By Cipriana of Urbanbushbabes.com
For years I used products containing mineral oil to coat my strands. Many manufacturers use mineral oil in a majority of products that contain synthetic ingredients because of its behavior as a preservative. Mineral oil is the result of the distillation of petroleum which acts as a saran wrap against your scalp, slowing down one of the skin’s main job which is to eliminate toxins. On the other hand natural oils are easily absorbed by the skin.
When I used products that consisted mostly of synthetic materials such as Blue Magic I’m not going to lie my hair did grow, but it was not until I switched to all natural products that I began to see the true potential of my growth capability. Before the change in my regimen I experienced a GREAT deal of shedding and dandruff. Now those days are far behind. I’m still fascinated by how are body responds to topical products. Not only is it important to watch what we put into our bodies but what we put on it as well.
My boyfriend’s grandfather is full Cherokee Indian and when we met three years ago he always talked about the importance of what you put on your body, coming from a background of ancestors rich in a holistic lifestyle. But I could not and would not give up my trusty Coconut Blue Magic until just about a year ago. When I finally gave in to the natural “stuff” I was determined that this was just a trial period and I would be back on my good old Blue Magic in no time. Well it’s been a year later and I am still using the natural “stuff”. For years I had been so accustomed to my hair feeling greasy from the mineral oil based products that it took me a while to really understand what my hair felt like with natural oils.
Again I am not here to force you into switching into an all-natural regimen, do what works best for you, but I did come across two interesting articles from ehow.com about the usage of certain natural oils by Native Americans and the distinct benefits the hair reaps from each of these natural oils.
1. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is an extract of the Jojoba plant found in California, Arizona and parts of Mexico. Jojoba oil has been used for hundreds of years by American Indians to moisturize and grow hair. The molecular makeup of jojoba has similar characteristics to the natural oil the glands of the scalp produce. Jojoba oil can be purchased at herb shops and can be applied directly to your hair or you can add a few drops to your favorite conditioner to promote hair growth. Jojoba is hypoallergenic and will not harm your hair or scalp. Aloe vera is another product used by Native American Indians to promote hair growth and is also an excellent moisturizer for your hair.
2. Wheat Germ/Aloe Vera/Coconut Milk
Mix 1/4 cup of wheat germ, 1/4 cup of aloe vera and 1/4 cup of coconut milk and use this product as a natural shampoo. Aloe vera can be purchased at drugstores and herb shops and can also be applied directly to the scalp as it will open pores on the scalp that may have previously been blocked and will allow the hair follicles to grow. The American Indians also used and continue to use several kinds of oils to promote hair growth such as emu oil, rosemary oil, and mustard oil.
3. Peppermint Oil
A few drops of any of these products can be massaged directly into the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Peppermint oil is also a good scalp stimulator but must be diluted before application. Mix 3 drops of peppermint oil with 3 teaspoons of water and massage into the scalp. These oils can be purchased at herb shops and all are hypoallergenic and not harmful to the hair or scalp.
4. Lavender Oil/Lavender Water
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis), native to the Mediterranean, is now grown in temperate climates worldwide. For centuries, lavender has been used by herbal practitioners to prevent baldness and to encourage new hair growth. Lavender contains potent anti-bacterial agents that soothe and heal scalp infections. It is useful in treating dandruff and adds volume to the hair shaft. Place a few sprigs of lavender in a glass container and cover with extra-virgin olive oil and cover tightly. Place in a cool, dark spot and allow to age for 3 to 4 weeks. Use the lavender infused oil as a daily scalp massage. Apply and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash hair with a gentle organic shampoo and style as usual.
A daily rinse of lavender water (bring water to a boil, add a few sprigs of lavender, reduce to simmer for 20 minutes, then cool) will impart a delightful fragrance and shine to hair. Apply lavender as a daily rinse after shampooing.
5. Burdock Root Oil
Burdock (Arctium Lappa) root oil, also known as Bur oil is one of the most important herbs used to restore hair. Burdock promotes healthy hair by relieving scalp irritations and improving blood circulation to the hair follicle. Burdock root oil supplies natural phytosterols and important essential fatty acids to hair roots, and has been traditionally used to reduce and reverse hair thinning. It is a key ingredient in many hair restoration treatments.
6. Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) has been used for centuries as both a food staple and as a healing medicinal herb. The herb produces a dark red berry which is dried and then pulverized into a fine powder. Saw palmetto is available in several forms including ointments, capsules, tinctures and teas. Recent scientific studies have shown that Saw Palmetto may have beneficial effects for those suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); male pattern baldness and other conditions associated with excess DHT (male hormone) production.
7. Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia), found growing naturalized across America, blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Excessive DHT contributes to hair loss in both men and women. Stinging nettle can be purchased in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto. Nettle can be harvested in the wild (use gloves as the leaves are covered with tiny hairs that cause a stinging sensation upon contact with human skin). The fresh leaves can be submersed in olive oil in a glass jar. Seal and place in a cool, dark spot for 2 to 3 weeks. Apply the oil in an invigorating scalp massage. Stinging nettle essential oil is frequently an ingredient in organic shampoos and conditioners.
8. Rosemary
Used for centuries in cultures worldwide to promote hair growth and delay the onset of gray hair, Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation of the scalp. A refreshing daily rinse of rosemary leaves simmered in water retains hair color. The rinse is most effective on dark hair. A few drops of rosemary oil can be added to olive oil and used as a scalp massage oil.
So interesting! Ladies, have you tried any of these? How do they work on your hair?
I don’t know how to mix all these roots and oils properly. So, is there an organic product line that anyone can recommend. I have natural hair and want to increase hair thickness and health of scalp. Thanks so much!
i am thinking about africa’s best organic olive oil hair products i did some research on youtube for women who is trying to grow their hair . folicure i heard that is good for growth and hair thickening and you can get these products at sally’s beauty supply store .and organic root stimulator .that’s at walmart and drug stores and sally’s beauty supply store . women have said these products work for scalp and growth .i will be doing the africa’s best organic products next week ! .i hope i helped you and others .but remember everybody hair is not the same ! . god bless you and others !.
L-Cysteine (Amino Acid)! LOTS of water! Multi-vitamins! Hair,Skin & Nails vitamins! Protein! Just “OD” on them for 6 days and take 1-2 days off to give your liver a rest.
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I just rinsed my hair with apple cider vinegar Stinging nettle,Horsetail,Burdock and Saw palmetto. I also use black seed oil on my scalp and hair.I want to grow my hair very long like it used to be and these treatments really have improved my hair’s texture and growth..I have some lavender and I was just wondering if it was good for my hair..
@Thokozile – sounds good just remember the hair grows from the inside out :)
Interesting all the talk about herbs and hair. I accidentally found a tincture in a health magazine which included , olive oil, caster oil, nettle, burdock, almond and grape seed oil and of course fresh Rosemary.
I purchased all, and now I wish I’d taken a picture before because its been some months but I have a bit of “hang time” hair on my neck as my beautician calls it. My hair looks healthy, bounces and In this case I am not natural, I have a perm, but stopped doing them myself !! Plus stopped using the store bought oils and shampoos with additives ( stuff that makes it suds) I rarely use them unless I have no choice. Natural is harder sometimes …but much better in the long run.
My hair loss is due to medications for hypertension…so anything I can do to save my “crown and glory” is worth the effort.
THANK YOU FOR THE TIP ,I ALSO TAKE MED BLOOD PRESURE PILL THAT HAS LEFT ME BALDING ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD .
Woowww! That is amazing. What is a TINCTURE, and where can I purchase it, and how long before you noticed the results? I am really anxious to try something that may work for me.
I was considering the peppermint oil, is it a good product for healtiness and growth? And also are there any recommendation products for kids, my daughter is natural and I would like her hair to remain healthy
or you can use http://www.kanchiindianoil.us
my daughter is using it and it’s great porduct
My nieces hair just will not grow. They are 8 and 9. Unfortunately, the 4 yr old brother decided to shave it off while she was sleeping so now my brother has no idea what to do. Are there any suggestions? I feel so bad for my poor baby!!!
use http://www.kanchiindianoil.us
hey the rosemary thing came to ma head today while at work doing stock weird…lol am kinda surprised you didnt mention caster oil? dont think its an effective growth treatment? its also good for thickening your hair gives it more body. this caster oil am talking about is unrefined one that is squeezed and just bottle all natural baby :D
i want my hair 2 grow naturaly,bt i don’t no rosemary oil,pls discribe it 4 me
Try this
http://www.kanchiindianoil.us
it worked on me….
WowI never knew stinga nettle (as we call it here in St.Kitts ) actually has a use I gotta try some of that
Specially for woman, Loosing hair everyday tha’s a nightmare,
i tried all kind of hair products it didn’t worked.
Finally, I,am using kanchi indin hair oil from months now I got my hair back and I glad to say that kanchi Indian oil is really worked.
There are so many women that are developing small areas of hair loss.Its great to finally see some testimonies with great results.Where can I purchase that, and how long did it take you to see results?
YOur answer is http://www.kanchiindianoil.us
I used the peppermint oil and the jamaican black castor oil with lavender oil in it and they both work phenomenally in term of hair growth. I have eczema on both my hands and on the inside of my right arm so I applied the castor oil to those areas every night and in two (2) weeks the eczema cleared up! I also have been using aloe vera (leaf) in my hair everyday as apart of my leave in conditioner mix for almost 10 months now and I’ve seen a significance in growth. I love this stuff they all have been working great for me and I am constantly researching other natural herbs, oils, and ways to better to take care of my hair, skin, and body. Now I just incorporated clary sage oil in my leave in conditioner mix (which contains coconut oil, olive oil, black castor (very little), Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, Peppermint Oil, Aloe Vera, and Clary Sage) and it smells soooooo good; almost remind me of chocolate lol. Natural products are the way to go!
Good luck everyone :)
Hey rolanda, thanx so much for the my daughter is suffering from exactly the same things hair and skin eczema. Can u please help us out with ur regimen literally step by step.. She has curly hair but it won’t thanx..exclusivelyurs
I used the peppermint oil and the jamaican black castor oil with lavender oil in it and they both work phenomenally in term of hair growth. I have eczema on both my hands and on the inside of my right arm so I applied the castor oil to those areas every night and in two (2) weeks the eczema cleared up! I also have been using aloe vera (leaf) in my hair everyday as apart of my leave in conditioner mix for almost ten (10) months now and I’ve seen a significance in growth; it just passed shoulder length in September of last year now it is close to bra strap! I love this stuff they all have been working great for me and I am constantly researching other natural herbs, oils, and ways to better to take care of my hair, skin, and body. Now I just incorporated clary sage oil in my leave in conditioner mix (which contains coconut oil, olive oil, black castor (very little), Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, Peppermint Oil, Aloe Vera, and Clary Sage) and it smells soooooo good; almost remind me of chocolate lol. Natural products are the way to go!
Good luck everyone :)
I am over 40 and Bi-racial(black and puerto rican), and it seems that my hair is not as thick, or doesnt grow as it did in my younger days. I have been natural for about 5 years
now, and I love the natural texture of my hair. There is a weak spot where my hair will just not grow in the middle of the back of my head,as well as the nape of my neck. Would you mind giving me a list of the natural oils you use, as well as how to mix them together. It is so much information and I am a little overwhelmed. I am so EXCITED to see that there are so many women that are returning to their natural roots.
Very much enjoying the conversation, Ladies. Watch out, Scalp. Rosemary oil prepared and seasoning, as I write! But I am wondering, what would be the best oil mix to use on the actual hair itself? I am mixed (Mother Irish, Father African) and my hair texture is pretty much in between, and curly, so I do need to use a light hair moisturiser. What would you recommend? Thanks in advance, from a desperate woman in London!!
Hi Nicole! I would recommend Coconut Oil because it’s a natural moisturizer while penetrating the hair shaft and it doesn’t just lay on the hair. Also it’s not greasy L:) HHG!
Thank you very much, Charlene. Will give it a try. Is it the kind of oil that you could add essential oils to, such as rosemary, etc?
Hi Nicole – You and I have the same kind of “in between” hair. My hair has some parts wavy, straight, thick/thin….anyways, Yes you can mix coconut oil with any oil. That’s another reason why I love to use it. Also, because I try not to blow-dry or flat iron my hair (unless I really need to). After I wash it and comb it out, I apply coconut oil to it, put it into a ponytail and then wrap it in a little scarf. When I take the wrap off, my hair stays in place for the whole day and looks nice. Good luck!
I mix aloe vera juice, honey,vatika oil,mustard oil, castor oil,glycerin and apply it to my hair as a spritzer. I don’t use traditional shampoo I use Betonite clay and deep condition once/week. I also use henna once a month and deep condition afterwards. My hair has grown from .5 inch to 12 inches in less than two years. I love being natural hair after relaxing for more than 30 years. I just wished I knew how to style my hair. I always wear my Angela Davis afro or afro puff.
I think argan oil is the best natural thing you can put on hair. My favorite argan oil is from this brand called Pro Naturals (got it online at Beyas) because it’s also a heat protectant and it’s very light and has a really nice, subtle smell. You can put some on your damp hair after a shower and it’ll fix your hair all day long, it’s really good for breakage, frizz, dryness and to prevent hair loss and split ends. It’s better than olive oil, almond oil, coconut and a whole lot of others. It absorbs better and helps more. :)
I love argan oil too. It makes my hair (and me) very happy.
Although I love using coconut oil and it works PERFECT for me, I believe that everyone should experiment with different oils and see what works best for them. I have coconut oil (light scent), argan oil (smells great), olive oil (light scent), rosemary oil (medium scent), etc. I have used them all and nothing works for me like coconut oil and what really “seals the deal” for me is applying about a quarter size worth of Mega-Tek to my hair-especially the ends (this feeds it keratin protein, gives it shine and keeps it from breaking). What works best for some, might not work for others and vice versa. Once you find what works best for you—stick with it and I’m sure you’ll be glad that you did lol!