Let's talk Oils! Part 4: Random Essential and Carrier Oils that need mention

January 3, 2011

Hello, Hello, Hello!

Well, I didn't want to devote a whole blog post to some essential and carrier oils that most people don't really talk about or use for hair care. The list of oils is quite extensive, and some of them are a little bit odd. This list is mostly complete however I did delete some that were just way off the wall I may at a later time update this list.

• Agar Oil:
• Ajwain Oil
• Angelica Root Oil:
• Anise Oil
• Balsam Oil
• Basil Oil
• Bergamot Oil
• Buchu Oil
• Cannabis Flower Essential Oil ( I have no idea!)
• Caraway Oil
• Cardamom Seed Oil
• Carrot Seed Oil
• Cedarwood Oil
• Chamomile Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Citronella Oil
• Clover Leaf Oil
• Cranberry Seed Oil
• Cumin Oil
• Davana Oil
• Dill Oil
• Fennel Seed Oil
• Fenugreek Oil
• Geranium Oil
• Ginger Oil
• Grapefruit Oil
• Henna Oil
• Jasmine Oil
• Juniper Berry Oil
• Lemon Oil
• Lemon Grass Oil
• Mustard Oil
• Orange Oil
• Oregano Oil
• Pine Oil
• Rose Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Rosewood Oil
• Safe Oil
• Sandalwood Oil
• Spearmint Oil
• Tarragon Oil

Please note that I removed the oils that I have already talked about in previous post.

I emphasised Cinnamon, Jasmine and Rose oil because I am interested in them mostly for the smell as I like hair things that smell nice and would like to add a little to whatever mix I have made (and mastered!) to give it that little something extra. Cinnamon oil seems to have huge antibacterial properties which I think will be very helpful in extending the shelf life of my mixes! While Jasmine and Rose oil might just be pretty smells, they are also good in aromatherapy. I think smelling a little Jasmine or Rosemary or the like my relieve stress and make me a calmer person. Which is a side perk I like!

So now on to Carrier oils. The list of carrier oils is far smaller than the essential oils

• Sweet Almond Oil (Is a very popular carrier oil and is nourishing and can softens and strengthens the hair. It is said that if you use Almond oil as a pre-wash treatment it is good at collecting dust, particulates and pollution in your hair)
• Olive Oil
• Sesame Oil
• Evening Primrose (Never heard of this oil)
• Canola Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Emu Oil
• Castor Oil
• Walnut Oil
• Peanut oil
• Pecan Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Coconut Oil

It was noted that for most purposes in general Almond Oil and Grape Seed Oil are among the most popular carrier oils. (Please see part 2 for more info on Grape Seed Oil if you missed it)

Olive Oil, Castor Oil and Coconut Oil are also popular hair care carrier oils so I thought I would give them more of a mention.

Olive Oil

• One cause of hair loss is because of a hormone called DTH (DTH=Dihdrotestoserone (I have no idea how to say that BUT it is an androgen (Which is general term for natural or made hormones) made mostly in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles and adrenal glads which leads the hair follicle shaft to decrease.) Applying olive oil to hair prevents the production of DTH hormones on the scalp, thus getting rid of the problem of hair loss
• appropriate for general scalp health
• natural conditioner

Castor Oil

• can be used to get rid of infections that causes various scalp problems
• When applied on a dry, scaly scalp, it can retain the moisture and improve the scalp condition
• can also strengthen the hair roots and promote hair growth
•  hair conditioner
• pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people with underlying health condition should take care with castor oil and should discuss the use of it with their doctors (Especially if you drink it!)

Coconut Oil

• An emollient with a rich source of fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, lauric, capric, caprylic, myristic and palmitic acid
• ideal for dry hair
•  If not washed properly, this oil can clog the hair follicles inhibiting hair growth (I did not know this, when I started my hair journey I thought I should use this oil on my scalp. What a mistake! It made my scalp itch like crazy and I had no idea why. I did like 3 emergency washes trying to not to rip my scalp off in an attempt to get relief! Well, as happens often I was lazy after the last wash and let it air dry and went to bed. I had no time in the morning to do anything with it, So I slapped on my handy dandy ProFective Leave in and went to work. No itching! No itching all day and so I learned I can only use Extra Virgin Coconut oil in my Pre-poo and not overnight)

Well, I hope you have enjoy my 4 part series on Essential and Carrier Oils and that you have found the information helpful.