Oils seem to be all the rave lately- and with good reason. Numerous products are now being named after plant-based oils even though
they only contain trace amounts of these oils- don't believe me? Check out the ingredients list!
To ensure you are not being riped off, and more importantly, you are not purchasing products for their natural qualities only to find that they are loaded with silicones and synthetic oils, be sure to either check the ingredients list or purchase your oils from Whole Foods, Big Bear or other natural food stores. When checking the ingredients of natural oils, the only ingredient listed should be the name of the oil you are purchasing.
Ok, so now you know to check the ingredients list or purchase from natural food stores, but which oil should you purchase? This post will compare the 5 most popular oils by properties and benefits and leave it up to you to choose!
Argan Oil Benefits:
While argan oil has many benefits, most of them pertain to skin health. Because it contains 80% fatty acids with loads of vitamin E, not only does is make your skin extremely soft and supple, it helps cure many skin ailments such as acne, stretchmarks, eczema and psoriasis. The Argan leaves also have a high concentration of polyphenols, known for their anti-free radical properties and for the prevention of skin aging.
As an oil treatment, Argan oil helps seal the hair cuticle to protect against damage caused by chemicals as well as excessive heat from styling and environmental abuses. Read the product label to see where Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, or Argan oil, is listed as an ingredient. The earlier you find it in the list, the greater the quantity found in the product. Argan oil is traditionally used to treat:
- Split ends- Argan oil contains unsaturated fats omega 3 and omega 9 which helps prevent split ends by strengthening the protein bonding structures of the hair
- Dry, itchy scalp- Apply to scalp and wrap head in a warm towel for 30 minutes or overnight to soothe irritation.
- Dull hair- If your hair lacks luster, smooth it on for intense shine and vibrancy.
Damage protection/ sealant- Helps seal moisture in the hair cuticle to prevent damage caused by dryness, also, contains vitamin E which is great for a healthy scalp and repairing damaged hair
Coconut Oil Benefits
The main benefit of coconut oil for your hair is that its
molecules are small enough to actually penetrate the hair shaft and deposit the nutrients of the oil directly to the hair shaft. You see, coconut oil is a saturated oil. Saturated oils are solid at room temperature (can be softened easily by running container under hot water). These oils can more readily penetrate hair fibers than other oils due to their straight chain molecules, which allow them to slip easily into hair fibers. Coconut oil also has polar properties, which means that 1 end of each molecule is positively charged and the other is negatively charged. Its polarity properties are attracted to hair's keratin protein deep in hair fibers. This is beneficial for several reasons: 1) strengthens overall hair fibers, 2) reduces rate hair shaft is able to expand when wet, which prevents hygral fatigue- when hair expands too much when wet and breaks while drying.
FYI: A study by researchers A. S. Rele and R. B. Mohile published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 2003 showed that coconut oil reduced protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. The researchers suggest that since coconut oil is a triglyceride of a principal fatty acid -- lauric acid -- it has a high affinity for hair proteins. The study said "because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, [coconut oil] is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft."
Coconut oil, like olive oil, works especially well for those with coarse or thick hair since it is a thicker oil.
- Prevents Shampoo Damage: Saves hair from protein stripping effects of shampoo
- Prevents Hygral fatigue
- Prevents Lice
- Anti-Dandruff: The various fatty acids present in Coconut Oil serve as very good anti dandruff agents and are way better than any anti dandruff shampoo.
- Styling: Coconut oil can be good styling oil for hair too, as it melts on heating and then condenses on cooling. So when you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to heat of the scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on hair condenses on cooling and thus works as a styling gel or cream.
- Prevents Hair Loss: One of the most responsible reasons behind hair fall and hair loss is microbial action on the scalp and hair roots. So, to protect hair against them, what we need is an antimicrobial agent. Lauric Acid present in Coconut Oil is one of them.
- Sealant: Coconut Oil has high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This prevents breakage of hair.
Olive Oil
One of the main benefits of olive oil is its
nourishing property. Used on hair, olive oil can nourish, condition, and improve the strength and elasticity. Cosmetics with an olive oil base nurture your skin by maintaining a moisture balance that both soothes dry skin and absorbs easily to nourish deep beneath the surface. This therapeutic quality is especially important to those who suffer with skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis and allergies.
Olive oil contains mostly monounsaturated fats. Which means that it's molecule chain only contains 1 kink allowing it to penetrate the hair fiber more readily than other unsaturated oils, but not as readily as saturated oils such as coconut oil. Olive oil is a natural ingredient perfect for dry hair and heated oil treatments. Benefits include:
- Sealant- Prevents hair dryness by creating barrier between hair and the elements
- Split ends- Helps smooth split ends by smoothing hair cuticles
- Hair loss- Most people have hair loss because of the presence of a hormone called DTH which causes 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.
- Scalp health- The presence of antioxidants in olive oil makes it an appropriate hair oil that promotes overall scalp health.
- Natural conditioner for hair- applying olive oil to hair makes it shiny and soft.
- Dandruff and head lice- The antifungal and antibacterial properties of olive oil is a great way to get rid of problems like dandruff and head lice.
Castor Oil
Castor oil, like coconut oil, also displays polar properties allowing it to attach to hair's keratin (although not at readily as coconut oil). The reason behind the popularity of the usage of castor oil for treating hair problems lies is the
presence of ricin/ricinoleic acid in the oil, which is germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal. Therefore using the oil will keep the hair from microbial and fungal infections thus, lessening hair loss.
- Prevents dryness- Castor oil contains Omega-9 fatty acids which help moisturize the hair and the scalp preventing both from becoming dry, which helps reduce and prevent damage
- Seals in moisture- To keep the hair looking soft and shiny, moisture has to be retained by the hair. This can be taken care of by castor oil, as it is a humectant (any substance that is added to another substance to keep it moist).
- Thin ends- This rich, thick oil will hide the appearance of frizzy, damaged, and split ends. Over time, as you trim damage away, you'll notice your hair won't develop split ends as easily.
- Hide damage-If there is any damage caused to the hair, the use of this oil will not only manage to hide the damage, but at the same time, will work effectively in making the hair grow thicker than before.
- Dandruff-It is recommended to mix castor oil with that of jojoba and massage it on the scalp. Regular application would not only take care of the dandruff, but would also help in lessening itchy scalp.
- Prevents Hair Loss: One of the most responsible reasons behind hair fall and hair loss is microbial action on the scalp and hair roots. So, to protect hair against them, what we need is an antimicrobial agent, which is found in castor oil
- Eyelashes- Apply a bit of the oil over the base of the eyelashes every night before bed, and get thicker and fuller lashes in some time.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is considered to be
most like natural hair oil or sebum (the body's naturally produced moisturizer) produced by the sebaceous glands in our scalps. Jojoba is a traditional treatment in many cultures for relieving skin problems and promoting hair growth. It is effective in reducing dandruff and for moisturizing very dry skin. More specifically is works as a(n):
- Scalp Cleanser- A main benefit from jojoba is its ability to dissolve crusted sebum build-up on the scalp which can cause hair breakage and follicle blockage and, in turn, hair loss.
- Antibacterial- Jojoba oil is used for treating sores, cuts, bruises and burns and helps heal scars.
- Scalp issue reliever- Jojoba oil works well on the scalp and keeps it from being dry. This is a great oil to treat dandruff, dry scalp, and psoriasis on the scalp. It also promotes a healthy scalp with its antibacterial properties.
- Hair Sealant-Although many websites state that jojoba oil penetrates the hair shaft to make it thicker, this type of oil does not actually penetrate hair. However, it seals in moisture, and thus can make each hair stronger and thicker, and prevent breakage.
- Jojoba oil also delays aging through its unique anti-oxidant properties which protect the hair and scalp from free radical damage.
Conclusion
As you probably noticed, many of these oils share benefits. For one, they each work as an effective sealant to lock moisture into hair strands. By coating strands, they each also work to make hair thicker and stronger overtime. However, each also has unique properties. Coconut oil is most known to penetrate hair fibers thereby strengthen them and preventing against the stripping effects of shampooing. Jojoba oil is most known for is likeness to sebum, our body's natural moisturizer, and it's ability to mimic sebum by cleansing the scalp and moisturizing the hair. Olive oil is most known for its nourishing qualities, which conditions the hair thus improving its elasticity. Outside of its reputation for its laxative qualities, Castor oil is known for its strengthening qualities and aid in hair loss and hair damage remedying. Argan oil is most known for its high concentration of vitamin E and fatty acids which is great for skin, but also aids in improving damaged hair. Whichever oils you decide best serves the needs of your hair, be sure to get it in its pure form. Don't be fooled by the naming and packaging of products, check out the ingredients list for yourself! NOTE: Pictures located in this post are examples of products that are not 100% natural. I would recommend purchasing the natural, same name, alternatives.
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Oils seem to be all the rave lately- and with good reason. Numerous products are now being named after plant-based oils even though they only contain trace amounts of these oils- don't believe me? Check out the ingredients list! 
FYI: A study by researchers A. S. Rele and R. B. Mohile published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 2003 showed that coconut oil reduced protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. The researchers suggest that since coconut oil is a triglyceride of a principal fatty acid -- lauric acid -- it has a high affinity for hair proteins. The study said "because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, [coconut oil] is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft."
One of the main benefits of olive oil is its nourishing property. Used on hair, olive oil can nourish, condition, and improve the strength and elasticity. Cosmetics with an olive oil base nurture your skin by maintaining a moisture balance that both soothes dry skin and absorbs easily to nourish deep beneath the surface. This therapeutic quality is especially important to those who suffer with skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis and allergies. 
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