How well do you know your oils? Do you know the differences between carrier and essential oils?

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Do you use oils on your hair or do you belong to the no oils club? Whichever side you are, knowledge is free and power. First, let me mention that oils are not moisturizers, they don’t literally moisturize your oils but they help with retaining the moisture.

Do I use oils? Yes, sometimes. I don’t use oils to seal in the moisture. I use oils for scalp massages, hot oil treatment and pre- poo once in a while, monthly I guess.

I either use Mosara Moisture Milk & hydrating butter or just use Mikalla leave- in and I’m good for days to a week. Right now, I’m testing chebe butter that will be available to you soon, it’s a gem, can’t wait for you to try it….. Back to the oils.

Carrier and Essential Oils

Carrier oils.

These are plant derived oils that contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are essential for hair and skin. They are derived from the nuts, seeds & kernels of plants. Carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented unlike essential oils that have a strong scent. They are also base oils that dilute essential oils before application.

Benefits of carrier oils

Nourishes the scalp and adds shine to the hair.

Some soothe itchy scalp and eliminate bacteria/ fungi since they have anti- microbial properties.

Acts as natural emollients that condition and soften the hair.

Scalp massages with these oils encourage blood flow and hair growth.

Smooths the hair cuticle minimizing frizz.

How to use carrier oils

Pre- poo – apply your go to oil on your hair before cleansing to minimize stripping of natural oils. Read more about pre- poo here.

Sealant – to seal in moisture after moisturizing. Apply your go to moisturizer/ leave- in then seal with an oil.

Hot oil treatment – have no idea what this is? Find out here.

Scalp massages – especially if you wanna regrow your edges.

Carrier oils include; olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, castor oil etc

Essential Oils

They are extracted from plant’s leaves and flowers making them highly concentrated and shouldn’t be used directly without diluting with carrier oils. Other than being highly concentrated, they have a strong scent and are volatile (evaporate easily.)

Benefits of Essential Oils

Are great for aromatherapy

Stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Help nourish and strengthen hair follicles.

Contain antimicrobial, antibacterial & antifungal properties.

Help fight hair loss and premature graying due to their anti- oxidant properties.

Increase blood circulation in the scalp and promote scalp health.

How to use Essential Oils

Can also be used as pre- poo treatment, hot oil treatment, scalp massages and you can also add a few drops to your deep conditioners. When using for hot oil treatment, pre- poo and scalp massages, add a few drops to your go to carrier oil before using. Essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly on skin.

Difference between Carrier and Essential oil.

Essential oils are derived from leaves, twigs, roots and flowers making them highly concentrated while Carrier oils are derived from nuts, kernels and seeds making them less concentrated thus used as base oils for essential oils.

Essential oils have a strong scent, that’s why they are used for aromatherapy while carrier oils have mild to no scent.

Carrier oils can be applied directly on hair or skin unlike essential oils that should be diluted before application.

If you have never noticed, essential oils are highly priced and come in smaller containers than carrier oils which are affordable and come in larger containers. We have brands that sell essential oils in bigger containers.

Essential oils include; lavender, rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass, Eucalyptus, bergamot, white thyme etc

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I hope this post has helped you know all about your oils. See you in the next post and if you haven’t visited my hair care store, check it out here and grab your copy of hair growth and routine guides.