My guest feature on Ishimma.com
Natural oils and our hair: Embrace the goodness!
Before wearing my hair locked, I was
not aware of the goodness which essential oils and carrier oils provide natural
hair. Growing up, Castor oil was a ‘go-to’ product for the older generations as
they insisted it supported hair growth and made hair stronger.
But
on this journey of being natural, I have found out that Mother Nature has
blessed us with many other useful oils which can promote healthy hair.
Essential
Oil or Carrier Oil: What’s the difference?
Essential oils (EO) – also called ‘volatile oils’, are
extracted from the leaves, seeds, flowers and even the stems of plants and
shrubs. Funny enough, different sources have stated that EO are not really oils
– in the strictest sense of the word. Rather, they are very concentrated
liquids from the plant. These oils are also very fragrant, as you can see from
some of their names, and are consequently used in the making of perfume, soaps,
shampoos and other hair products.
IMPORTANT: It has been
advised that Essential oils should not be used directly on the skin without
first being diluted with a Carrier oil. Some people can have a bad reaction to
them. So if you already battle with sensitive skin issues, I suggest seeking
medical advice before use.
Carrier oils (CO) on the other hand, are mostly derived
from the fatty portions and the nut/kernel of many vegetable or fruit plants.
You may also hear them being referred to as ‘fixed oils’, ‘base oils’ or
‘vegetable oils’. The oils are usually extracted via cold press method or hot
extraction. Carrier oils do not easily evaporate. In addition, they contain
important vitamins and minerals. It is these nutrients which aid in making your
hair, skin and nails healthier. When looking to choose a Carrier oil, the
process is just the same as when looking to buy an Essential oil: choose the
oil with the properties you need for the particular situation.
Oils
and their properties: What does this one do?
Different
oils accomplish different things. Below is a brief compilation of some oils and
their main uses when it comes to hair.
