Carrier Oils: healthy hair, healthy scalp

Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant, fruit, nut or seed. They are good for moisturizing the skin, hair and fingernail cuticles.

These oils unlike essential oils can be applied directly to damp hair or dry hair. They can be used as a hot oil treatment. The reason carrier oils are great to use with essential oils is because they can dilute essential oils. They carry essential oils to the hair or skin. Essential oils can cause severe irritation for some people when used alone. 

Carrier oil offers a different combination of therapeutic characteristics. Your choice depends on what you will be using your mixture for. Carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma like essential oils. Overtime they can become rancid as well. Many of these oils can be odourless, but most have a faintly sweet nutty smell.

The benefits of essentail Oils:

Types of Carrier Oils:

Extra virgin olive oil:

One of my personal favourites, this oil strengthens and nourishes the hair, adding shine and smoothing the cuticles. It can prevent dry scalp and dandruff.

Coconut oil:

This oil helps with lubrication of the hair. It can also soften the hair, condition the scalp and provides essential proteins for damage hair and dandruff.

Jojoba oil:

Jojoba has the ability to inhibit excess activity of the sebaceous glands. It is the most closest to the hair natural sebum (to find out more on sebaceous gland and sebum Click here) and is also a really good choice for acne prone skin.

Castor Oil:

Also one of my personal favourites, this oil is rich in ricinoleic acid (triglyceride of fatty acid) and a great humectant. It can be used to treat skin conditions such as fungal infections. It nourishes hair and prevents the scalp from drying by retain moisture, because of this it is a great emollient. I have notice that for my hair it has help to seal moisture, soften and thicken the hair.

Vitamin E Oil:

This oil is an antioxidant, great when used with homemade products. It is a great rejuvenator and provides great protection for the scalp and skin.

Wheat Germ Oil:

It is high in Vitamins A, D and E, protein, and essential fatty acids. It softens the hair, soothes and nourishes the scalp, decreases thinning of the hair.

Other Carrier Oils include:

• Almond oil
• Sesame oil
• Avocado oil
• Grape seed oil
• Hazelnut oil
• Wheat germ oil
• Aloe vera (personal favourite)

These are just a few types of carrier oils.

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TIPS:

• Do not to use too much carrier oil on the scalp as it could clog the pores.

• Carrier oils like coconut can have a very oily texture, make sure you have a towel or shower cap on hand. A little goes a long way!

• Test a small patch of skin for any sensitivity or allergic reaction.
• When buying carrier oils make sure they are cold-pressed to ensure that the therapeutic qualities remain in the oil.

Remember most of my articles are done through research, books, reading and learning on my own, asking questions and inquiring. I always encourage my readers to do the same.

Knowledge is Power!!

Love Naturals!!!

Dejauvnautrals