Why isn't oil the answer?

[brittanynic16]

Why isn\'t oil the answer?

If all that makes African American different from any other kind of hair is oil then why can't we just apply oil and everything be the same?

 

[Nonie]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

This is what I think...

Because even if it was just oils, you'd have to use an oil that has the exact composition as sebum to keep your hair completely happy. Jojoba comes close and even has absorption properties of sebum. But even with the use of jojoba, moisture would be still essential so frequent washing would be a necessity if you don't want to use any other moisturizer as a leave-in. Most non-African Americans wash and condition their hair almost daily...so their hair not only gets nourished by sebum but also gets a regular supply of moisture.

I'd also like to mention (even though I am still having a hard time agreeing with this) that it has been said curly hair cuticles are always open so moisture is easily lost. Hence the need for extra moisture by Afro hair. Which may be why oils alone, even jojoba, are not enough. We need to continually replenish the moisture by regular spritzing with water or application of a water-based moisturizer.

 

[Allandra]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

Nonie,

Great info.

 

[brittanynic16]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

thanks!

 

[Supergirl]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

Brittany,

This is a great question

 

[hotshot]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

im thinking im going to stop using oils like castor and coconut as moisturizers and just preshampoo hot oils. ill be using things like s-curl, my homemade leave-ins, hair butter or hair milk as regular moisturizers. When i apply oils after spritzing with distilled water, my hair is soft- for the time being. it doesnt last so much. but oils feel very nice if i put them on and throw on a shower cap and a head wrap to deep/pre-condition. we'll see. i feel like im still suffering more breakage than id care for and the moisture thing is no joke.

 

[Isis]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

I used to think we should be able just to apply oil on our hair and all will be well. Since I came to this board, I've learned the importance of moisture for our hair which can only come from water, and how to use oil to seal that water in.

 

[Nyambura]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

That's a good idea, hotshot. I especially love castor oil during the winter because it's a heavy sealant - but there's no way I could use any oil as a moisturizer. Distilled water is still my best friend in moisturizing.

 

[brittanynic16]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

[ QUOTE ]
Supergirl said:
Brittany,

This is a great question

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks!

 

[Height]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

All hair is not the same. Hair is not just hair. Persons of European descent have 3 hair layers. Most persons of African descent only have two layers of hair. We don't have the medula. We have more layers of cuticle. Check out the thread started my Soulchild.

cuticle layers

Also try ourhair.net/rs_frizz_bottom.htm

 

[Valerie]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

I tend to apply oils, such as Castor oil, Monoi oil and olive oil to my scalp, to my hair I apply aloe vera gel. I only apply castor, monoi or olive as a hot oil treatment or in a form of a spray, mixed with distilled water, rosewater, glycerine, infusium 23, aloe vera juice and IC styling gel.

 

[hotshot]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

well i use distilled water and seal with oil- is the sealing unnecessary? i always though sealing was necessary! how do folks here use distilled water?
also-
i find using water based products on wet/damp hair is no good for me. they work better on dry hair, while only oil works on wet/ damp hair- but not for long. i used to constantly "spritz-n-seal," shall we call it, but i think using water based products on dry hair is better for me.

 

[Nyambura]

Re: Why isn\'t oil the answer?

Hey hotshot ~

I know for my hair, sealing is necessary. Others may find differently. If not sealing works for you, go with what you know.

As for distilled water usage, I use distilled water as a final rinse, as an in-between-washes moisturizer, and for dampening my hair for warm oil treatments. Sweetcocoa, the LHCF member who graciously shared the benefits of distilled water, uses it for her entire wash, beginning to end.