegan Shampoos and Conditioners! Not sure how these products would work on our ethnic hair though.
Here goes my DISCLAIMER: Please desist from quoting and paraphrasing anything I have written in this post as I am NOT a qualified anything to do with science.
So, this post is not just to help me out but you, too.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
These liquids are distilled or derived from the stem, leaves, etc of a plant. They are aromatic and therapeutic in nature; and, are highly concentrated and for this reason, a little goes a long way.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
These liquids are distilled or derived from the stem, leaves, etc of a plant. They are aromatic and therapeutic in nature; and, are highly concentrated and for this reason, a little goes a long way.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY SO GOOD AT DOING?
Here is just a short list and what most sources had to say about:
Basil: Helps to promote growth.
Chamomile: Helps to soothe scalp.
Clary Sage/Sage: Helps to combat dandruff. Sage is excellent at clarifying the scalp.
Lavender: Promotes hair growth and soothes the scalp.
Peppermint: This is good for soothing and stimulating the scalp. It also helps with hair growth.
Tea tree: Purifies the scalp.
Ylang ylang: Just like Tea tree oil, Ylang ylang purifies the scalp.
From my experience, I have used Olive oil on my scalp since starting my locs as I thought it would help with the itch. NOPE! It made me scratch even worse so I know that it won't work for me. So, remember that alot of these oils you will go thru by trial and error especially if you are keen on doing your own spritz., shampoos, etc. at home. Have a look at this regimen using Apple Cider Vinegar. Maybe sometime, I'll do a post on mixing certain of these oils together.
Leave your comments.
Lots of love,
Naturaleza.
Oooo, thanks for the list of oils and their benefits. Have you found an oil that works for your scalp and hair?
ReplyDeleteThese days the oils/butters I am using on my hair are shea butter, avocado butter, coconut oil and castor oil. I am eventually going to cut out the avocado butter and maybe the shea (because I think it's too expensive at home), and start adding some cinammon oil, which is supposed to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp (and therefore encourage growth) and also to be good for lightening the hair/bringing out red highlights.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I started using an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to cleanse my hair, and it worked magic for my dandruff/flaky scalp.
Hey, T. Is it a particular brand you buy? Is it sold here or in Scotland? Let me know.
ReplyDelete@Kareen, no not as yet. That's why I think I'm going to become a PJ soon, just like you. I don't know what to do. So, this month I plan to start with mixing my own spritz/oil. I'll tell you exactly what I do.
ReplyDeleteWhich, the apple cider vinegar? I don't use any special brand, just whatever I can get the cheapest. I dilute it with water, one part vinegar to three parts water, spray it on my scalp, put on a shower cap and let it sit for half-hour or so, and then rinse out.
ReplyDeleteIf it was something else you meant, I get the shea butter and the avocado butter here in Scotland (but I have seen shea butter at Jenn's); coconut, castor and cinnamon oils I just get at Collins.