Extolling the Virtues of Coconut Oil

Research suggests that chemical treatments (bleaching, relaxing, colouring, over-processing) and UV, thermal processing,  exposure causes hair damage which increases porosity and swelling of the hair cuticle causing the hair to become rough and dull. I have this problem, I think my hair is dull and it is certainly rough and I wondered what was the best way to improve this.  

One study I came across explained that Coconut oil treatments prevented combing damage of various hair types and found that Coconut Oil has a superior effect on hair in comparison to Sunflower Oil and Mineral Oils, which are not found to penetrate the hair shaft.  The following extract explains their findings: "Among three oils, Coconut Oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. Both sunflower and mineral oils do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair. This difference in results could arise from the composition of each of these oils. Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft" Source: Europe PubMed.

I have often wondered, what exactly is the scientific value of hair oils.  Besides the articles that I see on Google and other peoples experinces with the product.  The info above leads me to believe that it is scientifically beneficial to the hair, so in short, I think I'll be using more Coconut Oil from now on! 

Shea Butter Mix

My parents visited Ghana a couple of years ago and brought back a big block of the yellow Shea butter for my sister and I to share.  This has been sitting in my room in a paper bag since then.  The other day, I remembered I had it and  remembered that I could mix it up and use it in my hair.  So I went out and bought a hand mixer from Argos for about £5 and decided to make this stuff up.  I remembered that Naptural85 had a video on her mix, so I used the method that she demonstrates in her video.  I didn't have all the oils that she mentioned, but I just made use of what I had.  Anyhow, I used Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil and Peppermint Oil (for fragrance).

All the additional ingredients I used in the Shea Butter Mix

I had to vary the measures of the ingredients somewhat, as the consistency was a little stiff the first time round. So, I mixed away until it was the consistency I liked and put it into old jars. I gave some to my mum (who likes to think that she is on a hair journey - bless her!) and some to my little sister (who is natural and on a hair journey).

My hair is in braids right now, so I will not be using it until about the beginning of next month. In the meantime, I'm going to make the 'everyday' version that Naptural85 makes in the video.

Blessings
Naddy x