Essential and Carrier Oils Unmasked

Carrier Oils and Essential Oils Unmasked

For those of you just starting out on your hair care journey will have found multiple references to both essential and carrier oils. These have varying benefits eg. keeping your hair moisturised and more manageable.

Grease from petroleum based products is not the same as an essential or carrier oil. Products with petrolatum, or petroleum do not moisturise your hair. They coat your hair preventing moisture from getting in.


Here is a list of some of the oils I find to be useful or plan to try in future:

Carrier Oils

These are oils that can be used directly on the hair/scalp. Carrier oils are also great for sealing in moisture after you have used a leave in moisturising conditioner. I usually apply my daily moisturiser then seal that moisture in with a carrier oil.

Sweet Almond Oil - I have heard that this oil is good for dry and dull hair. Contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E, and essential fatty acids.

Olive oil - Olive oil conditions the hair and scalp providing softness, it is also easily absorbed by the hair. I usually get extra virgin oil from Tesco (no salt) and use as an effective pre-poo.

Castor oil - Castor oil helps to seal in moisture.It is a humectant i.e. attracts moisture to the hair. It also makes hair softer, promotes growth at the scalp and causes hair to become thicker with regular use. You already know that I am partial to the castor oil of the 'Jamaican Black' (JBCO) variety and I cannot recommend this enough.

Coconut oil - Oh the heavenly smell. This oil is another moisture sealer leaving hair feeling soft.

Vitamin E Oil - Vitamin E oil is great for rejuvenating dull, dry, and damaged hair when used regularly.

Jojoba Oil - Another of my favourite sealers. Due to the tight coil pattern of our type of hair we produce very little sebum (the scalps natural oil) resulting in the dryness and breakage which is very common. It is easily absorbed by the hair and scalp and provides excellent lubrication and smoothing.

Prickly Pear Seed Oil - the worlds most expensive oil. The new Argan Oil

Essential Oils

These oils are pure concentrations of certain herbs, plants, or seeds. For some people these can be used directly on the head/scalp but I would recommend mixing them with carrier oils and other products, especially if you have sensitive skin. There are many of these available on the market but I will only name a few:

Cedarwood Oil - This is an astringent, antiseptic, balances production of sebum, and stimulates the scalp.

Chamomile Oil - Chamomile adds sheen and conditions the hair.

Eucalyptus Oil - removes dandruff and has antiseptic properties.

Peppermint Oil - stimulates hair growth and reduces itching. Another great smelling oil

Grapefruit Oil - is good for stimulating hair growth.

Tea Tree Oil - is used to treat dandruff and kill lice. It balances production of sebum and stimulates the scalp.

Ylang-Ylang Oil - balances production of sebum and stimulates the scalp.

Hope this is helpful

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity!
Leilu