3 Best Oils for Hair Growth and Strength
Vegetable oils (also known as carrier oils or base oils) have long been used for hair care because of their wide range of hair benefits. They provide hair follicles with essential nutrients, promoting the growth of strong and healthy hair, as well as repair damaged hair structure and prevent dehydration. Here is a brief list of the best oils for hair growth and strength.
Castor Oil
Castor oils is pressed from castor beans. It is mostly composed of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that isn’t found in any other vegetable oil. Other fatty acids contained in castor oil are oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.
Castor oil is widely used in hair care because of its conditioning and anti-dandruff effect. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause dandruff. In addition, this oil soothes itchy and flaky scalp, prevents split ends, moisturizes the hair, and helps control hair loss.
How to use. Castor oil is a bit thicker than other vegetable oils, so it will be easier to apply if you mix it with a lighter carrier oil (for example, melted coconut oil, sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil). To combat dandruff and reduce hair loss, massage castor oil into your scalp, put on a shower cap, and leave the oil for a few hours or even overnight. After that, shampoo your hair as usual.
Argan Oil
Arguably the most popular hair oil, argan oil comes from Morocco. It is produced from the kernels of the argan tree that is endemic to this country. Argan oil is primarily composed of oleic acid and linoleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 and a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, respectively. It also contains smaller amounts of palmitic acid and stearic acid.
Alongside fatty acids, argan oil contains other beneficial compounds, such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and antioxidants. They will do wonders for your hair. Hair packs with argan oil prevent hair damage, reduce brittleness and frizziness, keep the hair nourished and moisturized, and leave it soft, silky and manageable. This oil is called “liquid gold” for a reason!
How to use. To keep your hair soft and tame, apply just a few drops of argan oil to your palm and rub your hands together. Distribute the oil evenly your hair, avoiding the roots. Argan oil can be applied to dry or damp hair; for best results, use daily (or every other day if you have oily hair). It is best for dry and frizzy hair.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been used as a beauty product for centuries. Extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts, it is valued for its high content of saturated fatty acids that makes it resistant to rancidification. The main constituents of coconut oil are lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and caprylic acid. It also contains phytosterols.
How can your hair benefit from coconut oil? This oil is a multi-purpose product suitable for all hair types, including even greasy hair. It intensively moisturizes even severely dehydrated hair, protect it from UV radiation, heat and other external factors, reduces damage, breakage and hair loss, prevents frizzy and unruly hair, and helps keep your scalp healthy.
How to use. Due to its high content of saturated fats, coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so we recommend that you melt it before applying (you can do this by rubbing the oil between your palms). Apply it to your hair from root to tip if you have dry or normal hair, or from the mid-shaft to tip if you have oily hair. Leave the oil for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo as usual. If you have very dry hair, you can leave it for several hours or even overnight. To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, repeat the procedure at least once a week.
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