Oils for Natural Hair Care UPDATED!

Original Post 
September 29, 2009

When I first started to truly learn about my natural hair, I continue to find threads discussing various types of oils on websites like LHCF: Longhaircareforum, of BHM: Black Hair Media, Nappturality, and NC naturallycurly

Each website discussed  there favorite oils to used for there hair, how some oils had the same or different qualities, and their method on how to "seal" with certain oils.

I had no clue what "Sealing meant" or how anyone could have a favorite oil. I mean besides Olive Oil and Coconut Oil, I didn't know there are so many different types of wonderful oils that can be used on hair; and with so many oils to choose from, everyone seem to have there favorite.

Whatever oil you plan on using in your hair make sure all oils you buy says: Unrefined and or Cold Pressed: these two forms of pressed oil are believed to be the safest and purest form of oils.

I wouldn't suggest anything but the cleanest form of oils since your scalp does absorbs theses oils. There is a lot of research that you should personally look into before settling on Unrefined or Cold Press Oils: Some companies Lie and say their oils are the purest: So please do all the research you can before deciding on how your oil is being processed.

A quick research on wiki and Google.com on these Terms

Cold Pressed, Hexane Free, Refined, and Unrefined Oils: Each is a different process of creating oil. Learning these terms will help you better understand which oil is the best for the overall health and wellness of not only your hair but body.

Oils Commonly Used for Hair

Camellia Oil Also called Tea Seed Oil

Color: Clear Yellow

Consistency: N/A

Scent: N/A

Benefits for Hair: Penetrates 10x deeper and quicker than other oils, natural sunscreen, great for skin also: helps prevent stretch marks.

 

Coconut Oil

Color: Soil white, clear (see through) oil when melted

Consistency: Thin, Light Smooth

Scent: Virgin Coconut oil has a light to strong coconut scent (depends on the brand you buy and how it is pressed Cold pressed Expeller Pressed), its pleasant smell if you like that way coconut smells: I love the way coconut oil smells!

Benefits for Hair: Natural Antioxidant, prevent dandruff, adds shine to hair

Jojoba Oil Jojoba Oil (pronounced "ho-HO-bah": Technically a liquid wax

Color: Stays a clear golden liquid

Consistency: Thicker than Coconut oil, silky smooth feel

Scent: Odorless?

Benefits for Hair: Similar to your Scalps own Sebum:

Castor Oil (Hexane Free Castor Oil, it's the safest form of Castor Oil)

Color: Clear very light yellow

Consistency: Extremely Sticky, Thick

Scent: Medicine like smell (in my opinion)

Benefits for Hair: Thickens hair, retains moisture

Jamaican Black Castor (JBCO)

Color: Dark Brown

Consistency: Extremely Sticky, Thick

Scent:  Black Castor Oil has a light smoky smell, others black castor oils have a heavy smoky scent.

Benefits for Hair: Thickens hair, retains moisture, stimulate hair growth

       

                 Avocado Oil   

Color: Light Green/Yellowish

Consistency: Stays a liquid, thicker than jojoba oil,  feels very oily

Scent: Odorless/ Light "Oil" scent

Benefits for Hair: It contains many nutrients including vitamins A, D and E. Also

some chlorophyll, avocado oil is great for nourishing and moisturize dry or mature skin.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best Quality\Purest Form of Olive Oil)

Color: Ranging from Light yellow to dark green, Stays a liquid

Consistency: Light, thin oil, oily

Scent: Light to strong olive scent: Extra virgin has a lite scent, the darker the olive oil the stronger the smell.

Benefits for Hair: Olive oil is very useful for dry, damaged hair, and has the ability to strengthens hair

Sweet Almond Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency (Thickness): n/a for the moment

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Makes hair soft,  Helps hair retain it's natural moisture, rich in protein, contains many B vitamins which are known to not only stimulate hair growth but prevent hair loss. 

Heritage Products, Grape Seed Oil 16 fl oz

Grape Seed Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow/Green

Consistency (Thickness): Thin

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Antioxidants nutrients for hair, and helps promote hair growth.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow/Light Green

Consistency (Thickness): n/a for the moment

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Maintains hair's natural moisture. Natural Sunscreen is perfect for dyed hair (protect color)

Where to buy these Organic oils and oils online?

Organic Oils, Oils, Beauty Ingredients and Supplies

http://fromnaturewithlove.com/searchus.asp

Great Selections of Oils, Essential Oils, Powders and More:

Mountain Rose Herb

www.mountainroseherbs.com

Jamaican Foods, Beauty Care, and More: Delivered!

Black Castor Oil

http://www.sams24-7.com/jamaican-black-castor-oil.aspx

Coastal Scents (Oils aren't organic or cold pressed unless stated)

http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/category/13/carrier-oils.cfm

How To Use Oils to Retain Moisture in Your Hair

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261337

"Sealing" is a term used applying oil to hair after using a leave-in conditioner/ moisturizer

Using oils as a seal; will help your hair retain moisture longer, of whatever conditioning or moisturizing products you use. Adding oil to your hair slows down water evaporating quickly out of your hair.

Steps on Sealing Hair:

1. Section your hair in four or more parts
2. Spray or Rub in a Leave-In Conditioner/Moisturizer
3. Pour a dime size amount of oil into the palm of your hand, rub into section parts

Don't forget the ends of your hair

Style hair as you like

More info about oils coming soon! 


Next Up Butters: 


What ???? 


Yup Butters, but not the kind you put on your English Muffin in the Morning!