Here is my collection of information on Hair Oils (sources below). Hope it help you understand what each oil does and how it can be used.
Jojoba Oil is actually a liquid wax not oil, and is extracted from the bean seed of the jojoba plant (a shrub technically known as jojoba simmondsia chinensis) found in the desert of the American Southwest. It is a great choice as a healing hair conditioner in that the molecular structure closely resembles the hair’s natural oil called sebum. Hair that has been extremely damaged or that breaks, splits or tangles easily usually responds well to this moisturizer. Jojoba can be used by itself as a hot oil treatment, or mixed with a different carrier oil for a specialized conditioning treatment and it will work for just about all types of hair. Jojoba is also very stable and can be stored for years without going rancid.
Extra virgin olive oil has been used by people for centuries as both a cooking oil and a cosmetic aide. This natural oil is great for hair that is dry or damage, and also works extremely well on thick, coarse hair. Olive oil is also suitable for use in the treatment of scalp conditions and dry skin. It does have quite a distinctive color and odor of its own, which not everyone will appreciate, and it is rather heavy. Some naturals also prefer to use olive oil in combination with another, lighter carrier oil, like coconut or grape seed.
Castor Oil is often used as beauty aid, to soften and treat rough, dry skin. A naturally-produced vegetable oil makes it ideal for use on the skin both as an emollient, and as a hot oil treatment for dry damaged hair. When used on the hair, castor oil coats the hair shaft and smoothes the cuticle layer, sealing in moisture and leaving the hair feeling soft and silky–especially helps to prevention of split ends when applied directly to ends. It draws in moisture and is great when used in a daily moisturizer. If you’re looking to give your hair a little pick me up, try combining castor oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil and water into a spray body and using as a revitalizing spritz (3 part water: 1 part oil).
Coconut Oil comes in three basic types: virgin, cochin, and refined, bleached & deodorized (RBD). Virgin has a light coconut scent. Cochin has a strong taste. The most commonly available coconut oil is RBD which has no scent or taste. This oil is produced from copra which is dried coconut meat. At room temperature coconut oil is a solid, white substance with only a faint scent. The oil liquefies at 76F or when it is placed in warm water. It also liquefies in your hands. This elegant moisturizer and superfatting agent is great for nourishing the hair to give it a healthy shine and helps to also minimize tangles. Coconut oil is also recommended for the control of dry scalp and dandruff. It is also the best thing for frizzy hair by warming it up a bit and applying an hour before washing your hair. Coconut oil can be used alone as a hair and scalp oil or added to shampoo to add special nourishing and softening benefits.
Almond Oil is very pale yellow and odorless oil nourishes dry, flaky, itchy, sensitive scalps. It is a mild, lightweight oil that can be used as a substitute for olive oil. Although lighter than olive oil, this cold burnt oil made from almond kernels provides excellent lubricating and penetrating properties. It makes an excellent carrier oil for hair and skin treatments, especially when mix with tea tree oil for dandruff. It can be used as a hot oil treatment or add luster to your curly locks with just a few drops in your hand. Also it can be used to soothe skin irritation and inflammation, body rashes, chapped lips, and lightens dark circles While relatively inexpensive, this normally safe oil should not be used by people who have known almond or nut allegories in order to avoid an unpleasant reaction.
Grapeseed Oil is one of the lightest oils and is easily absorbed by the hair and skin. It also can act as a preservative in hair care preparations. It is odorless and non greasy in texture, and preferred by people who do not like the feeling of hair that is weighed down by rich and heavy oils. . Grapeseed oil is known for having a high content of linoleic acid, an important fatty acid that supports cell health and strengthens hair, and can be used for as a hot oil treatment.
The oil produced by the aloe vera desert plant is one of the most precious substances for human scalps, hair and skin. This odorless oil, which is different from aloe vera gel, is rich in enzymes, vitamins, proteins and minerals that support health. Not only does aloe vera oil help maintain proper moisture balances, it stimulates circulation which is helpful for hair growth. Excellent for dandruff, this oil will also soothe psoriasis and eczema of the scalp. Aloe vera gel can be used as a deep conditioner when combined with another oil or as a “leave-in” conditioner (make sure not to do too much activity when in hair since the gel will run). The gel also adds shine to dry hair by rubbing a small amount (penny-sized dollop) between your hands and then distribute evenly over your hair.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/16423-use-aloe-vera-gel-hair/#ixzz19S5OwAeA
Avocado Oil is can be used either as organic avocado oil or pure avocado oil for hair. Both are equally penetrative, beneficial and are also easily available, but organic avocado oil has a longer shelf life as compared to pure avocado oil. It’s a clear oil made from the fleshy fruit of the avocado. Touted as a hair growth stimulant, this oil nourishes and restores softness to dry, dehydrated and mature hair and skin. Problems, especially psoriasis of the scalp, respond to its high content of vitamins A, B and E along with lecithin, proteins and fatty acids. Avocado oil is not heavy even though avocado has the heaviest amount of protein in any fruit. Avocado oil has its own distinct aroma and goes rancid quickly. Buy in small amounts and refrigerate.
Avocado Oil Hot Oil Treatment
For hot oil treatment using avocado oil, you will require a tablespoon of avocado oil, a teaspoon of olive oil, a soft towel and some hot water. Blend together the avocado oil and the olive oil and heat it slightly. Now, with the help of your finger tips, massage this oil blend into your hair and scalp. For those with an oily scalp, use this only on your hair. Gently massage your hair and scalp for around 15 minutes in a circular motion. This will help the oil to soak in well and will also improve blood circulation to the scalp. Then, soak a towel in hot water for a minute or two then remove and squeeze out all the water. Wrap this hot towel around your head and let it stay for around 20 minutes. Then, shampoo and condition as usual.
Avocado Oil Hair Mask
To prepare an avocado oil hair mask, you will need a tablespoon of avocado oil, a tablespoon of olive oil, ½ tablespoon honey and one egg white. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and then apply to wet, clean or shampooed hair. Let it stay for around 10 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Avocado Oil Shampoo
To prepare an avocado oil hair shampoo, you will need 1 teaspoon avocado oil, ½ teaspoon coconut or olive oil and 6 oz liquid castile soap. Mix all the ingredients together and store it in a bottle for at least 2 days to allow the ingredients to set. Use it to shampoo your hair on a regular basis.
Avocado Oil Hair Conditioner
To prepare an avocado oil hair conditioner, you will need a tablespoon of avocado oil and 4 ounces of flat beer. Mix them both together and after shampooing, apply this on your hair. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Sesame Oil is a clear light oil made from uncooked seeds and is used in many sun care preparations for the hair and body to protect the hair from harsh temperatures. It is highly nourishing, and excellent for dry scalp treatment. Massaging in the scalp will control dryness and flakiness, thus, helping in hair loss prevention. It’s known as a natural healing oil, as it is full of antibacterial properties. It will help clear scalp infection, especially fungal. Sesame oil is also known for its hair darkening qualities, hence very useful for those who suffer from pre-mature hair graying or who have plenty of gray hair. It can be added to other oils to enrich them. To garner best results, warm sesame oil, and massage in a circular motion into scalp using finger tips. After applying, wrap a pre-soaked and squeezed in hot water head towel, completely around your head for half an hour. Leave the oil on overnight and shampoo it off the next morning. Note, sesame becomes rancid quickly and must be stored in a cool dry place.
Safflower Oil is a light oil made from the seeds and promotes hair growth and a healthy skin as it contains vitamin E and prevents protein loss. It is cheap and readily available in an unrefined state, making it a useful oil base for a blend. Our hair normally contains a moisture content of approximately 10%, which when drops below this level needs to be retained. As the hair grows past the neck line or doesn’t have a direct contact with the scalp, the essential natural oils present in the scalp are not utilized throughout the hair shaft. Therefore, to increase the hair’s ability to attract and retain moisture in the cortex of the hair, one can use moisturizers rich in essential fatty acids (EFA). Safflower oil is one of the best and cost effective oil for dry hair containing essential fatty acids.
Sources:
http://thankgodimnatural.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/ten-best-oils-for-natural-hair/
http://www.thenaturalbeautyshop.ca/Step-4—Seal.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hair-oils/
