Some Great Oils For Your Hair, Skin, and Body!

Hello again my lovelies!

It's been a harsh winter so far, and that sometimes equates to dull hair and skin. Using natural oils is a great way to bring back the healthy shine and glow to both! Some oils have other body benefits as well. Let's take a look.

Castor Oil

This oil is a thick, golden colored oil obtained from the seeds of the castor plant. It had been used thousands of years ago by Egyptians as a way to fight skin infections and cultivate healthy hair. Castor oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, and therefore used for athlete's foot and yeast infections. In India (and in my house growing up!), it was also used as a laxative. For your hair, castor oil has been shown to correct dryness and brittleness, and repair it by providing the necessary nutrients and vitamins to the scalp. Jamaican Black Castor Oil has been heralded by many women suffering from hair loss and thinning. The black castor oil is obtained by roasting the castor bean, which makes it darker and gives a stronger smell. It apparently works by stimulating the production of keratin, and producing shiny hair after a few months of use. Massage into scalp and wash out after 15-30 minutes. It's very thick, so remember you don't need a lot! See more here.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a very popular oil, used both internally and externally. It is one of my favorite oils to use on my skin and hair, and also to cook with. There are 2 types available: refined and virgin. The refined oil is processed under less than hygienic conditions, so it must be bleached and deodorized to remove the impurities and because of this, it appears colorless and odorless. Virgin coconut oil is produced by extracting the oil from the coconut "meat" manually, resulting in a pure form of coconut oil. It retains its brown-yellowish color and scent. It is made up of 90% saturated fatty acids, most of which are lauric acid, which is regarded as healthy. I use the Spectrum organic virgin brand, or the Whole Foods 365 unrefined brand. It is solid at room temperature, so it must be warmed or rubbed in your palms for easier application to hair and skin.

When used in your hair, it provides proteins and other nutrients to increase strength and growth. It also has an antifungal effect when applied to the scalp, creating a healthy environment. Dandruff, sebhorroehic dermatitis, and other flaky scalp issues can be managed with the application of coconut oil.

For the skin, it provides great moisturization and softening due to its high mineral content. Antioxidants present also help with signs of aging of the skin, such as fine lines and sagging.

Cooking with unrefined coconut oil lends a sweet, nutty flavor to foods. It can withstand high heat temps due to its saturated fat content. Since this saturated fat is in the form of lauric acid, it is thought to raise the "good" cholesterol blood levels (HDL's), therefore being heart friendly. Moreover, research has also shown that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil contributes to weight loss by being quickly broken down by the liver to provide energy and  increasing your metabolism.

 

Avocado Oil

Most women at some point or other have mashed an avocado and massaged into their hair as a conditioner. Or bought a conditioner with avocado oil in it. Why? Because avocado is a great moisturizer! If you have brittle or damaged hair from coloring, extensive heat use, or other chemicals, the nourishing amino acids and vitamins A, B6, D, and E can help restore health to your tresses. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can protect your hair from free radicals, and as a humectant will help lock in moisture. The fatty acids will lend shine and softness. For a good hot oil treatment, mix 2 tablespoons of avocado oil with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (increase or decrease amount depending on your hair length), heat in saucepan to a comfortable temperature and massage into clean scalp and hair. Apply a plastic cap and sit under hooded dryer or simply wrap with a warm towel for 15-20 minutes. Wash out as normal and enjoy softer, healthier hair!

As for eating, you can cook with avocado oil (at high temps up to 520!), or use in salad dressings and other dishes. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which again is heart healthy because it can improve your cholesterol counts.

Sweet Almond Oil

There are 2 types of almond oil: sweet and bitter. The bitter type is extracted from the bitter almond plant and should not be used internally or topically. Sweet almond oil is extracted from sweet almond seeds and has a ton of health and beauty benefits. Its composition has been found to be closest to the oil found in a baby's skin. I routinely use sweet almond oil on my face after cleansing at night. It's a very light oil that absorbs easily, so there's no heavy, greasy feel on my face. It's good for helping with dark circles under eyes, improving complexion and glow (thanks to its zinc content), and locking in moisture. If you have eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, or other skin inflammation, I recommend trying this oil because of its high source of vitamins A, B, & E. It is also known to help with hair breakage, excessive hair fall, and split ends. It can also be used in place of store bought leave-in conditioners to bring shine to your hair. Use with an old mascara wand and apply to lashes just as you would mascara to see longer lashes! Massage some of the warmed oil to a sore area or joint for pain relief. See a few more internal benefits here.

Marula Oil

Marula oil is hand harvested from the marula fruit found in South Africa and Madagascar. The oil is extracted from the nut inside the fruit by the local women. It is pale, golden brown color and light textured with a sweet fragrance. It boasts high levels of antioxidants (vitamins C & E, flavonoids) and amino acids that help with fighting the aging effects of the environment. Omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids provide increased skin elasticity and hydration. Antimicrobial properties make it a good fit for those with acne blemishes and scarring. Marula oil is also said to be ideal for stretch marks, sun damaged, and dry & irritated skin. Find out more.

These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. If you are pregnant or nursing, or have any allergies to nuts, please consult your physician before trying any of these recommendations!

Some other great oils for you to research are argan, grapeseed, and black currant. What's your favorite health and beauty oil?

Until next time,

Love & Happiness!

Nikki

What's in my hair???

Healthy hair on a woman (or man, for that matter) is always a beautiful thing. Usually, it becomes the topic of conversation and questions then follow about what you do to maintain it.

Plus, I promised this a while back. =/

I transitioned from chemically treated hair to natural hair back in 2008. I have always had a relaxer in my hair from about the age of 12 or so. My hair is naturally thick, coarse, and was always on the drier side growing up. It would get to shoulder length, and then break off. No one knew how to care for it, including me. Remember Dax hair grease?? Ugh!

In college, I just decided to braid it because it was easier to maintain. During those 4 years or so, I noticed as my relaxer grew out, my natural texture was gorgeous and it grew like crazy! I wished I had the knowledge back then on how to care for my natural hair, because I would have saved myself a lot of heartache in upcoming years. After I graduated, I went back to a relaxer, cut it into a fierce bob and rocked it! It was cute, but my hair started breaking again.

Finally, I decided to learn about my hair and how to take care of it. I was determined to have gorgeous locks like my Trinidadian grandmother, and like my birth mother. Although I don't really know her, the pics I saw of her showed THE most amazing Angela Davis type fro I've ever seen.

I truly have to credit girls like AFROSTORY, misskrisnew, Rusticbeauty, whoissugar, and SO many more natural girls on YouTube who taught me how to embrace, love, and grow my hair the way it was intended. Although I didn't "big chop" and start from scratch, I just trimmed the relaxed ends off as my hair grew, and within 6 months or so, I had no more relaxer left.

I LOVE my hair. I have to say that I thought I could flat iron it (of course using heat protectant) in the summer and it would stay straight. Unfortunately, the summer humidity of Atlanta laughed at that plan. Which worked out just fine because all that heat started to break it off again. Yikes!! So during the summer, I twist out or roller set, and in the cooler months I roller set and occasionally flat iron. My hair is now about 20 inches long, or armpit length (APL) when straight. I started at about ear length. If it weren't for the heat damage along my journey, my hair would definitely be at my goal of bra strap length (BSL)now 3 years later, but setbacks are good because they force you to learn what works.

Here's what I've learned:

1. LISTEN TO YOUR HAIR! Not everything someone else does for their hair will work for yours. Honey is supposed to be a natural hair girl's dream moisturizer. My hair detests it. It just gets hard and crunchy. Organic Shea Butter, sealed with sweet almond oil and/or olive oil works best for me.

2. Use very little products at one time to see what works best for you. I used to run out and buy everything under the sun to get my hair softer, longer, shinier, etc. Except I didn't know what the hell was working and what wasn't. Plus, it was a waste of money! Now I keep it pretty simple and my hair thanks me.

3. Drink lots of water, eat fresh foods, exercise, and massage your scalp. Daily. Period. It's an internal and external endeavour. You can't eat processed junk foods, live a stressful life, and be unbalanced yet expect your hair to grow just because you have a great regimen.

4. Supplements are fine for me, but I keep it at 2 only : Biotin 10mg daily (one 5,000mcg caps twice daily), and B12 tab daily since I'm vegan. That's it. I try to get the rest of my vitamins and supplements from my diet of fruits, veggies, legumes, grains, and almond milk.

5. Be patient and consistent. Natural black hair takes a lot of attention and time. I dedicate Saturday or Sunday to wash (or co-wash), deep condition, moisturize, twist, then air dry. I trim the ends every 4-6 weeks and continue to educate myself on what's best for my hair.

6. Detangle slowly, and the less heat the better. My hair is very coily and I have to detangle and be careful with heat to avoid breakage.

So here's a list of my common hair products. I also clarify every so often with an apple cider vinegar wash, and try to avoid any cones or unnatural ingredients in my hair products.


1. Sweet Almond Oil

 I buy this from The Vitamin Shoppe, $4.99
 I massage this into my scalp daily and seal the ends of my hair after a wash.

2. Tea Tree Oil

I bought mine at Walmart, about $8

I only use this once or twice per week, mixed with another oil since it is an essential oil. It has a lot of properties such as antibacterial and anti fungal. It helps unclog my hair follicles and help to stimulate growth.


3. Jamaican Black Castor Oil

I've yet to find in stores. I buy mine at Sam's Caribbean online store, 4 oz $6.99

The site claims: Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is know to cleanse toxins from the scalp, nourish and thicken the hair, stimulate hair growth, moisturize dry brittle hair, repair split ends, and give hair body and bounce.
Yessir! It has done all that for my hair. I buy the one with lavender added for better scent and the added hair growth benefits lavender is attributed with. The oil is very thick, and not much is needed. My has has grown about 1/2 inch or so per month since I've started using it. I especially massage into my hairline area which had become weak from years of tight braiding, and this oil has done wonders for it!

4. Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie

 I purchased at Carol's Daughter, along with the Khoret Amen Hair oil for $20.

I use the deep conditioner to help detangle roughly once monthly. I use the oil about 2-3 times weekly. They both have a very strong scent, but the olive oil, ylang oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil LOVES my hair. It defines my curls, and gives slip well.  I think it's the patchouli that gives it the strong scent, but it disappears by morning =)

5. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

I buy this at Sally's Beauty Supply, about $5

This is my go to conditioner. It makes my hair soft as ish (ew...sorry, but it does!) and smells great. I use it for my co-washes (conditioner washes) when I don't want to use drying shampoos, and also sometimes as a deep conditioner under a plastic cap for about an hour. LOVES!

6. Aloe Vera Gel (organic)

 I buy mine at Sprouts Farmer's Market, about $4

I use this to both moisturize and tame the frizzies when I wear my twist outs in the summer.

7.  Biotin and B-12

 I buy mine at various pharmacies. I got these last at Kroger, 2 for 1 $9

I don't like to give out dosages for supplements or any meds to people because, 1. I'm a medical professional, and 2. Everyone's body responds differently. So PLEASE know that this is what works FOR ME. That being said, biotin is known to cause skin breakouts if you start off with a high dose, so start lower and see what works for you. I had to increase my dose to 10,000mcg (10mg) daily before I saw significant growth. It works for me. Beware, though...your hair growth everywhere speeds up =/

Oh, and my nails will look like claws if you aren't careful =/ 
B12 helps also with my metabolism, allowing the body to use fats, protein, and carbs to grow skin, hair and nails.

8. Nubian Heritage 98% Organic Shea Butter

 The Vitamin Shoppe, $11.49

Pure Shea butter is a gift to my hair. I massage it in daily and it keeps my hair soooo soft! Nubian Heritage has different varieties; the one I use is infused with neem oil, Haitian vetiver, and Indian hemp, as well as the Raw Shea Butter, 99%  organic. It smells amazeballs! Rub it in your palms for a bit so it can melt before you massage in.

9. Mane 'n Tail Herbal Gro Shampoo

Sally's Beauty Supply, about $5

I know, I know. It's for horses...but it works!! I only use this about 2x/month because it does contain some 'cones (way down on the ingredient list) and sodium laureth sulfate (second ingredient). However, the majority of ingredients are natural, and herbal. Plus it's tingly. I love to tingle. I'm currently on the prowl for a natural shampoo, so leave me suggestions if you have any.


10. My hair on wash day! :D

Just wanted to show the texture of my hair as it has grown out over the years. This is 100% natural texture without any chemicals.

 Conditioned and sectioned off in twists. Sexxxy, lol!

Combed out, flat ironed and curled =)




Well, there it is...my hair regimen and journey so far. I'm happy with my progress and my goal for next year is at least 6 inches of growth. At a 1/2 inch per month, that's pretty realistic. I'll show you guys my progress in June 2012!! Let's goooo!

Love & Happiness,

Nikki