We’ve often been asked by our customers why we haven’t created a natural hair conditioner to go with our range of natural sulphate free shampoos. The truth is, we truly believe the best hair conditioner is provided by Mother Nature herself. So we dedicate this blog to those lovely customers. You asked, so here’s the low down…

A list of our favourite natural oils which are amazing at conditioning hair and scalp.

Simple to use, relatively inexpensive and free from chemicals, all of these oils can be used either as an overnight treatment, or a quick half hour treatment just before washing.

One simple method in applying hair oil is to take some in the palm of your hands and warm gently by rubbing together. Apply generously starting from your roots. Massage your scalp gently, this improves circulation, helping to reduce premature hair loss. Gradually work your way to the tips of the hair shaft, ensuring that your hair is coated. Cover your hair with a shower cap or warm damp towel, and leave to absorb for a minimum of half an hour. (You can also leave the treatment on overnight, just remember to cover your pillow with an old towel!) Wash off with a natural sulphate free shampoo.

We promise you’ll notice a difference after just one use!

 

For Thick Unruly Hair

• Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil has recently become the oil of choice among the health conscious. Boasting numerous health benefits when consumed. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E and other nutrients, your hair can share in these nutrients when it absorbs the oil. Being naturally antimicrobial means that it can help prevent dandruff and other scalp irritations, resulting in healthier hair and scalp. To really benefit from the properties of this oil make sure you use extra virgin coconut oil, it is less processed thus retaining more of its natural goodness.

 

• Argan Oil

This is by far my MOST FAVOURITE oil at the moment – and am pretty much using it for everything, face, hair and body – I can’t get enough! Known in its native Morocco as ‘Liquid Gold’ (and rightly so), its packed full of Omega 3,  fatty acids, Vitamin E and antioxidants. Admittedly this oil is pretty expensive, but we think it’s worth every penny. I have thick, course hair and it has been transformed in the year or so that I’ve been using it. Again opt for cold pressed, organic oil, and where possible check that it's fair trade. Having visited the region a few years ago scouring for a fair trade supplier we learned that all was not what it appeared with the women’s co-operatives – true cooperatives are few and far between.

Good news is that we only use organic and fair trade certified argan oil in our Rosemary & Peppermint With Argan Oil Collection. *Spoiler Alert!* We have an amazing new launch featuring Liquid Gold and its coming your way soon! So Watch this Space…

 

• Avocado Oil

Avocado has been deemed a super-food, so it’s no surprise that its oil has made our list! Full of proteins, amino acids, Vitamins A, D, E & B6 – it’s a mama of an oil and ideal for dry and damaged hair which is difficult to manage. Its natural goodness is fantastic at repairing damage to the hair shaft, which not only helps to reduce frizz but will also help prevent future damage and breakage. If you’ve got frizzy or damaged hair that needs taming this oil may be for you – unlike argan oil, it doesn’t pull the purse strings, but can give you similar results. The downside is its thick and gloopy and has a distinct (although not unpleasant) odour.

 

For Fine, Thin and Flyaway Hair

• Pomegranate Oil

We’ve already sung praises of Pomegranate Oil in last week’s blog and with good reason too. You can read more about it properties and benefits here.

But in quick summary, this oil can work miracles for fine or thinning hair. Containing punicic acid and Omega 5 fatty acids which fight free radicals, it helps to revitalise and nourish hair giving it a natural thick and glossy appearance. Its natural anti-bacterial properties also means it’s particularly good at keeping scalp infections at bay.

 

• Rosemary Oil

Rosemary Oil is a wonderful cleansing oil, which can remove the build-up of dirt and toxins, this is very relevant seeing as thinning hair tends to hold on to more toxins. Being an essential oil, it is important that you dilute a few drops of this oil in a carrier oil. Your favourite cold pressed extra virgin oil is a good place to start. It is also rich in Vitamin B, iron and calcium which explains why its been used for combating brittle hair.

 

For Any Hair Type

• Jojoba Oil

We do love this oil, which is why it featured in an entire collection of ours – Neroli & Patchouli with Jojoba Oil.

Jojoba is the perfect balancing oil making it a versatile oil for all hair types. It has a similar molecular structure to sebum, a naturally produced oil by our scalp, making it an ideal oil for sensitive scalps. It offers hydration deep into the hair shaft, strengthening it and preventing breakage. It regulates a healthy scalp because of its anti-bacterial properties and encourages fuller thicker more manageable hair.

 

So there you have it – our top 6 six natural oils for conditioning your hair. Have you used any of the above? What’s your favourite oil for hair and how do you use it?