The Magic Of Natural Oils For Hair

Like our bodies, our hair too, needs to be fed on nutrients like oils. There are a number of essential oils in the market. What is good for your hair will depend on the texture and type of your hair. They include:

Amla oil

Amla is less known. Its other name is Indian gooseberry — it is a fruit from the myrobalan tree, which is native to India and Burma. Amla fruit is edible and is high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tannins, which give it high antioxidant strength. Amla contains flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid and gallic acid.

Research shows that the amla fruit is good for hair when applied as a conditioner. It nourishes the hair and scalp, and adds texture and volume to it. It also prevents premature grey hair. Although pure amla oil is commonly used as a hair treatment, it is also an ingredient in shampoos. Its extract is also available in some hair powders. You can also make your own hair treatment by mixing amla powder with warm water to make a paste. When applied to dry, clean hair as a treatment, the mixture increases the hair’s softness and thickness.

Amla oil is ideally applied after shampooing in place of hair conditioner. When applied on the hair as oil, it soothes dry, itchy scalp, and keeps dandruff at bay.

Castor oil

Castor oil is good at strengthening hair strands, thus preventing breakage, which leads to hair loss. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that protect the hair and scalp from infection. Its omega-9 fatty acids prevent the scalp from drying, thus stimulating hair growth. lt also locks in moisture in the hair since it is a humectants. It can be used to reduce frizz and/or split ends.

Olive oil

Other than using it for cooking, olive oil, which is lightweight, is also great for hair. It can be used to treat the hair and acts as a deep conditioner and moisturiser. It locks in moisture and lubricates hair cuticles. Whether your hair is relaxed or natural, it will keep it moisturised. Its antioxidants combat hair thinning and loss.

Rosemary oil

This oil has dual benefits. Rosemary oil cleans the scalp, strengthens your hair locks while boosting shine. This oil is best for people who suffer from dry scalp as it rids it of dandruff. It gives hair a visible soft finish just after the initial use.

Coconut oil

This oil ensures your hair retains proteins, stays thick and adds moisture to split ends thus replenishing damaged hair. It reduces flaking of the scalp and is good for styling. It should, however, be used moderately.

Avocado oil

This oil is rich in nutrients and helps with thinning hair and scalp irritation. Avocado oil has humectants, which means it adds moisture. It also works as a natural SPF and has vitamins A, D, E and B6 and amino and folic acids, all of which are great for your hair. You can use avocado. The oil is also good for deep conditioning, shampooing or as a hair mask. It works best with other oils like olive oil.