10 natural oils for healthy, radiant-looking hair

Hello lovely readers! I hope your summer is off to a great start! As we head into the warmer months of the summer season, it’s more important than ever to keep your locks looking healthy and radiant. One way to achieve this is to use hair oil as part of your haircare ritual. If you’re a regular reader of our blog, then you’ll know all about the benefits of using hair oil as part of your haircare routine. For those of you who are new to hair oil, some of the benefits of frequent use include:

• Improving new hair growth
• Strengthening the hair
• Keeping the scalp hydrated
• Preventing dandruff
• Injecting hair with shine and radiance
• Avoiding premature greying
• Reducing hair fall
• Promoting stress relief

In today’s blog, I wanted to share a more in-depth look at the 10 natural oils in the formula for Nosheen Hair Oil. As you may know, it’s based on a secret family recipe handed down through generations of women in my family, so many of the ingredients have been around for a while, but often people aren’t aware of what they can do. Read on for more information about the history and benefits of each oil in our formula:

• Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant effects – for example in treating burns and scarring – it can also help support a healthy scalp, which creates a great base for hair growth. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E oil may help to reduce the number of free radicals, as well as oxidative stress. These can cause the hair follicle cells to break down, which in turn can lead to hair loss and conditions such as alopecia and telogen effluvium.
• Lavender: Nature’s original anti-inflammatory, lavender was used as far back as Roman times for its antiseptic and healing properties. It was used as an insect repellent, to perfume homes, for personal use and washing. In fact, the Latin term lavare means “to wash” and that’s the root of the word lavender. Among its many uses, lavender oil is now used to improve sleep and treat skin blemishes. In terms of its benefits on the hair, clinical studies have shown that lavender can help to promote growth and combat pattern baldness.

• Rosemary:This herb was also used by ancient civilisations, including the Greeks, who used it in garlands to improve memory, the Romans, who used it as an astringent and antiparasitic treatment, and the Egyptians, who believed it sacred and imbued with healing powers. Its name comes from the Latin ros “dew” and marinus “sea” or “dew of the sea”. When used on the hair, rosemary oil has analgesic properties which stimulate circulation to the scalp, encouraging faster, fuller hair growth and helping to prevent hair loss.

• Coconut:Popular in both cooking and skincare, coconut oil has many beneficial effects, including antimicrobial and skin-enhancing properties. When used on the hair, it helps to seal in moisture and develops a soothing and softening effect. Regular use can help to prevent breakage and tame frizz (an ongoing summer battle!). Due to its protective action against protein loss and environmental damage, it also encourages optimal hair growth.

• Black seed: Is packed with antioxidants and is great for your overall health. It can be used to treat various skin conditions and asthma, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, protect brain health and help weight loss. In haircare, it develops a powerful moisturising action that helps to promote and stimulate scalp circulation. Black seed oil also contains high levels of antihistamine, traditionally used in the treatment of alopecia and telogen effluvium.

• Argan: A favourite in both skin and haircare, argan oil is produced from the fruits of the Argania, a genus of flowering plants native to Morocco. It contains a powerful combination of antioxidants that enhance hair elasticity and restore natural shine. It develops a smoothing effect on the hair shaft, which helps to reduce breakage and split ends, and prevent hair loss. Argan oil also has multiple moisturising and anti-ageing properties, as well as protecting against sun damage, making it an essential ingredient for use during the summer months or when you’re travelling to destinations with a high UV index.

• Cedarwood: Has been used for centuries to treat minor wounds, reduce the appearance of scars and is beneficial for treating a range of skin conditions. It is also said to symbolise protection, wisdom and abundance. In haircare, cedarwood oil is known to cleanse the scalp, removing dandruff, excess oil and dirt. It improves circulation to the scalp and tightens the hair follicles, which helps stimulate healthy growth and reduce thinning by slowing hair loss. It balances oil-producing glands across the scalp, while antifungal properties keep your scalp clean and healthy, promoting hair growth.

• Ginger: In Ayurveda, ginger is used as a medicine in both its fresh and dried form and is associated with digestion, while in Chinese medicine, ginger is used to treat fatigue and a lack of energy. These days you’ll often find fresh ginger in a smoothie or natural homemade cold remedies. Yet another circulation booster in your haircare armoury, ginger oil is also packed full of vitamins and antioxidants that restore moisture and strengthen the hair shaft, helping to prevent hair loss.

• Almond: This nutty, sweet-smelling oil is packed full of vitamin E, and is a source of magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Almond oil has been used for millennia to soothe, soften and repair the skin and it’s also great for your hair. It contains omega fatty acids 3 & 6, which strengthen the hair and promote new hair growth. Almond oil can also help reduce dandruff and stimulate the scalp.

• Castor: Is another oil that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is extracted from castor beans, from the Ricinus communis plant and has myriad uses, including medicinal, industrial, pharmaceutical and cosmetic. When included in haircare formulations, it injects moisture, enhancing gloss and shine. Castor oil also helps to protect against dandruff and prevent hair damage, leaving hair silky and radiant.

I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering more about the history and benefits of the ingredients included in our flagship hair oil. To ensure your hair is glossy and ready to take on summer, use it several times a week and leave in overnight for an intense moisture boost. For enhanced results, try using it with our Microfibre Hair Towel Wrap. Not only does the microfibre keep the oil right where it should be – on your hair – ensuring optimal absorption, it also keeps your bed linen fresh and crisp. I’d love to see before and after pics if you’re using our hair oil for the first time!

Whatever your plans this summer, make sure you invest in an oil haircare ritual for a more confident, more radiant you!

Love Nosheen xxx