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Arwenlily
June 9th, 2014, 07:56 PM
I tried both olive oil and coconut oil on my hair separately and liked them for different reasons. Olive oil made my curls more defined and smooth and coconut oil made my hair soft and frizz free. However, olive oil could sometimes make my hair greasy and coconut oil made my hair weighed down. So I thought if maybe I combined the two, I could achieve the best results of both. Well it worked! I love this combo and especially love the smell. What are your favorite oil combos?

meteor
June 9th, 2014, 08:16 PM
My favorite mix is shea butter + coconut oil.
I like olive oil + coconut oil, as well.

And just for scalp health, I like adding neem oil, mustard oil and grapeseed oil, as well as some EOs.

I am planning on trying the "artificial sebum" ((http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19134124)) oil mix with any natural oils, jojoba, squalene and cholesterol, once I've used up some of my current oil mixes.

ErinLeigh
June 9th, 2014, 08:42 PM
I read (natural haven I think) that mixing olive and coconut actually enhances penetration of the oil.

My current fav is probably the prepoo mix of coconut/avocado. Hard to choose though as I really like mixing all of them for various purposes..
I currently have Neem, jojoba, emu, hemp, sesame, argan, olive, coconut, castor, amla, mineral oil, grapeseed and avocado as well as use a few marketed blends (2 shea moisture blends, Panacea/Freya/Ostera Salves and a Pureology mix) that I mix and match with.

I am still trying to decide which oils to repurchase and which to let go. I like them all but I get overwhelmed with so many choices. I am starting to separate some into prepoo and post wash mixes but its still to many choices for me considering some oils do not keep that well so I stress about using them up in time.

I cant wait to read others favorite combinations. May give me some ideas to try to help decide.

AmberJewel
June 9th, 2014, 09:21 PM
Haven't tried any combinations yet. Another good idea! I live in an area where it's hard to get anything other than olive oil and coconut oil, so that combo will probably become my favorite. If I hear of any other good ones, maybe I could order them online...?

Beborani
June 9th, 2014, 09:23 PM
In my opinion primary function of oil is to fill gaps in the cuticle due to damage, weathering and to wedge itself in the kinks and curls for those of us who have curly hair protecting it from breakage if (when) we comb it. Other function is to protect from water during washing process--especially in long and heavy hair that can get stretched a lot when wet. So mixing it up is a good idea as different oils probably bind to the hair slightly differently due to different fatty acid compositions. There is not much research on this as it is not commercially profitable (for cosmetic research) and there is no health issue involved (for dermatology). Silicones and other synthetic preparations perform the same function without 'oily' feel or look that is not favored in popular culture but perfectly okay here at lhc. Some commercial preparations claim to have 18-mea, the dominant fatty acid present in hair, but I doubt it is in any significant percentage and I dont see any research (havent searched much) comparing 18-mea to just any old fatty acid.

Adding one link to an abstract showing importance of lipid layer in hair http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20447366

jacqueline101
June 9th, 2014, 09:28 PM
I like argan oil, sweet almond and coconut. I mix mine with water and mist it on. I put very little of the three in my mister and I use it on my length and scalp daily.

Arwenlily
June 10th, 2014, 02:15 PM
meteor How do you use the oils for your scalp and what are the benefits? I haven't started a scalp care routine really and I'm not sure where to begin.
ErinLeigh ooo I didn't know that that combo may help absorption, that's awesome. Coconut and avocado sounds like a great combo. Do you know the specific benefits of avocado oil?
Amber Jewel Yeah I'm sure you could order them online!
Beborani Thank you for such an informative post! Which do you prefer, oils or silicones?
jacqueline101 Your hair must be so silky and soft :) How much do you mist when you do it daily?

twiglet
June 10th, 2014, 02:23 PM
I like to mix avocado and coconut for my pre poo

Drosmand7
June 10th, 2014, 02:25 PM
I used mostly olive oil and coconut oil

I also once week do a deep-oil treatment consisting of:
Almond oil
Black castor oil
Neem oil
Sesame oil
Rosemary oil
Mahabhringraj oil
Carrot oil
Amla oil
Black seed oil

I found good results with this combination but not sure if if repurchase all these again, even though a little goes a long way.

meteor
June 10th, 2014, 02:42 PM
meteor How do you use the oils for your scalp and what are the benefits? I haven't started a scalp care routine really and I'm not sure where to begin.

To begin, check out this thread: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18424&page=90 and on EOs: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=41192, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=2001
People often report that scalp massages with oils help hair grow faster, reduce shedding in some cases and loosen up dirt before washing - cleaner scalp is happier scalp. You can use essential oils on scalp (on hair length EOs are a bit of a waste). You can make your own EO mixes or buy ready-made, like "chrome dome".
You can also make herb-infused oils or buy ready mixes: Indian stores have lots of them. Brahmi, bhringraj, neelibhringadi and many other oils are popular Ayurvedic hair treatments.
I have to warn you that usually applying oils to scalp and massaging scalp can result in more shed hairs during the first applications, but the shedding should always fall dramatically after just 2-5 applications. If not, the oil is probably not for you.

There is some research that showed essential oils helping with hair loss:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867
"INTERVENTION: Eighty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups. The active group massaged essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) into their scalp daily. The control group used only carrier oils for their massage, also daily.
CONCLUSIONS: The results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. Treatment with these essential oils was significantly more effective than treatment with the carrier oil alone (P = .008 for the primary outcome measure). We also successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy.
In research conducted in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland, 43 alopecia patients received daily 2-minute scalp massges with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, mixed with jojoba and grapeseed oils. Another 43 received scalp massages using just jojoba and grapeseed oils. After seven months, 19 people in the essential-oil group grew hair, compared to 6 people in the control group. The results included one man who regrew a full head of hair from an almost completely bald scalp, says Isabelle C. Hay, MRCP, the medical doctor and specialist in dermatology who spearheaded the study. The above comments were excerpted from Prevention Magazine."

meteor
June 10th, 2014, 02:52 PM
I read (natural haven I think) that mixing olive and coconut actually enhances penetration of the oil.

Great post, ErinLeigh! :) I just wanted to add the link to Natural Haven for OP to look at, since she's interested: http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2009/10/coconut-oil-olive-oil-mixed-micelles.html and http://thebeautybrains.com/2007/05/14/two-natural-oils-that-make-your-hair-shiny-and-strong/
The "mixed micelles" theory is only a theory, but we so far, since some oil mixtures feel and look nicer on some people's hair than straight oils, there are possibly some benefits to mixing and matching.
The mixology also helps utilize the oils that don't work well straight.

Arwenlily
June 10th, 2014, 03:17 PM
meteor Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I'm going to definitely look into Indian herbs, they have always intrigued me. Oh! And thank you for the link to the natural haven!

kitcatsmeow
June 10th, 2014, 08:34 PM
favorite for length is mineral oil (baby oil) followed by argan oil

For scalp I like Castor with some rosemary and peppermint

ErinLeigh
June 10th, 2014, 09:16 PM
I read the below on the internet which made me interested in trying it..can't swear by the science of it because I don't know how to prove to disprove personally..I just know I get a great effect from it. It makes my hair soft and it seems to retain more moisture somehow. I love doing a deep condition then after rinsing applying avocado to damp hair. The softeness when it drys is incredible.
This site listed 10 best oils then eventually updated to include avocado, mustard, grapseed and argan. I started trying some more out and loved them.
http://www.revitaliseyourhealth.com/the-10-best-oils-for-hair-growth/
http://www.revitaliseyourhealth.com/how-to-use-avocado-oil-for-your-hair/
Avocado oil benefits hair through acting like a humectant and this means that it increases the moisture content of hair. Gently massaging your scalp and hair using this oil for about 15 minutes offers this benefit. Not only does the user benefit from enhanced moisture content, but avocado oil also improves blood circulation around the scalp.

Weewah
June 10th, 2014, 11:25 PM
This thread just made me buy avocado oil so I can mix avocado and coconut oil as suggested in that naturalhaven article.:cool:

I'm olive oil averse because apparently there's a pervasive issue of most olive oils being other cheaper oils in disguise. So who knows if I'll actually be getting the olive oil hair benefits. I still eat it though!

I like Jacquelines idea of misting on the oil. I'm thinking I'll try oil misting after showering since trying to apply oil with my hands on wet hair will totally frizz/fluff up my waves. I have to literally not touch my hair at all while wet. Only gentle scrunching, and scrunching in tiny oil drops is kind of impossible.

spirals
June 10th, 2014, 11:54 PM
I use a combo of coconut and grapeseed because that's what happens to be in the bathroom right now. (It's what I use for body oil in summer.) In the fall I'll switch to sunflower, probably. I'll be honest; the coconut is for my eczema, but whatever other oil's in there is for benefit of matching my decor. :lol: But grapeseed is a nice dry oil, and I do like sunflower for the vitamin E, so it's all good.

Sparklylady82
June 11th, 2014, 12:09 AM
This thread just made me buy avocado oil so I can mix avocado and coconut oil as suggested in that naturalhaven article.:cool:

I'm olive oil averse because apparently there's a pervasive issue of most olive oils being other cheaper oils in disguise. So who knows if I'll actually be getting the olive oil hair benefits. I still eat it though!

I like Jacquelines idea of misting on the oil. I'm thinking I'll try oil misting after showering since trying to apply oil with my hands on wet hair will totally frizz/fluff up my waves. I have to literally not touch my hair at all while wet. Only gentle scrunching, and scrunching in tiny oil drops is kind of impossible.

Your hair looks just like mine only yours is much longer! I would PM you but I don't know how yet...can you lend me some advice on your hair routines? Thank you!

Selkie-
June 11th, 2014, 01:42 AM
My last hot oil combo treatment was olive, sesame, argan and coconut - I am still experimenting with combinations. I am thinking of adding some essential oils in the future - such as lavender and rosemary. :)

jacqueline101
June 11th, 2014, 03:25 AM
meteor How do you use the oils for your scalp and what are the benefits? I haven't started a scalp care routine really and I'm not sure where to begin.
ErinLeigh ooo I didn't know that that combo may help absorption, that's awesome. Coconut and avocado sounds like a great combo. Do you know the specific benefits of avocado oil?
Amber Jewel Yeah I'm sure you could order them online!
Beborani Thank you for such an informative post! Which do you prefer, oils or silicones?
jacqueline101 Your hair must be so silky and soft :) How much do you mist when you do it daily?
I mist mine once a day until hair is damp. I put .25 of a once of each of my oils to 8 ounces of water.

Ingrid
June 11th, 2014, 04:41 AM
I like shea butter whipped with argan oil for the hair ends. I prefer using coconut oil on its own for the ends/lengths. I also like castor oil with EOs on the scalp, helped me reduce shedding significantly.

Weewah
June 11th, 2014, 05:12 AM
Your hair looks just like mine only yours is much longer! I would PM you but I don't know how yet...can you lend me some advice on your hair routines? Thank you!

I tried PMing you but it says you don't have permission. I think after you make 25 posts you can receive PMs. I saved what I was going to send you so I'll just send it to you later sometime :)

clioariane
June 11th, 2014, 05:37 AM
I do coconut/jojoba/almond as an overnight treatment sometimes with good results!

Arwenlily
June 11th, 2014, 04:08 PM
ErinLeigh Now I really want to go buy some avocado oil! Where did you get yours?

Also, I see many have mentioned castor oil with EOs for the scalp, when and how do you use it?

PiXiEmandy
June 11th, 2014, 05:52 PM
macadamia oil and dry chocolate oil are my faves

meteor
June 11th, 2014, 07:03 PM
Also, I see many have mentioned castor oil with EOs for the scalp, when and how do you use it?

There is a huge castor oil thread going on in the Recipes section: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18265&page=230
People often use it on scalp for growth and thickness.
It's a very viscous, thick, sticky oil and seems to be really popular with wavies/curlies with coarse hair.

As for your avocado oil question, honestly, I'd get cold-pressed avocado oil for a good price in grocery stores or health food stores, rather than online. It's a great oil for cooking, too.

kitcatsmeow
June 11th, 2014, 07:54 PM
There is a huge castor oil thread going on in the Recipes section: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18265&page=230
People often use it on scalp for growth and thickness.
It's a very viscous, thick, sticky oil and seems to be really popular with wavies/curlies with coarse hair.

As for your avocado oil question, honestly, I'd get cold-pressed avocado oil for a good price in grocery stores or health food stores, rather than online. It's a great oil for cooking, too.


I have fine slightly wavy hair and have never had an issue getting castor oil out of my hair as long as I don't over do it! :D I have been known to put a little in every day for a few days. It seems to absorb well and as long as I condition before I wash, it comes right out no residue. I do like to mix it with a lighter oil though if I'm leaving it on longer than overnight. I add some rosemary, peppermint and lavendar.

Sparklylady82
June 11th, 2014, 09:48 PM
I put coconut oil lightly on my dry ends like I would a leave in co and then braided my hair for bed. My hair looked shiny and awesome in the morning not greasy at all. I'm wavy though so it may soak up the moisture more.

ErinLeigh
June 11th, 2014, 10:30 PM
ErinLeigh Now I really want to go buy some avocado oil! Where did you get yours?

Also, I see many have mentioned castor oil with EOs for the scalp, when and how do you use it?

amazon :) I work a 6pm-6am job so never seem to get to a store. Amazon is my everything unfortunately.
It was $4.50 and I have had the bottle since October.
Dr Adorable Organic Cold Pressed Avocado is what I bought. I have no others to compare to but this one in my opinion is great just because it had done wonders for me.


I love Jaquelines method of mister bottle also. Its a great way to oil hair without that oily look that can happen if you overdo. It also works to mix a little conditioner to the water and oil for a full leave in effect.

Meteor I have to try mustard oil now after reading about it. I am a big fan of using all oils and oil combinations. I think they each offer something special. I can't seem to commit to just one. If I had to choose I would pick coconut just because my hair is so porous, but I am glad I don't have to choose.

spirals
June 11th, 2014, 11:03 PM
There is a huge castor oil thread going on in the Recipes section: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18265&page=230
People often use it on scalp for growth and thickness.
It's a very viscous, thick, sticky oil and seems to be really popular with wavies/curlies with coarse hair.
.Before I stopped using product, I had a gel that I loved because it made my hair soooo shiny, with big, fat spirals.

Sparklylady82
June 11th, 2014, 11:43 PM
I tried PMing you but it says you don't have permission. I think after you make 25 posts you can receive PMs. I saved what I was going to send you so I'll just send it to you later sometime :)

Thank you I really appreciate it! :-) I've been posting like crazy so it shouldn't be too long!

meteor
June 13th, 2014, 02:47 PM
Double post, sorry!

meteor
June 13th, 2014, 02:49 PM
Meteor I have to try mustard oil now after reading about it. I am a big fan of using all oils and oil combinations. I think they each offer something special. I can't seem to commit to just one. If I had to choose I would pick coconut just because my hair is so porous, but I am glad I don't have to choose.
ErinLeigh, I have to warn you about the smell: it's very unpleasant. Unfortunately, lots of smelly things are great for hair: sulfur-rich garlic, onion, neem, etc. Mustard oil is pretty awesome on hair and scalp as a pre-poo treatment: extra-rich and emollient, as well as anti-bacterial. It warms up the scalp, so I like it in wintertime. It's known in India as a winter oil and an oil against hair loss for men.
You can get it in huge bottles very cheaply at Indian/ethnic stores, since it's a cooking oil.
Here are some LHC threads on mustard oil: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=57922,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=56492,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=101590

Katrine
June 13th, 2014, 05:57 PM
I really like combining olive oil with sweet almond oil. Sometimes I apply the olive first, sometimes I mix them together. If I want to do a heavier pre-wash oiling I will add jojoba.

Selkie-
June 18th, 2014, 02:22 AM
Just tried coconut mixed with sesame oil as a pre-poo oil treatment - I really liked it. :D

snowstorm
July 21st, 2017, 12:19 PM
I absolutely LOVE coconut oil for my hair, from root to tip. On my roots I use it fro pre-wash treatments, on the rest of my hair I use the oil pre and post washing. It makes my hair super soft, manageable, and shiny. I have very oily roots, so I use minimal oil, but it is absolute magic. I bought Black Seed Oil today and I can't wait to start using it.

snowstorm
July 21st, 2017, 12:21 PM
I absolutely LOVE coconut oil for my hair, from root to tip. On my roots I use it fro pre-wash treatments, on the rest of my hair I use the oil pre and post washing. It makes my hair super soft, manageable, and shiny. I have very oily roots, so I use minimal oil, but it is absolute magic. I bought Black Seed Oil today and I can't wait to start using it.

I for got to add. I used to use normal coconut oil, and I actually love the smell of coconut oil, but with daily use the smell gets a bit too much. I currently have the deodorized kind and it doesn't smell at all, which is brilliant.

Groovy Granny
July 21st, 2017, 12:46 PM
I use an oil blend from NOW foods at Lucky Vitamin ~ rosehip, jojoba, almond, apricot, and grapeseed oils....with mineral oil to cut it a bit (saves $)

Rebeccalaurenxx
July 21st, 2017, 01:07 PM
I use an organic oil blend I bought from Walmart, it's from their medicine/vitamin isle. It's argan oil, mixed with almond oil, grapeseed oil and avocado oil. It's very light and I use a few drops every day until wash day rolls around. :)

CoveredByLove
July 21st, 2017, 05:59 PM
I don't do straight oils on my hair a whole lot, but the ones/blends that work best for me when I do are avocado, olive, sweet almond, pumpkin seed, and jojoba, especially with a heat cap for better absorption. I've been using emu oil mixed with essential oils, almond & avocado oil, neem & alma powder as a scalp massage once a week. Ive been doing this for about two months, and I'm noticing more baby hairs at my hair line where it was thin. :) (Studies have shown that Emu oil can awaken 80% of dormant hair follicles.) I look forward to my little scalp oil massage every weekend now :o

enting
July 24th, 2017, 04:06 PM
My favorite combination doesn't contain more than one oil. It's sesame oil and aloe vera gel. The only downside is that it smooths out my curls into waves, but it does so by making everything silky and sleek. It doesn't feel greasy at all, and I love the smell of the combination.

Dark40
July 24th, 2017, 06:40 PM
My favorite oil combos are Alberto VO5 and Vitamin E oil for hot oil treatments. I haven't done a hot oil treatment since 2016 sometime. I think it's due time for one. I always like to keep them up. Because, they keep my hair from drying out, and it gives my hair lots of beautiful shine!