Nature’s Oils Part II

Long, medium, or short, healthy looking hair is highly coveted. Thousands of dollars are spent on conditioning and treating hair to look shiny and full. However, the ingredients in the products that are most often used to achieve this look help with only just that: the look and feel of healthy hair, but not actual healthy hair.

We discussed in a previous article, ‘On Nature’s Oils’, how silicones coat the hair (and skin) and give them the appearance and feel of smoothness and health. However, with continuous use, the hair is never allowed to take a break and be in its natural state to heal and recuperate from the synthetic, unnatural chemicals it has soaked in. And nature has indeed created a system in our bodies to effortlessly rejuvenate and heal if we allow it. For example, our body creates sebum, natural oil from our skin which helps keep skin naturally moist. But many product contain chemicals that may not necessarily work in harmony with our body.

Cost-effectiveness and longer shelf life have much to do with the choice of ingredients in products. I would also add the high premium placed on fast living. In our world, instant gratification and immediate results are demanded. We want things now, including beautiful hair and skin, at times without the hard work to achieve it naturally such as eating healthy, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and exercising. It is often hard to maintain a balance in this life.

The following are some pure and natural oils that have been time-tested and proven to nourish the hair and skin inside and out. They can be slowly incorporated into our regular care and maintenance.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis):  From the seed of the castor oil plant which is native to the southeastern Mediterranean, Eastern African and India. Rich in vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and essential amino acids that can help to penetrate dry and damaged hair and skin. It assists and is effective in hair growth, hair darkening, hair shine, split ends, sealing-in moisture, treating dandruff and dry scalp and moisturizing and thickening hair. Castor oil also has germicidal and fungicidal properties which can help treat mild acne.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera): From the meat of matured coconuts of the coconut palm native to the tropics. Rich in lauric acid (a saturated fat) and Vitamins E and K. It moisturizes dry skin and hair and has a natural, albeit low SPF of 4. Coconut oil improves skin barrier function and penetrates into the hair shaft due to the fatty acid structure. It also reduces protein loss in hair.

Sweet Almond Oil (Amygdalus dulcis): Pressed from the seed of the almond tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. A rich source of fatty acids and vitamins E, D, B1, B2, B6 and A – it is an excellent emollient that softens, soothes and rejuvenates the skin. It is also used for obtaining healthy hair, specifically for hair growth and thick, silky hair.

Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis): is a popular herb plant native to the Mediterranean. It has been used for for many years for hair care due to its ability to stimulate follicles, making hair grow longer and stronger. It is also believed to hinder premature hair loss and graying of the hair. Rosemary oil also alleviates dry and flaky scalps. Massaging the scalp with rosemary oil strengthens the hair follicles, nourishes the scalp and removes dandruff. Rosemary oil also has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities making it helpful in treating eczema, dermatitis, oily skin and acne.

In our fast-paced world, quick fixes are sought but nature can also provide true, long lasting and effective healing with minimum or no harm done to us or our environment at the same time.