Natural Butters, Oils & Plant Extracts Effects on Hair

Men and women alike regard a full head of hair as a prized possession. However, infinite editorials and advertisements in women's magazines suggest that ladies are more concerned about having a good hair day than are gentlemen. Many of these articles encourage a natural approach, proclaiming the virtues of nut oils, butters and plant extracts to help achieve the healthiest hair possible. Does this Spark an idea?

Nut and Seed Oils/Butter

Jojoba, sweet almond, macadamia, kukui, ojon and argan are types of nut or seed oils that fight frizz and rejuvenate dry or processed hair. If the oils are semi-solid at room temperature, they're often referred to as butter. Whether in oil or butter form, they all moisturize the hair and leave it silkier to the touch. In small amounts, jojoba, kukui and argan oils will not weigh hair down or leave an oily residue. A few drops of these chemical-free oils can be added to your usual shampoo or applied after styling to smooth flyaway strands.

Coconut Oil

As a hair conditioner, coconut oil deserves a special class of its own. Centuries ago, women of the Pacific Islands combed coconut oil through their hair to impart a glorious sheen. Western women eventually caught on, for good reason. Coconut oil contains unique, medium-chain fatty acids with a molecular structure small enough to penetrate the membrane of a hair cell. While most conditioners simply coat the hair, coconut oil nourishes from the inside out. These same conditioners use processed vegetable oils as the primary active ingredient, which actually create free radical damage. On the other hand, organic, virgin coconut oil serves as a powerful antioxidant to protect hair from thermal and environmental damage. Massage a teaspoon or two of coconut oil into your damp hair and work it into the scalp. Allow it to remain on the hair for two hours or more; then shampoo and style your hair as usual. This deep conditioning treatment can be performed up to once a week, but be sure to protect your clothes or wear an old top during the process, as the oil can stain fabric.

Horsetail and Rosemary

Horsetail grass contains an important hair nutrient called silica. This mineral works internally to make your strands long, strong and healthy. Silica levels decrease with age, so drinking horsetail tea or taking supplements can help replenish your levels. The herb rosemary also enables hair to grow longer with better elasticity. Used extensively in hair preparations, rosemary makes an excellent rinse when prepared as a tea. For clarity and improved hair texture, try this rinse from herbalist Linda Page: steep fresh sprigs of rosemary in 8 oz. hot water and strain after five minutes. Add 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. white vinegar. Massage through hair and leave on for one minute. Finally, rinse with cool water.

Organic Sulfur

Like silica, sulfur is another mineral critical to gorgeous locks. Hair is made of keratin and the body requires sulfur to create this protein. Normally a diet with plenty of plants would provide all the sulfur a person needs, but due to modern farming methods, fruits and vegetables no longer contain adequate amounts of it. Raw food nutritionist David Wolfe recommends a supplement of organic sulfur called MSM, and he says it will take about two months of daily use to notice greater elasticity, strength and shine within the hair.