Natural Oils in Hair Care Products
Hair oils have caused a true revolution in the world of cosmetics. They are celebrating a great come back and are at our fingertips, easily available at every drug store or online shop. There is no need to go to India to get amla oil or visit Africa in search of marula oil. Almost every respectable brand launches products which contain valuable and natural oils. These oils are extracted from the plants which have been appreciated for their unique health and beauty benefits. We all realize that nature is the most powerful – small seeds, fruits and flowers in particular. They are used for the extraction of oils which are irreplaceable remedies improving the condition of our skin and hair. Oils take care of our beauty and have been serving us faithfully for hundreds of years.
Hair oiling as well as products which contain oils, including almond, argan, jojoba, sunflower, amla or macadamia oils are increasingly popular. There is an endless number of cosmetics which contain such a great variety of oils. Below you can read about the most popular and most innovative products created by famous cosmetic brands. Some of them focus on providing their products with the maximum number of well-balanced oils whereas the others limit the use of natural oils in favour of other healthful substances. They strive to provide a cosmetic with the best ingredients and achieve spectacular effects that they describe on the packages.
What can be the use for cosmetics containing hair oils? Do they they serve their purpose? Will we get the effect described on the packaging? What are their good sides? Do they conceal any drawbacks? You no longer have to trail around drug stores to learn about the ingredients and properties of the wide range of oil cosmetics. Make some tea and sit comfortably in an armchair. Get ready for the virtual stroll along the shelf named “Hair Oils”.
TOP 5 Oils for hair
“Stay for the night” – which oil should be picked for hair oiling treatment.
Sadly, it is true. Not every oil works for every hair type. Everything depends on the kind of acids (monounsaturated or polyunsaturated) included in a particular oil.
Oils with a higher concentration of saturated acids are abounding in small particles and will be excellent for low porosity hair (thick and heavy). However, they will not work in case of medium and high porosity hair because oils with small particles, so called penetrating oils, make such hair extremely frizzy.
Oils containing unsaturated acids include much bigger particles. They penetrate into the hair as well as create a protective layer on the hair surface which is necessary for medium and high porosity. This results in smoothing hair cuticles and adding them volume. The strands are properly “weighed down” thus they are not frizzy or electrified.
Due to various sizes of particles (i.e. their ability to penetrate into hair) conditioning oils can be divided into three groups adapted to three hair types. The three groups are presented below.
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Penetrating oils and butters – the ones with small particles and the majority of saturated acids, including lauric, myristic, stearic, palmitic and arachidic. They are suitable for LOW POROSITY hair and are included in the following oils: coconut, babassu, palm).
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Semi-penetrating oils – have slightly bigger particles. These are omega-7 and omega-9 monounsaturated acids. They work well for MEDIUM/NORMAL POROSITY hair. The group comprises: sweet almond, macadamia, peanut, sesame, olive, avocado and argan oils.
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Non-penetrating oils – oils with the majority of polyunsaturated acids, namely omega-3 and omega-6. They are made of the largest particles and will be ideal for HIGH POROSITY hair. The group includes: grape seed, sunflower, wheat germ, pumpkin seed, nigella, corn, linseed and hemp seed oils.
Products which contain properly suited natural oils designed for a specific hair type are available at drug stores and online shops and work very well.
The ones that are suitable for an overnight or of a few hours’ treatment are the best ones. They take care of the strands as well as of the scalp. If you have already chosen a suitable oil, it is a good idea to leave it overnight and wash hair in the morning using a delicate shampoo.
Other Hair Oils
Oiling the hair. Schedule
You already know that they are special. Inside lies the strength and power. In addition, they are fashionable. They often come in nice, designer bottles that look great in the bathroom. Bottles of hidden beauty. Natural hair oils. You can hear about all-night treatments with their participation almost everywhere. Would you like to try it as well? Well that is great. This is the place you should turn to, for help. We have carefully developed a list of steps that will help you choose the right oil and properly conduct the procedure of oiling.
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HOW TO DETERMINE THE POROSITY OF YOUR HAIR?We do not want you to commit a crime. Just a glass of water and a single hair removed from your brush is needed. Put it into the glass of water, wait 5-10 minutes and see how it reacts.
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Drowned – high porosity.
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Little dove, but did not fell to the bottom – medium porosity.
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Floats on the surface – low porosity.
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE OIL TO YOUR HAIR POROSITY?
Do you know what your hair type is? Now it is time to choose the right oil or a mixture of a few oils.-
High porosity hair. Choose oils that are composed of fatty acids omega – 3 and omega – 6 (grape, sunflower, linseed, pumpkin seed, cumin seed, corn).
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Medium porosity hair. Choose essential acids omega – 7 and omega-9, for example: almond, macadamia nuts, beans, sesame, olive, argan and avocado.
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Low porosity hair. Choose oils high in saturated fats such as: lauric acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid. Such acids predominate in the following oils: coconut, babassu, palm.
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HOW TO PROPERLY OIL THE HAIR?
It is time for action. Oiling is best done in the evening, when nobody and nothing disturbs you. Hair covered with oils does not look too impressive. Keep in mind that the oil of your preference works best on damp hair. Just a few drops will work wonders. Apply it carefully on the scalp and hair. It is a good idea to do a few-minute scalp massage, in circular motions. This will improve blood circulation and allow the oil to be absorbed better into the scalp. Now wrap your hair in a towel or a foil cap. All oils like heat, because it activates the substances contained in them. If you have the time devote a few minutes to warm the turban with warm air from the blow – dryer. -
HOW LONG SHOULD THE OIL BE LEFT ON THE HAIR?
Turn on a good movie, reach for a book, take a rest and let the oil working on the beauty of your hair. The ideal solution is to leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning with a gentle shampoo. If you do not feel comfortable sleeping with a towel on your head, simply wash the oil after 2-3 hours. Dry your hair as usually. -
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU OIL YOUR HAIR?
Oiling the hair must be done at least once a week, to see any results. So brace yourself with patience and remember that a habit is your second nature. Your hair will be grateful. Good luck!
Names of the oils according to INCI
Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) – diversity of youth vitamins A and E. It regenerates dry damaged hair. Smooths and prevents from breakage.
Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil) – closes cuticles and protects them. Has a good absorbency. It strengthens the roots, adds shine.
Chamomile extract oil (Chamomilla recutita Extract / Matricaria Flower Extract) – cares for sensitive skin, gives shine and softness, suitable mostly for bright hair.
Extract from a lotus flower (Nelumbium speciosum Extract) – nourishes the hair and improve its resilience. It has a beautiful fragrance and strong moisturising properties.
Sunflower (Helianthus Annus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil) – prevents from drying and frizz. Moisturises the scalp, nourishes.
Linseed oil (Linum usitatissimum Flower Extract) – prevents hair loss, regenerates and accelerates the growth of hair. Stimulates hair follicles to work. Prevents frizz.
Manoi oil (Gardenia Tahtensis Flower Extract) – anti-inflammatory, healing scalp, moisturises and smooths the hair, protects against sun radiation (Rosa Canina Flower Extract) – cleanses toxins from the scalp.
Soybean oil (Soya Oil / Soybean Oil) – light, well absorbed and cares for the ends. Suitable for high porosity hair.
Argan oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) – regenerates and protects damaged hair. It nourishes the scalp.
Pomegranate Seed oil (Punica granatum) – ideal for mature hair, slows down the ageing process.
Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Oil) – soothes, regenerates, will help mature and damaged hair. Moisturises, nourishes and smooths.
Macadamia oil (Macadamia ternifolia Seed Oil) – very easily absorbed, has a unique palmitoleic acid: a component of human sebum. Strengthens the hair from the roots. It protects, moisturises, smooths.
Apricot Kernel oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil) – is rich in vitamins A, B and E. Easily penetrates the hair. It regenerates hair, smooths and facilitates combing.
Sesame oil (Sezamum indicum Seed Oil) – prevents premature graying of hair, promotes its growth, smooths, nourishes and enhances shine. It provides soothing effects for the skin.
Olive oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil) – positively affects the appearance of hair, making it silky smooth. It also provides strength.
Marula (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil) – suitable for colour-treated and dry hair; it nourishes and regenerates. Lightweight, does not weigh hair down. Quickly absorbed.
Oil of mango (Mangifera Indica Seed Oil) – has regenerative properties, provides anti ageing properties.
Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract) – takes care of the scalp, fights dandruff and hair loss, strengthens, improves growth.
Oil bamboo shoots (Bambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract) – it makes the hair thick again and provides brilliance. It grows thicker with less breakage.
Avocado oil (Persea Gratissima Oil) – provides an adequate level of hydration, prevents split ends, breaking and hair loss. Adds shine. Closes the cuticles.
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) – strengthens the hair, prevents breaking, protects and restores natural glow.
Oil Kukui (Aleurites Molucca Seed Oil) – light and non-greasy. It protects and regenerates hair, is well absorbed. Eliminates dry scalp.
Passionfruit oil (Passiflora edulis Seed Oil) – regulates the secretion of sebum, softens the hair.
Buriti oil (Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil) – contains a lot of beta – carotene and vitamin C that slows hair ageing process.
Grape Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil) – is rich in vitamin E and linolenic acid. It absorbs quickly, regenerates, provides youth and vitality to your hair.
Wheat germ oil (Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil) – regenerates, moisturises and improves elasticity of the hair. Contains a high concentration of vitamin E.
Safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius) – soothes the scalp, contains essential fatty acids, and vitamins E and A.
Jasmine oil (Oleum Jasmini) – Prevents graying and hair loss, accelerates its growth and protects.
Oil roucou (Bixa Orellana) – fights free radicals, protects against UV radiation, rebuilds the hair structure, softens, moisturises.
Corn oil (Corn Oil) – rejuvenates, tones and strengthens the hair. The richness of vitamin E and phytosterols.
Oil pracaxi (Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil) – moisturises hair, protects against damage and prevents static.
Black cumin seed oil (Oleum Nigellae Sativae) – strengthens brittle and falling out hair, moisturises and strengthens hair follicles as well as stimulates hair growth.
Oil moringa (Moringa Oleifera) – smooth s and softens hair, quickly absorbed, moisturises. A good source of oleic acid.
Rosemary oil (Oleum rosmarini officinalis) – prevents aging, improves elasticity, provides shine. Regulates sebum.
Rapeseed oil (Oleum RAPA) – nourishes dry and damaged hair, cares about the proper level of moisture of the hair and scalp.
Castor oil (Oleum ricini, Oleum Palmae Christi) – supports hair growth and prevents hair loss. It improves the condition of hair. Restores its lustre and softness.
Oil Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) – heals the scalp, prevent hair loss, accelerates hair growth.
Carrot seeds oil(Daucus Carota Seed Oil) – delays the effects of ageing, contains a high concentration of vitamins C and E, provides resilience of the hair.
Camellia oil / tea (Camelia Oleiferaoil; Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil) – deeply nourishes and smooths the hair, rejuvenates and provides brilliance. This prevents excessive secretion of sebum. Soothes, refreshes the scalp.
Kendii oil (Oil Kendii) – is a source of omega – 3 fatty acids, omega – 6 and omega – 9, contains an antioxidant (tocopherol), which rejuvenates the hair fibres.