Unique Carrier Oils and Their Benefits for Health and Hair

Last week, we discussed  the potent effects of essential oils when incorporated into a hair care regimen. We mentioned that they are so highly concentrated, they should be diluted with a carrier oil of some kind to prevent reactions with the skin. Most folks are familiar with coconut oil and olive oil. Both are popular, multipurpose choices for an effective oil-based mix. Let's look at some other great options and their unique benefits for health and hair care.

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is rich in essential fatty acids that strengthen the hair and keep it nourished and lubricated, and the vitamin E it contains also conditions and nourishes, while the proteins in avocado oil can fortify your hair. Applying avocado oil directly into your hair not only keeps the hair strong and beautiful, it is also beneficial if you are experiencing dandruff or scalp psoriasis. Avocado oil acts as a natural sunscreen, and helps to protect your hair and scalp from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

JBCO has a traditionally been known as an all-purpose healing oil. Though it can be used to treat dietary ailments as well as to treat various skin disorders, it is now most popularly used in hair care.
As an unrefined form of castor oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is very rich in nutritive properties. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is processed differently from usual versions of castor oil- it is made by manually roasting and then grinding the castor beans. Then the beans are heated up and the oil extracted from the crushed beans. It’s the unique roasting process that gives Jamaican Black Castor Oil its distinct dark color.
Many people turn to Jamaican Black Castor Oil to aid in hair growth. It has been proven to be extremely effective in this because it increases the blood flow to the scalp while also supplying nutrition to the hair follicles. Because JBCO is rich in vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids, it is also excellent for treating damaged, dry, and brittle hair by providing intense nourishment to the hair and scalp. It also acts as a humectant, so it attracts and locks moisture into the hair shaft.JBCO can treat and prevent dandruff and dissolves any build-up from hair products or from other sources that has accumulated in the pores of the scalp. In its all natural form, it is also safe to use on eyebrow and eyelashes to thicken their volume as well.

Jojoba Oil

Many scalp related problems are caused by a hardened build-up of sebum that clogs the hair follicles and may cause some types of scaling. If this hardened build-up is not removed, it can eventually obstruct the hair follicle’s ability to function properly, jojoba rapidly penetrates down to the scalp and hair shaft, and readily loosens and dissolves this hardened build-up. The scalp and hair follicles are left clean and free to continue their normal function. Jojoba is great for all hair types and has an ability to inhibit excess activity of the sebaceous glands making it the perfect choice for people with oily scalps that still need conditioning. Likewise it can be used for dry hair as it helps to moisturize your hair properly.

Vitamin E Oil

Proper circulation leads to thriving hair follicles which leads to hair growth. Vitamin E contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp. When added to homemade products, Vitamin E extends their shelf life. This oil rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin.

Grapeseed Oil

It protects against moisture loss. Grapeseed oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Research has demonstrated that when applied to the skin, this fatty acid can help combat dryness by providing protection against moisture loss. This may be good news for a dry scalp. It is fairly light. Thus, if you find olive oil to be too heavy or want an alternative to jojoba oil, grapeseed oil may be worth a try. It is also one of the few oils that is completely odorless.