Knowing Oils and What They Do for Our Hair

• Posted by Tudy Rudolph

Oils help aid hair health to all hair types

Carrier oil (base oils) is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to application. They are rich in vitamins, proteins, nutrients and therapeutic properties.


Essential oils are concentrated liquids distilled from the leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of a botanical. Essential oils evaporate and have a concentrated aroma. Essential Oil is so powerful, they must be diluted in carrier oils.

Aloe Vera Juice/Gel- has excellent moisturizing properties that can serve as a natural conditioner to deeply moisturize the hair strands. Help with those who are struggling with dry, damaged and unmanageable frizzy hair.

Rose water- the pH value of rose water is closer to that of the hair in its optimal state; therefore, it works to repair the porosity. This allows the hair to retain the proper amount of moisture in; and the cuticle will remain smooth.
Coconut Oil- is used as a natural conditioner for hair. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works with natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil- is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Antioxidants are beneficial as they slow the ageing process. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger. Olive oil has emollient properties, due to which olive oil for hair loss, is often recommended. Olive oil for hair care is great, for another reason. It helps in battling dandruff, which can be one of the reasons for hair loss.
Avocado oil- (protein base) has a number of nutrients that can benefit the growth and the health of all kinds of hair, especially dry and African American hair. It contains essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins A, D, E and B6, Magnesium, copper, iron, amino acids and folic acid, all of which is extremely essential for hair growth and nourishment. It is also a rich source of Lecithin which gives it good penetrative qualities.


Apricot Kernel oil- is cold-pressed and refined from the dried kernels of apricots. Its consistency and texture resemble sweet almond oil and it penetrates the hair effortlessly without leaving an oily residue like olive oil or jojoba oil. It’s also high in vitamin E and vitamin A which makes it great for hydrating mature, dry and sensitive skin. For best results, add to your shampoo or conditioner for extra softness. Or, use as a hot oil treatment to soften new growth. Lastly, add a few drops to your daily moisturizer to boost its moisturizing effects.
Grapeseed oil- is pressed from grape seeds. Because of its moisturizing and regenerative properties, grapeseed oil is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Grapeseed oil is rich with antioxidants and has many beneficial properties for the hair and scalp. It is easily absorbed into the body and is good for people with sensitive skin because of its non-allergenic properties.

Hemp seed oil- is a source of the essential amino acids that benefit healthy hair. Hemp promotes strong, healthy locks and staves off the effects of aging. Shampoo and other hair care products that use hemp will leave your hair soft. Hemp oil can be applied directly to hair as a conditioner, even left on overnight. Hemp oil is also used to moisturize braids, cornrows and weaves.
Castor oil- the germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties of Ricin and Ricinoleic acid present in castor oil protects the scalp and hair from microbial and fungal infections, the two prime causes for hair loss. In addition, the fatty acids in it nourish hair and prevent the scalp from drying by retaining moisture. Promotes thickness of hair.
Jojoba oil- the oil extracted from jojoba is technically a liquid wax even though it is commonly called an oil. Jojoba oil is golden in color with light natural nutty odor that does not linger. The oil is hypoallergenic, nonirritating and noncomedogenic. It contain vitamin E and has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These benefits make the oil ideal for hair care.
Argan oil- is loaded with essential fatty acids like linoleic acids, which is the precursor of vitamin E. it is found to contain 700 mg per kilogram of tocopherols that is twice the amount found in olive oil. It is a natural antioxidant and can stimulate intracellular oxygenation. This helps neutralize the free radicals and protects the soft tissue.

Chamomile oil Essential Oil (EO)- is one of the important ingredients in shampoos and conditioners. Chamomile helps protect hair from the harsh external environment. Chamomile oil cures oily scalp which causes dandruff. Though it takes time to produce desired effect, chamomile is better than the chemical bleach used for lightening hair. Chamomile revitalizes the hair, which also strengthening its roots. Replace toxic, chemical products with chamomile oil, it will be beneficial in the longer run. Applying chamomile oil to hair makes insomniacs sleep peacefully.
Rosehip seed oil EO- is safe to use on the hair and scalp and provides many restorative benefits. You can use rose hip seed oil as a hot oil treatment on dry, damaged or brittle hair. For dandruff on dry scalp, apply rose hip seed oil directly to the scalp and massage it into the skin. According to rosehipoil.com, rose hip seed oil has a low pH and is safe and gentle enough to be applied directly to the hair and scalp.
Eucalyptus oil EO- this essential oil can be used to get long and healthy hair. One of the common scalp problems that are known to cause hair loss and adversely affect hair growth is dandruff. Eucalyptus oil can help to get rid of dandruff, which in turn can help to promote healthy growth of hair. Eucalyptus oil can increase the elasticity of hair. This can make your hair stronger and more resistant to hair breakage and split ends. All these benefits of eucalyptus oil for hair can be attributed to both its medicinal properties and soothing aroma. The refreshing aroma of the oil can reduce mental stress and exhaustion, which too can go a long way in preventing hair loss.
Grapefruit essential oil- is reputed to be beneficial to the hair and scalp. It promotes hair growth when massaged into scalp, and can be used as a tonic.

Peppermint oil EO- because of its pH balancing qualities, peppermint oil can also be used to treat the opposite problem: dry scalp and dandruff. And since the oil will be neutralizing the dryness on the scalp itself, it will take away any itching sensation associated with this social nightmare. The tingling sensation mentioned above not only evens the field of the pH balances of your scalp, but it also stimulates your hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Thyme essential oil- is very useful in promoting hair growth. Regular massage of thyme oil improves blood circulation in the scalp and gives your hair luster, shine and bounce.
Ylang ylang oil EO- is said to be useful in normalizing sebum secretions. This oil also can be used to stimulate the scalp and thereby promote hair growth.
Tea tress oil EO- is used as an antibacterial and antiseptic agent. These properties make it ideal for keeping hair healthy since it will thoroughly clean your hair. Tea tress oil can potentially help those suffering from thinning hair or baldness: it cleans your hair follicles of residue, which can impede hair growth. Tea tree oil also has moisturizing component, which can improve the texture of dry or frizzy hair.
Rosemary oil EO- has a number of properties that promote healthy hair growth. One of the important rosemary oil properties is its stimulating effect. The use of rosemary oil on the hair and scalp helps stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and thus promotes healthy hair growth. It is light in texture and therefore, does not clog the pores in the scalp that may retard hair growth. Rosemary oil is used along with other essential oils and a base oil to enhance its effect.
Cedar oil EO- relieves dandruff and hair loss. Promotes hair growth. Balances dry and oily hair.
Basil oil EO- adds luster. Promotes growth.

What's your favorite oil?How do you use it? Got any recipes to share?