All of you who have been following me know by now I love the idea of oiling my hair to help it grow healthy, long and strong. It is an integral part of my slow beauty routine and time I get to spend nurturing myself which makes me happier, healthier, and more balanced.
It has been a few years since I have bothered with a serum or, indeed, many products beyond oiling, washing, and drying, but I do manage to make my own serum to protect my hair from the heat of the blow dryer and to add a shine boost once it’s dry. I mix my own so that I am assured that I can use the highest quality ingredients with no additional additives. Also, since I buy my cold pressed ingredients in quantity, mixing them as I need them, I am saving money, by and large, compared to the often inferior products on the shelf. I also mix my concoctions in small batches which guarantees efficacy, and can tailor my formulas using different essential oils to meet different needs, conditions, or even different moods. I had to do quite a bit of experimenting to come up with this formula, using some of the ingredients I use when I oil my hair, and taking a few cues from the beauty rituals of the women in the cultures to which I have been exposed I managed to create a formula that creates smooth and shiny hair and the softest yet strongest ends imaginable.
All this with only 4 ingredients!
Benefits of Camellia Oil for hair
Chinese and Japanese women have prized camellia oil for centuries for its ability to condition both hair and skin. It is high in antioxidants (Japanese samurais used to coat their swords with camellia oil to prevent corrosion and rush demonstrating its amazing antioxidant properties), polyphenols, and Vitamin E which helps in wound healing and prevention of infection. It is high in a broad range of Omega Fatty Acids and, used on the hair, prevents breakage, promotes hair growth, and soothes dry scalp.
Benefits of Castor Oil for hair
Rich in essential fatty acids and is soothing and lubricating. Smooth cuticle and softens coarse hair, encourages hair growth, and even can stop thinning hair in its track. Traps moisture inside the hair shaft and gently coats hair strands while allowing scalp to breathe. Castor oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties making it perfect for treating ringworm (one cause of thinning hair) or other fungi and bacterial infections.
Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil for hair
Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff and even lice! Stimulates hair growth, controls oil production and reduces itchy/ flaky scalp, not to mention it smells divine!
Benefits of Avocados Oil for hair
Avocados have serious moisturizing properties, and are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin and essential fatty acids. Its oil is monounsaturated and highly moisturizing, perfect for dry, damaged, coarse hair. It is a great shine booster. Awesome substitute for silicone!!!!
SERUM RECIPE FOR HAIR
Ingredients
4 ounces Camellia Oil
1/2 ounce Castor Oil
1/2 ounce Unrefined Cold-pressed Avocado Oil
1/2 oz. lavender oil
25 drops Essential oils of your choice for scent
Choose a natural, cold-pressed, organic essential oils according to the healing properties desired. Use myrrh or peppermint for dry hair, lavender or rose oil for fine hair to normal hair, or add lemon or chamomile for golden highlights. Avoid using synthetic oils.
Combine all ingredients into a dark amber glass bottle with dropper (sunlight oxidizes product causing it to break down and/or go rancid quickly) Shake well before each use.
To Use: Work a small amount into damp hair before blow drying or apply a very small amount to dry hair to smooth hair cuticles and create shine.
Note: If you tend towards an oily scalp, use this serum only on ends.
This is a luxurious alternative to commercial formulations containing silicones that essentially “shrink wrap” hair potentially causing more damage in the long term.
