The best oils for hair growth

Any lady would want her hair as healthy, lustrous and long as possible. Therefore, hair loss as a result of heredity, hormonal changes ,medical condition or the normal part of aging may cause one to worry and look for all kinds of remedies to fix the damage.

Over time, a number of products have been introduced to the market promising to hair growth such essential oils and carrier oils.

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. These oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Their unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. They are obtained through distillation or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.

Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use. A carrier oil is also obtained from plants and is used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin. This is important as essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.

For the oils to work, the concentration in which you use them in is very important. Essential oils are the best when it comes to treating damaged hair. However, some have to be diluted using carrier oils. This is because they may be to strong hence causing tenderness and sensitivity to the scalp.

You should always choose a carrier oil based on the type of scalp you have. For oily scalps, light-weight carrier oils like almond  are the best. Heavy-weight oils like coconut are the best for a dry scalp to reduce irritation.

1.Jojoba oil

People swear by the power of jojoba oil regardless of their hair type. It is similar to the oil our scalp and skin produces called sebum. This makes it the best for hair growth since it doesn’t interfere with the scalps natural balance. It works from the inside out by penetrating the hair shaft and follicle.

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It is also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which reduce scalp inflammation that appears as redness, itching, or flaking. Jojoba oil also smoothens the hair by forming a protective coating over each hair strands. This locks in moisture, reduces frizz making hair soft, shiny and tangle-free.

You can add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner or apply it to the ends of your hair after shampooing. Jojoba oil can also be used as a leave in treatment.

2.Argan oil

This oil, originating from Morocco, is also referred to as the ‘Liquid gold’ because of its rich golden color. It is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and fatty acids which make the hair soft making it manageable. Its moisturizing effects leave the hair with a lustrous shine.

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Argan oil also protects the hair from the harmful UV rays and heat that damage the hair. It is ideal for hair that is frequently styled by using heat and dry, brittle or frizzy hair.

You can use the oil as frequently as you like. Pour a few drops and apply to the hair avoiding the roots. You can add a few drops in your shampoo, leave-in treatment or conditioner.

3.Olive oil

Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants olive oil has a unique chemical composition obtained naturally from pressing olives. Olive oil soothes the scalp by moisturizing the skin hence reducing itchiness and dryness.

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It also works to unclog follicles which contribute to dandruff and hair loss. Olive oil blocks the production of dihydrotestosterone a hormone that attacks the hair follicles and weakens the hair. Their is no need to use a conditioner after treating your hair using olive oil.

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4.Sweet almond oil

It is known for strengthening and softening the hair due to its richness in vitamin B-7 (biotin). Almond oil also has antibacterial and fungicidal properties that help in balancing the yeast that causes dandruffs.

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Due to its ability to soak into the skin, it works well in hydrating the scalp and cleansing hair follicles. Deep moisturising of your scalp and hair potentially soothes flaking and itching.

5.Lavender essential oil

This is an essential oil derived from the flowers of Lavender. Lavender oil protects against hair loss by increasing the number of hair follicles leading to a fuller and thicker hair. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which help reduce dandruff.

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As you can probably tell, these oils give your hair some moisturising effect which prevents brittle hair and thus prevent breakage. This means that you will be able to retain length.

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