Natural Hair and Skin Products

Coconut oil

From what I've read up about it, and learnt myself, I can tell you that Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition products for hair. It helps promote healthy hair growth, providing it with a shiny complexion. It's not as heavy and greasy as Shea butter, and it feels and smells great.

A regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is "free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry". This stuff is simply amazing. I use it on my wet or dry natural under growth. It helps moisturise and brings out the curls giving them more shine and definition. Coconut Oil works wonders when used to deep condition the hair. Smooth a little over dry or damp hair, cover with a cap and heat for 15-20mins and then wash out and you'll see and feel the difference. It's also an excellent skin moisturiser and softener. My mother used it a lot when I was younger. I had forgotten about it completely until recently.

There are different types. Various products contain coconut oil, different brands use it in their shampoos, lotions, conditioners etc. I prefer 100% natural coconut oil. It's smooth, and solid but melts at just above room temperature. It also smells pretty nice.

If you want to know more about its uses which include; weight-loss, hair and skin care, massage oils, and conditioning, just look online.

This is probably the best natural hair and skin product I have come across so far.

 

Shea Butter

God's gift to man for hair and body. Those of you who have read the post about the food fiasco experiment will know that I have had a couple of bad experiences with this stuff. The main problem was that I used too much of it.

I use it on my skin most of the time instead of body lotion because my skin is extremely dry. Shea butter helps seal in the moisture and adds a healthy glow. It's a natural fat extracted from the nut of the Shea Tree. It has natural properties which can protect the skin from the Sun's damaging UV rays.

I use Nigerian Shea Butter, it's solid and needs to be warmed to soften. It's thick and greasy. It nourishes and protects hair and skin. It increases the suppleness and softness of the skin and adds softness and shine to the hair. It is also said to reduce the appearance of blemishes, stretch marks and scars.

Similar to Coconut Oil, Shea Butter can also be used to deep condition the hair and to moisturise a dry scalp.


 

Essential oils

I’ve always been a fan of essential oils. There are countless benefits for hair, skin and aromatherapy.

My favourites are:

  • Tea-tree oil for dry itchy scalp

  • Lavender oil which is rumoured to stimulate hair growth, but also has the same relaxing effect as camomile does in tea. A few drops on your pillow, and you’re likely to doze off a little faster than usual.

  • Lemon oil is said to contain antiseptic and antimicrobial properties - it also smells great!

Remember: essential oils MUST be diluted with a carrier oil; olive oil jojoba oil, avocado oil, almond oil, to name a few, to avoid damage to your skin.

If you’re stuck on where to buy your essential oils, Consumer Advocates have created a list that can be viewed here: Best Essential Oil Brands.