Hair Care: The 5 Best Natural Oils For Your Hair

Need your hair to be just as fabulous as you are? One of the best ways to nourish your hair is to use natural oils, especially if you have Black hair that is prone to dryness. Some of the best natural oils, especially for African American hair, include emu oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil — all of which have their own benefits to keep your hair looking naturally healthy.    

Image Courtesy of Diophoto.

Emu Oil Emu oil, which is derived from the fat of this flightless bird, is used medicinally for many purposes. For instance, when taken orally, it can reduce cholesterol levels. When applied topically, it can be used to treat certain skin conditions. It also has the following benefits:

1. Stimulates hair growth
2. Good scalp and overall moisturizer
3. Alleviates eczema symptoms
4. Can fade stretch marks
5. Anti-aging factor
6. Removes buildup of residue in the scalp and roots
7. Creates stronger, healthier, voluminous hair

Jojoba Oil A golden colored liquid at room temperature, this oil is derived from a shrub called the Jojoba plant, which can be found in Arizona, Southern California and Northwest Mexico. Although it is considered to be an oil, Jojoba oil actually has more of a waxy texture to it. It has been used by Native Americans for centuries, specifically to treat wounds. Nowadays, because it has so many benefits, this oil is used as an ingredient in many beauty products, including cosmetics and shampoos. Other uses for Jojoba oil include:

1. Treatment of dry, damaged or thinning hair
2. Skin cleanser – treats acne-prone skin and unclogs pores
3. Treats oily skin as it mimics the skin’s natural oiliness, making the skin think it is producing enough oil
4. Hair cleanser
5. Hair moisturizer
6. Removes buildup of residue in the scalp and roots
7. Promotes hair growth

Castor Oil Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the castor seed, and it has many medicinal purposes. For instance, it can be used as a laxative; however, ingesting too much can cause painful cramps. In terms of hair, castor oil is great for natural and healthy hair growth. Its benefits also include:

1. Skin and hair moisturizer
2. Emollient to make your skin and hair smooth
3. Prevents scalp dryness and itchiness
4. Can prevent and treat skin and scalp infections due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties

As castor oil is very thick and can become sticky, a small amount is all that is needed to achieve great results for your hair.

Olive Oil As the name suggests, olive oil is derived from the fat of an olive. It has many uses ranging from cooking, creating soaps, medicine, cosmetics and fuel for oil lamps. For the skin and hair, it has the following benefits:

1. Cleanser
2. Exfoliator
3. Moisturizer
4. Nail and cuticle care
5. Treatment of dandruff
6. Eye makeup remover
7. After shave for men
8. Control frizzy hair (and again, less is more)
9. Treatment of hair loss
10. Hair strengthener

Coconut Oil Coconut oil is edible and derived from the meat or kernel of a coconut. Aside from smelling simply divine, coconut oil has plenty of health benefits as well:

1. Can reduce cholesterol
2. Can prevent skin damage and aging by providing positive antioxidants to your body
3. Can improve blood sugar levels
4. Skin and hair moisturizer and protectant
5. Treatment of damaged hair
6. Treatment of dandruff
7. Hair thickener
8. Prevents hair and hair protein loss
9. Controls frizz

Any of these oils can often be found already in natural black hair products. Use any of them as often as needed and you can have great looking skin and a healthier head of hair!        

Guest Post-
Author Bio: Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer in California whose writing covers several different topics, ranging from hair and skin care, to personal health and fitness, to business and marketing. She advises using natural black hair products that use these natural oils to maintain shine and moisture for healthy locks. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook to find more tips like these!