Oiling Your Hair For Growth And Good Health

From the beginning of time oil has been used in perfume, candles, cooking, cleaners, fuel, and the production of synthetic materials. Today you will learn how certain oils extracted from plants – castor, argan, and olive oil – can combat hair problems such as dandruff, scalp infection, hair loss, dryness and frizz. Oil is a class of fat that is liquid at room temperature. It is composed of fatty acids and vitamins that promote cell growth and development.

Naturally the scalp is able to produce oil, but oil found in plants can be used as a supplement. Common plant oils include almond oil, argan oil, avocado oil, castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. For this post castor, olive, and argan oil will be reflected upon. These are the oils I use on my hair and have witnessed the results.

Castor Oil: Castor oil contains vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids. It is also composed of antibacterial and antifungal properties that may prevent scalp infection. Protein (keratin) provides structural support for our hair. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help repair damaged hair follicles, which in turn encourages healthy hair growth. Fatty acids such as Omega 6 fatty acids stimulates hair growth and prevent water lost. Ricinoleic acid replenishes the scalp’s natural oils and may reverse scalp damage caused by chemicals. It also act as a buffer which can balance the pH of the scalp.

Argan Oil: Argan oil is also rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It provides the same health benefits of castor oil.

Olive Oil: This is another oil rich in fatty acids. The fatty acids in this oil coat the shaft of the hair and is responsible for hair growth. Just like castor oil, olive oil is composed of anti-pathogenic properties that may prevent infection.

Application 
There are two ways to apply oil on the scalp. The first method is the hot oil treatment and the second method is known as greasing. I prefer the hot oil treatment because of the results I experienced. My hair improved in shine, softness, growth, and was always moisturized after doing the hot oil treatment.

When doing the hot oil treatment obtain a cup that is longer than the bottle the oil is in. Pour boiling water in the cup and immediately place the bottled oil in the cup. Before application remove the heated oil from the cup and allow the oil to cool until it is warm. Apply the oil to your hair and leave it in. You can wash out the oil but I prefer to leave it in just like I would do for leave-in-conditioner.

The second method is greasing. Grease is an oily, jelly-like substance that is similar to petroleum jelly (vaseline). It is applied on the hair to give it shine and keep it moist. This method is the least favorited because grease can clog pores on the scalp. To be safe I limit greasing and when I do grease I apply small amounts on my hair.

Product Review

I get my castor oil from Tropic Isle Living and my olive oil from African Pride. For some reason when it comes to argan oil I use various brands. All three oils are available online, the beauty store, or at the hair and beauty aisle in grocery and drug stores.

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Credibility: This post was written Onyinyechi Anyanwu, B.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality.