HAIRCARE
DRENCH YOURSELF IN NATURAL OIL KNOWLEDGE
by Kourtney A. Moses 
There are so many natural and carrier oils on the market today. The mind can boggle with choices, while our hair and skin are left to wistfully wither away. Here are few facts about some of the most popular natural oil options the planet has to offer.
Argan Oil is derived from the fruit of the Moroccan argan tree. Natives eat the oil like other cultures eat olive oil. It is believed Argan Oil might have similar heart health benefits to olive oil.
For cosmetic purposes, it is great for controlling hair frizz, moisturizing the skin on dry scalps and helping repair damaged hair follicles.
The high content of Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants make this oil a powerhouse addition for the skin, hair and internal body.
NOTE: Be cautious. Many products on the market that say they are Argan Oil are not. They simply have it as a minimal ingredient, and thus do not offer much benefit to the hair and should not be ingested.
Shea Butter is derived from the Shea Tree nuts of West Africa. It is beige or golden yellow in color, otherwise known as “white” or “yellow” Shea Butter. Most Shea Butter comes from Morocco or Ghana. The closer to the equator the tree is located, the better the Shea Butter quality.
Shea Butter is filled with Vitamin A and E, and skin loving fatty acids which keep the skin youthful and plump. In addition, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, and most people’s skin does not have an allergic reaction.
NOTE: If the Shea Butter does not say “raw” or “unrefined,” it is of no real use. All of the wonderful ingredients that bring the most benefits to the skin are removed once the Shea Butter has been “refined” or “filtered.” Therefore, you want it in all its raw / unfiltered / unrefined glory.
Jojoba Oil is derived from Indian gooseberry. It is native to North America; Arizona and California in the United States, and parts of Mexico. The oil is clear yellow in color.
Jojoba Oil is unique because it is so similar to the oils found in our skin that the human body can be manipulated into thinking it is our body’s own oil. Thus, it is easily absorbed without the harsh reactions, quick evaporation or missed opportunity to treat dry skin and wrinkles.
The oil is packed with Vitamin B and Vitamin E which is always a welcome gift to the hair, skin and fingernails. It also has chromium, copper and zinc, which nourish and protect the skin.
NOTE: Although there are a bunch of amazing attributes to Jojoba Oil, and it is not toxic, the human body cannot digest it. You can get the Jojoba Oil vitamin and mineral benefits topically, but not internally. Therefore, Do Not Ingest!
* AMLA OIL
Amla Oil is s yellowish-brown oil that is extracted from the seed of a dried Indian gooseberry. It originated in Asia, and is used to stimulate hair grow, prevent dandruff and condition and strengthen the hair follicle.
It’s packed with natural antioxidants, polyphenols and Vitamin C. Amla Oil is safe to use of hair that’s located on the head or the face.
Amla Oil locks in a lot of moisture, which makes it great for use with dermatitis and eczema skin conditions.
NOTE: Women, in India, are refuted to have some of the most beautiful and well-nourished hair in the world. Amla Oil has long been a staple in many of their households’ hair-care routines.
Cocoa Butter is s pale yellow fat derived from the cocoa bean. It is used to make white chocolate and many a skincare contribution.
It’s high in fatty acids, which makes it great at hydrating and maintaining elasticity in the skin. It also contains Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Cocoa Butter can slow skins aging process, prevent stretch marks, reduce the appearance of formed stretch marks and scars and give some minor protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Cocoa Butter locks in a lot of moisture, which makes it great for use with dermatitis and eczema skin conditions.
NOTE: If you pick up a 100% Cocoa Butter item, and it smells like coconuts, calmly place it back on the shelf and walk away slowly. Cocoa Butter does not smell like coconuts. They are not the same plant, and the product you picked up is probably all chemicals and perfumes.
“Unrefined” or “raw” Cocoa Butter is not unpleasant, but it does not smell like the bowl of dessert many try to sell you in stores. However, stay away from the refined stuff. You want the nourishing ingredients that are in the unrefined/ raw / unfiltered Cocoa Butter.
Monoi Oil is an ancient Polynesian skin and hair treatment created by soaking the Tahitian Tiare gardenia flower in refined coconut oil for 15 or more days.
The production process is held to a strict guideline standard. A guided procedure must be followed before an oil is permitted to leave Tahiti with the official stamp of being 100% Monoi Oil.
Monoi Oil is infused with fatty acids, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Magnesium. The Coconut Oil is one of the most easily absorbed into the skin, and is helpful for people with dry skin, eczema or dry brittle hair follicles.
NOTE: Almost every advertised Monoi Oil on the market is a generic knock-off product which includes Monoi Oil as a minimal ingredient. Usually, they are not actually the authentic oil.
Chances are good you will have to search for a reputable online distributor. Always read the product ingredient list. There should only be two ingredients on Monoi Oil; Coconut Oil and Tiare / Gardenia flowers. A third can be fragrance because sometimes companies like to add additional scents to the natural gardenias, but nothing additional should be added
QUICK TIP: If you want to make your own Monoi Oil, buy Virgin Coconut Oil, go to the florist and purchase a few fresh gardenia. Rinse the petals with spring or purified water. Dry them on a paper towel. Roughly chop the petals, and place them in a clear jar and cover with melted Coconut Oil. Seal the jar. Place in direct sunlight for 30-45 days. Enjoy!
Petroleum Jelly is not an actual standalone oil in itself. It is a mixture of petroleum, mineral oils and waxes. It is all mixed together, and forms the petroleum product we have all grown to know so well.
It is known for creating a moisture barrier, which helps during the healing process for small wounds and burns. It is also known for creating a barrier between minor rashes and abrasions from clothing.
Petroleum Jelly can be used after a shower to be placed on cracked heals to trap in moisture on the feet, until your next pedicure, or after washing the face to help with the appearance of chapped lips.
NOTE: Petroleum Jelly can give the illusion of miniaturization when it is not actually present. If you place it on dry skin, the pores can become drier, and choked. Thus, the skin becomes ashy, chapped, cracked or can break out with acne, dandruff or rashes.
Petroleum Jelly is a temporary fix. It should not be your daily go-to for skin and hair moisturization because it does not actually have nourishment properties.
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