Hair Repair: Oils that Heal and Strengthen

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The end of summer is approaching, and if your hair’s like mine, it’s showing the results of activities of the past few months. I’m looking for new ways to keep my tresses conditioned and smooth going into fall.

Having done research for ways to avoid harmful ingredients such as PFAS in purchased products, I’ve chosen to look at natural, fruit- and nut-based oils to combat dryness and breakage. Many natural oils are present in salon and cosmetic shop products; at the same time, these products may contain substances such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, added for sunscreen properties, and allergens such as limonene and hexyl cinnamal. That’s a mouthful. Let’s look at some simple solutions you may want to try.

Coconut Oil
It’s loaded with lauric acid, a type of saturated fat, that scientists say can penetrate inside the hair shaft and repair damaged hair. Use of coconut oil may help to reduce the loss of protein, the hair’s main component, that may be damaged by chemical processes. It’s useful for all hair types.

Olive Oil
Excellent for conditioning, olive oil, with its abundance of monounsaturated fats, is able to penetrate deep into hair’s fibers. Studies have shown that natural body heat allows the deeper penetration, leaving a thin layer on the outside. But use it sparingly to avoid an oily, heavy result. A few drops can help keep curls smooth and protect from weather-related dryness.

Argan Oil
Also known as Moroccan oil, this oil that comes from the kernels of a tree has become a well-known treatment for many hair types, including frizzy, coarse and brittle hair. Full of essential fatty acids that help condition hair and protect from damage caused by oxidative dyes, it’s very good for color-treated hair.

Jojoba Oil
Long used in hair care products, jojoba oil is high in liquid wax and essential fatty acids. It can help soften and restore shine to dull hair. Studies show that it penetrated the hair follicle, reducing protein loss that contributes to thinning hair. It may also help treat dry scalp and help with dandruff control.

Avocado Oil
Avocados have a high concentration of the antioxidant vitamin E, which can combat hair loss when taken in supplement form. It contains fatty acids and minerals that help seal the cuticle, the outermost layer of hair strands, and help hair look smoother and shinier.

Sweet Almond Oil
A lighter oil, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect against ultraviolet radiation. It’s also good as a natural solution for dry scalp and dandruff.

Grapeseed Oil
It’s a lighter option for those with fine hair. A recent study comparing safflower seed oil, grapeseed oil and rosehip oil found that grapeseed oil was superior to the other two oils in repairing frizz, split ends and other damage when applied directly to the hair. This is a plus for hair that’s subjected to extreme weather conditions and damage from heat-styling appliances.

Baobab Oil
One of the lesser-known oils, baobab oil, sourced from the fruit of the baobab tree native to Africa, is favored by those with curly hair. It enhances elasticity, increases suppleness, adds shine and seals the surface to prevent moisture loss from hair types that have lower moisturization and moisture retention.

Tea Tree Oil
Distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, a flowering plant native to Australia and New Zealand, this oil is known to treat acne and skin infections due to its aromatic compounds called terpenes that have antimicrobial properties. It also has been shown to reduce dandruff from seborrheic dermatitis. Tea tree oil can be used alone or added to a carrier oil.

Uses
Many of these oils can be purchased at grocery stores. Others can be found at health food stores and online sources.

Try adding a few drops to the ends of damp hair before styling. An excellent pre-shampoo treatment is to warm a couple of tablespoons of oil, massage into hair and scalp and let it absorb for a period of time, then shampoo.

A basic recipe that you can personalize for your own specific needs combines a carrier oil and essential oils. Carrier oils are the ones listed above, and more. Start with one-half cup of carrier oil and add 10 to 18 drops of essential oils. Store away from light in a container that’s easy for you to use, such as a small spray bottle or a container with a dropper. Use sparingly until you see the effect on your hair; no one wants a greasy look. Enjoy your new hair health!

Sources: verywellhealth.com, allure.com, starwest-botanicals.com, vitacost.com, thefoxandshe.com and ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.