Essential oils as preservatives?

Many of us mix our own products and when we make a hug batch we want it to last. I have seen on many forums the question "Can I use a natural oil as a preservative?" I have seen people respond "yes" and people respond "no." After some web research this is what I found:

Some essential oils can be used as preservatives but they are not strong enough to be used alone. Additionally, if you use naturals oils in your mixtures and your product is left uncovered it is possible for the essential oil to evaporate. If you choose not to use preservatives then your mixture should be refrigerated immediately and remain refrigerated throughout your usage of the product/mixture. Not all essential oils will act as preservatives and this is important to remain aware of this fact. Some of the oils that can be used as (temporary) preservatives include sweet orange, thyme, lemon grass, and peppermint. I would highly recommend researching any essential oil that you are thinking about using before even making your purchase. There are side effects and precautions that may need to be taking depending on your health sates. Happy researching and decision making.

References

Do essential oils act as preservatives?

Natural Preservatives

Essential Oils

Aloe Gro Treatment REMIX

Recall the Aloe Gro Treatment video that I found on YouTube. Well, I really liked it but because of lack of proper ingredients, I had to get creative when I mixed up the next batch. It still feels awesome!! So now I believe that as long as you have the water and organic aloe-you can substitute the essential oils to suit your hair care needs.

Here's what I mixed:

1.5 Cup Organic Aloe Vera Gel

1 Cup Water (distilled)

6 Drops Rosemary EO (Pregnant women should not use this EO)

10 Drops Peppermint EO

5 Drops Tea Tree EO

Know your stuff: Oil Sheen ingredients

I remember how I used to coat my tresses in oil sheen back in the day. Attempting to make my hair shine like gold because of course if your hair is shiny, it must be healthy.....not. Too bad I learned this lesson the hard and costly way. Using oil sporadically and lightly may be okay for your hair but overdoing it can lead to dryness and breakage.

Ingredients commonly found in oil sheen:

C13 14 Isoparaffin: mixture of hydrocarbons (mineral oils) derived from petroleum, and is used in cosmetics and personal care products primarily as an emollient, and also considered a thickening agent or gelling ingredient

Citronellol: used in perfumes and insect repellents and as a mite attractant

Hexyl cinnamal: is a common additive in perfume and cosmetic industry as aroma substance.

Hydroxycitronellal/Hydroxycitronellol: used in the creation and/or manufacturing of fragrance and flavor concentrates of all types

Isobutane: used as a refrigerant, as a propellant for aerosol cans and foam products

Isodecyl Oleate: made from decyl alcohol and oleic acid. Decyl Oleate is made from straight chained decyl alcohol, while Isodecyl Oleate is made from branched chain decyl alcohol

Linalool: naturally-occurring terpene alcohol chemical found in manyflowers and spice plants with many commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent

Propane: derived from other petroleum products during oil or natural gas processing. It is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, barbecues, portable stoves and residential central heating

Simmondsia: nique among plants in that its seeds contain an oil which is a liquid wax

Fragrance (Parfum): self explanatory

It seems that most of the ingredients are used for fragrance. Okay your hair smells great but what else? Keep in mind that this ingredient list is by no means all inclusive. There are some natural oils in a few oil sheens but there is also mineral oil and petroleum in them. The last thing you want to do is block out the much needed moisture that natural hair craves.

Some natural products that can give you the same shiny effect of oil sheen:

Sweet Almond Oil

Honey

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

I personally prefer sweet almond oil for amazing shine. I'd rather avoid the risk of dryness and breakage.

Coconut Oil

I used coconut oil for the first ever this past weekend and I must say I LOVED IT! My hair felt so soft, moisturized, and look the way it felt. I picked up the coconut oil from Whole Foods for only $6.99 and I can tell that it is going to go a long way.

I cleansed my scalp with Dudu Osom liquid black soap, deep conditioned LeKair Cholesterol for one hour, and then applied the coconut oil while my hair was still damp. Let it air dry and then styled in a bun for the week. I am trying really hard to protect my ends to see how much growth I can achieve.

The next day after air drying over night.

The bun I plan to wear until the end of the week. I have two braids in the front, inspired by a picture of a model I saw one one the many websites I visit. The pic makes it look frizzy...but it came out really nice and the compliments are stacking up.

Essential Facts for Essential Oils

Almost every natural healthy hair care "addict" has heard about the use of essential oils. There are so many that can be hard to keep up with them all. I listed just a few of the top mentioned oils and their functions.

Basil - is a beneficial herb that stimulates and promotes hair growth, massaging with this oil promotes healing, health, and improves scalp circulation which, in turn, promotes hair growth. Basil is good when used together with fenugreek and ivy burdock herbs. Basil is used in many shampoos and conditioners that are designed for scalp health.

Burdock: It helps with skin, scalp and hair cell renewal. It also helps to stimulate blood flow to the root of the hair. Burdock Root Essential oil is also supposed to help with hair loss in both men and women.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek has long been used for stimulating blood flow especially to minor capillaries such as those that feed the hair root. Fenugreek makes for a great topical application like in shampoos, conditioners and in hair tonics. Fenugreek for hair care is an excellent choice especially for those that are having problems with hair growth. Fenugreek also compliments sage, lemongrass, lemon peel, burdock and ivy extract.

Lavender can be used in any type of hair product as it does a good job of soothing the scalp and the hair. Effects: Soothing, Relaxing. Aroma: Middle note. Scent: Sweet, Herbal, and Fruity combines well with: Bergamot, Geranium

Myrrh: Myrrh is not typically used in hair care products. If it is then Myrrh is typically used for those have greasy hair and those that want a more purified scalp. It is used in very small quantities.

Peppermint: Peppermint helps to stimulate blood flow to the root of the hair. This helps the hair to receive proper nourishment and to grow correctly. It is a great for hair that is growing slow or hair that is thinning. Peppermint makes the scalp tingle and this is what stimulates the blood flow to the hair. This stimulation can help with hair loss and thinning hair in women and men.

Rose Essential Oil: We love the smell of Rose and love the way that it feels in the hair but the only problem with rose for hair products like shampoo is that it costs a lot of money for rose essential oil.

Tea Tree Oil: Works daily to get to the heart of dandruff other scalp conditions that can be helped with Tea Tree oil as it works to purify the scalp. It is often included with Jojoba oil for hair as the two are used to deep cleanse the scalp. Tea tree oil works extremely well for those that suffer from scalp psoriasis and scalp dandruff.

Thyme essential oils and herbs for great hair! Thyme is often used is deep cleansing shampoo and works well when used with even the mildest cleansing agents. It works well when combined with other anti oily scalp products such as Thyme and sage.

Ylang ylang - Ylang Ylang is from the first part of the distillation process, and is considered by most to be the best. This essential oil has properties: aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, anti-infectious, anti-seborrheic, antiseptic, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, regulator, sedative, stimulant, and tonic. Historically, it has been used for cosmetic and hair care, skin diseases, and to prevent fever and fight infections. Is also used to soothe insect bites. Ylang Ylang blends well with lavender, sandalwood, rosewood, jasmine, vetiver, opopanax, bergamot, mimosa, cassie and rose. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and a few cases of sensitization have been reported.

Rosemary - has effect in stimulating the hair-bulbs to renewed activity and preventing premature baldness.

Arnica - A hair rinse prepared with arnica extract has been used to treat alopecia neurotica.

Sage - A strong infusion of sage used as a hair rinse may darken hair color and help reduce hair loss.

Bay - helps your hair grow. If you have dull hair, this essential oil can restore it, also well for dandruff problems. For stimulating your hair health you can add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you regularly use.

Jojoba oils � great to use as a carrier oil, has healing properties for damaged and breaking hair.

If you do not have a local store in your area that sells essential oils, they can easily be purchased online: Buy Essential Oils

Resources

Aromatherapy At Home

Ezine Articles

List of more Essential Oils