When you're growing out your hair, you must take care to protect the strands from damage. According to the book "Naturally Healthy Hair," keeping your long hair healthy and strong requires frequent conditioning. There are several natural oils that give long hair the nutrients and moisture it requires to keep from drying out, breaking and splitting on the ends.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, derived from a desert shrub, softens your strands and conditions your scalp, which helps prevent split ends and tames frizz. According to "Naturally Healthy Hair," jojoba oil is easily absorbed by your hair and is a particularly effective carrier oil for essential oils that can aid your hair in small amounts. "Natural Beauty from the Garden" suggests making a conditioner by combining 1/4 cup of jojoba oil with 1 tbsp. of olive oil and two drops of lavender essential oil. Massage a small amount of the conditioner into your dry hair to make it shiny, sleek and hydrated.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a very common deep conditioner for long hair, as it's much lighter than most natural oils and won't weigh down your locks. "Naturally Healthy Hair" says that olive oil's vitamin E content gives hair a glossy sheen without rendering it greasy. "The Healing Powers of Olive Oil" suggests making a conditioner by combining 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of filtered or distilled water. Massage the conditioner into your dry hair, cover your head with a towel or plastic bag and let the treatment soak in for 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is thick and smells strongly of the tropical fruit, but it also has powerful moisturizing properties that can help your hair grow free of split and frizzed ends. The book "Coconut Oil: For Health and Beauty" recommends using the oil as a basic conditioner once a week. Simply apply 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pure coconut oil to your dry hair. Wrap your hair up in a towel for 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse the oil away with your usual shampoo and conditioner.
References
- "Naturally Healthy Hair;" Mary Beth Janssen; 1999
- "Natural Beauty from the Garden;" Janice Cox; 1999
- "The Healing Powers of Olive Oil;" Cal Orey; 2009
- "The Green Beauty Guide;" Julie Gabriel; 2008
- "Coconut Oil: For Health and Beauty;" Cynthia Holzapfel and Laura Holzapfel; 2003
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