Oils are an essential component in the hair regimen of a naturalista. From carrier oils to essential oil these products exhibit nourishing properties, which leaves the hair moisturized, stronger and ready for growth. Some of the ways you could use hair oils include:
- Sealing in moisture
- Detangling
- Pre-pooing
- Hot oil treatments
- Adding to your leave-in conditioner/deep conditioner
- Scalp massages to prompt scalp circulation, hence growth
- Post-wash; mixing with water in a spray bottle to help nourish the hair
The following are the 5 best oils a naturalista could use on 4C hair.
Jamaican black castor oil
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The original is a brown syrup mix of goodness known to treat acne, dandruff and relieve muscle pain. Jamaican black castor oil is the holy grail for naturalistas who seek length, thickness and healthy hair. Containing Vitamin E, protein, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals, Jamaican black castor oil is proven as one of the best boosters for hair growth. It increases blood flow to the scalp resulting in stronger, longer and thicker hair. With anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, JBCO is the best treatment for balding areas and brittle hair that is prone to breakage. It can also be used by people with high and low porosity hair for hot treatments and prepooing.
Coconut oil
This carrier oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, which help strengthen the hair, decrease breakage and promote hair growth. Due to its low molecular weight, coconut is proven to penetrate the hair shaft a reason why many naturalistas use it as a pre-poo. Check out the natural hair dictionary for more terms used in the natural hair world. Beauty: Natural Hair Terms And Tips
Pre-pooing is done using coconut oil/Olive oil, before washing the hair to lift up product build up, loosen the hair strands, remove tangles and reduce protein loss caused by wet combing. Post wash, it serves as a great sealant to help the hair retain moisture. 11 Reasons You Should Be Using Coconut Oil
Extra virgin olive oil
While Extra virgin Olive oil works the same as Coconut oil, some people tend to complain that coconut oil dries out their hair making it brittle. This could be a result of too much hair protein considering that coconut oil also contains proteins.
Therefore as an alternative, if ever your hair doesn’t react towards coconut oil as you desire, Olive oil is recommended as it is proven to penetrate the hair shaft just like its twin, coconut oil. The goal is to always have an oil that you can use for hot treatments, pre pooing and hair repair preventing hair damage. Health Benefits Of Including Olive Oil In Your Diet
Avocado oil
The ultimate moisturizer is rich in monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acids, amino acids, protein, magnesium, iron, copper and folic acids. Cold pressed virgin Avocado oil contains Vitamin A, B, D, E a reason why its recommended for protecting the hair against damage caused by UV rays. This is your hair sunscreen as it is your go-to product for that added shine and lustre. Due to its lightweight, its good for both low and high porosity 4c hair as it doesn’t weigh down your hair or clog your pores. It also prevents split ends, hair loss and a dry scalp.
Due to its rich moisturizing properties, adding it to your detangler or conditioner will add more slip preparing your hair for styling and that ultimate definition. Lifestyle: 6 Different Ways You Can Use Avocados
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is rich in Vitamins B, C, E, zinc, copper and minerals that nourish the hair. A unique fact is that it is said to adapt to the hairs natural oil (sebum) which facilitates absorption into the hair shaft giving the hair a silky, shiny and smooth look.
Most naturalistas add Jojoba oil to shampoo and conditioners due to its ability to carry active ingredients in hair products. With avocado oil containing 72% of monounsaturated acids, jojoba oil contains 98%, which makes it the best product to prevent hair breakage and add strength to your tresses. It is lightweight therefore it can be used by naturalistas with high, low and normal porosity hair. 5 Benefits Of Jojoba Oil Vs Coconut Oil
All the above oils are also known as carrier oils. They can be used as a base to neutralize any essential oils you use. Essential oils are used for length retention, address hair issues like dandruff, itchy scalp and hair loss. Example of essential oils includes sage oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil and rosemary oil.
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