Do you know your oils?

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.

Part 3: Selecting and mixing the right Essential oils - The Buzz goes on...

I am truly encouraged by the feedback that I have been receiving not just for the posts on Essential oils etc, but on the Blog as a whole. Thanks so much! 

Remember we are here to help each other by sharing what information we have at our disposal...dare I say, one positive way to use the Internet. And this blog has definitely been a way for me to do just that.

SELECTING AND MIXING ESSENTIAL OILS 

ESSENTIAL OILS - only for our hair?

No! Essential oils are useful in aromatherapy, the making of perfumes and soaps!

In this Buzz report, I owe much to From Nature with Love. What a website! This site was very useful when it comes to mixing and pairing the right oils. It even gives recipes if you are interested in doing your own soaps, balms, etc. Its online library can point you in the direction if you have any questions on topics such as product storage, aromatherapy and essential oil.  If you are aware of your particular scalp and hair condition, selecting and mixing the right oils would be no problem as we have lots of information about the properties of several Essential oils.

So here goes :o)

It is first important to use a Carrier oil in your equation.

Infusing the good stuff...Take 2: Essential Oils

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 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.