Natural Beauty: Hair Oil

1 Tbsp. is All It Takes: Safflower Oil for Healthy Hair & Skin.

Beautiful healthy hair, is a feature that everyone wants. The things that we do to achieve it (e.g. heat styling, harsh chemicals & hair dyes) although great for the moment, can often cause damage over time, leaving it looking lifeless and dull. Good News! We know about something you probably haven’t tried before. You’ve heard of Hot Oil, to replenish your strands and repair damage, right? Well, now there’s a natural, organic alternative – Safflower Oil.

Safflower Oil is a lighter oil (the good stuff), that helps your hair grow. Quick-Notes: Gradient signifies quality; the lighter the better. It’s also great for your skin because it promotes the regeneration of skin cells, and can help to soothe certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. Safflower Oil is beneficial because of its nutritional richness. It’s very high in two types of fatty acids, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, that work wonders for your hair. If you want to get specific, they are properly labelled, Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid. Just one tablespoon per day, is all you need to start seeing the benefits in the condition of your hair and your skin too! Safflower oil is also high in Vitamin E, a wonderful skin emollient; this is great for minimizing the appearance of skin imperfections or softening skin wounds, to allow for better healing. Use of this product can bring about a dramatic change in your hair and skin after eight consecutive weeks of regular use; however, you will start to notice a difference from the get-go. You’ll feel better too! Safflower Oil, taken orally, can help to improve the functioning of your body, especially your digestive system, and it helps to promote good joint health, as well. If you are on a low fat diet, you should think about including this Oil, to prevent your skin and hair from drying out. Healthy fats, and oils are important to include, for a balanced diet, and an overall, natural, healthy glow.

So what will it cost you? Safflower Oil doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can buy a natural bar of soap containing the oil, or a small bottle of the oil, itself, for just $2 to $3. For the lowest priced pill form, Safflower Oil Supplements, will cost anywhere from $10. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to cosmetic splurges, by purchasing a full-size bottle of perfume; This will cost you just over $200. Conversely, a full sized bottle of the highest quality, pure, Safflower Oil, can go for around $150, so it’s up to you to determine your needs (or wants), and choose the option that suits you best. For added health, wellness, relaxation and pleasure, you can book in for salon quality treatments at an upscale, wholistic, health Spa, and go for a professional manicure, using essential oils, or a massage, complete with aromatherapy. Prices for services like these range from $50 (for manicures), and into the $100s (for aromatherapy massage).

Full service spa packages, or more elaborate spa-cation stays, where you will find a variety of oils and lotions, are available in the area of upwards of $1000. These health & wellness wonder-resorts, include the most satiating services, including such things as “restorative rest” packages – Be-still our weary hearts! When searching for products, do you research, and find out what suits your needs best. We recommend starting small, and saving the more extravagant purchases, (i.e. spa-cations complete with company pool), for the seasoned, health & wellness guru, who has already gotten his or her feet wet. Ok, and maybe for those of you who just want to – your call!

We also suggest trying a few DIY treatments, to introduce you to the product. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get the Spa treatment. You can try these modified versions, right from home.

1. DIY HOT OIL TREATMENT

For soft, shiny hair, make your own Hot Oil using Safflower Oil. Here’s what you will need:

–          Safflower Oil

–          Coconut Oil

–          Honey

Directions: Get out a bowl and a wide, flat, make-up brush – just make sure you clean it thoroughly first. Combine equal parts of the oil – We recommend starting with 2 oz of each, and then add in 1 Tbsp. of honey. Using your brush, blend all of the ingredients together until the mixture is combined. Microwave the oil for about 30 sec. to warm it, and paint it over the strands of your hair. Leave your hair uncovered (i.e. don’t wrap it in a towel), and let it deeply penetrate into your hair. Rinse it off after 30 min. and then style as usual – Avoid heat tools, like curling or straight irons. We recommend not washing it out until a day following the treatment.

2. DIY MOISTURIZING HAIR MASK

For thick, well-conditioned, soft hair, make a hair mask using Safflower Oil. Here’s what you’ll need:

–          Avocado

–          Safflower Oil

–          That’s it!

Directions: Slice the avocado with a paring knife, all the way around the skin, and cut through to the center (your knife will hit the pit). Twist the two halves to separate the sides from the pit, and pull them off so you are left with two halves. Using a spoon, scoop the flesh out of each half and toss both halves into a blender. Add in the oil – 1 TBS works best. Blend the mixture until it’s just smooth – don’t over-blend or it will turn out too thin. You want it to be thick, like the consistency of a really good hair conditioner. Then, slather it over your hair, and wrap it up in a towel. Rinse off after 30 min.  and style as usual. No shampoo needed! Remember, no heat tools, only a dryer if necessary. You want the Oil to take its fullest effect, and you can wash and condition, as usual, the following day.

DIY options are great starters for you to try. If you still want to know more, we’ve compiled a list for you on the benefits of this incredible health & wellness product, so you can start integrating its use into your daily, healthy regime.

The options are endless, and the benefits are plentiful.

13 benefits of Safflower Oil, for your hair and your skin

Hair Brittleness

Safflower Oil is very high in the Essential Acids, Omega 3 and 6. Also known as Alpha-linoleic acid, the benefits include stimulation of hair growth. Taking Safflower Oil orally, or applying directly to the hair shaft helps to lock in moisture and condition your scalp. This nature’s little secret, is also known to prevent hair loss, so it’s a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. For long, luscious locks, choose Safflower Oil.

Hair growth

Safflower Oil helps to prevent the loss of protein from your hair, allowing for stronger, and ultimately, longer hair. If you are trying to grow out your hair, take note of some of these hair-healthy ideas, and your locks will be longer in no time! a)Don’t brush your hair. Instead, use a wide tooth comb, only to detangle, while your hair is still wet from the shower. b) Don’t shampoo your hair, daily. Instead, use only conditioner, and let it sit on top of your hair for about 10 – 15min. before rinsing it out. c)Sleep on a silk pillowcase, not the cotton kind. This helps to prevent your hair from catching on the fabric, and falling out during the night. It works. Try it! You’ll also have a better sleep. d)Use the Hot Oil treatment, listed above, once per week to soften, condition and strengthen your hair. You’ll have your hair longer and healthier before you know it.

Moisturizer

The linoleic acid and vitamin E in Safflower oil are great, natural moisturizers. Integrate your Safflower Oil into your skin care regime. Start with a cleanser, a mild cleansing milk is great for dry skin, follow up with a toner, and then use the Safflower Oil as a moisturizer. You only need a few drops, as the oil is thin and smooths over skin easily. You also don’t want to have an excess of oil sitting on top of your skin. If that happens, simply dab the excess off with a tissue, and you’re good to go. Safflower moisturizer is best when applied at night, to allow for it to deeply penetrate your skin.

Improve Circulation

When taken orally, the high Vitamin E content in Safflower Oil helps to improve your circulation. This is important for good skin health because improved circulation gives your skin a beautiful, healthy color and vibrancy, making you look like a model for a healthy lifestyle! This also helps to eliminate free radicals. We don’t want to get into a long description about free radicals, but basically – the bad stuff. For healthier, more radiant skin, take Safflower Oil – the good stuff. Use this natural products, as your primary defender.

Ultra Shine

Shiny hair is easier to achieve, than you think. Safflower oil is a quick trick to give your locks a gloss. Just take a dime sized amount, drop the oil into the center of your palm, and rub your palms together to evenly distribute the oil between your hands. Then, smooth over wet hair, and style, as usual. Be careful not to use any tools that are too high in heat, as heat can dry out your hair. Air drying is best, and a low setting on your hair dryer is better than high heat.

Eliminate Dandruff

Safflower Oil can be used to treat dry skin and eliminate dandruff – finally! Dandruff that keeps coming back can be annoying and frustrating, and it doesn’t mean that you aren’t taking proper care of yourself. Recurrent dandruff can result from dry skin. When nothing else works, use a few drops, while your hair is still damp from the shower, and rub it directly into your scalp, to moisturize the skin underneath your hair. The Vitamin E in the Oil is great for skin too, and serves as a natural emollient that softens and smooths rough spots and fine lines. So, when you are done with your hair, don’t wash your hands, use what little you have left to moisture your skin. You can use it on any part of your body that’s extra dry. For example, elbows, knees, and the soles of your feet.

Cooking

Use Safflower Oil as a cooking or salad oil. Just 1 Tbsp. a day, and you will notice a clearer complexion. You should get into the habit of sautéing vegetables in the oil, and you can even use it to cook your pancakes! Our favorite idea is pouring a shot of the oil over freshly steamed veggies, and tossing them with a sprinkling of garlic sauce – so good!

Spa Oil

Safflower Oil is great, used as a lotion, on your hands. It leaves your skin feeling silky smooth, and it can be used to repair your cuticles. It’s also great for manicures. Spas will often use it as a massage oil for the body.

Soften & Smooth

The linoleic acid in Safflower Oil is responsible for both of these jobs – So it serves double-duty. You can use it to soften your skin first, and then use the remaining oil that’s left on your hands, to smooth your hair. Finding a use for leftover products is a good habit to get into. You never want to waste a good thing. Don’t wash your hands after you moisturize your face, simply run them over the top of your hair to smooth over the surface.

Shimmer

Applying the oil to your body gives your skin a soft, moist look – Shimmer like the sun! For glowing skin, be generous, but don’t use too much oil. Apply about a half of a shot glass full, and smooth over your entire body, after getting out of the shower or the pool (just be careful not to burn, if you’re sitting out in the sun). Safflower Oil as a rich, shimmer and sheen is best for your body. On your face, use it sparingly.

Revitalize

Revitalize your hair color in between salon visits. This technique is great, especially if you have a darker shade – slick a coat of Safflower Oil over the top of your hair to revive your color, and give it a glamorous sheen. When you are in between hair appointments, your hair can start to look dull and drab. Use your Safflower Oil to tide you over.

Texturize

Safflower Oil will add texture to your hair, making it easier to work with. Run a generous amount (about a dime to a quarter sized amount, depending on your hair’s thickness) through your hair to help manage tresses, when throwing your hair up. Safflower Oil is great to hold in braids, so that they don’t loosen more than you want them too. Braids should look chunky, and textured – think Safflower pomade – without loose strands sticking out. You can also use it to tame tresses, when wearing your hair down.

Safflower Tea

If you drink tea, and add in some of the oil. You can get all the benefits of the oil, without altering the flavor of your favorite tea.  We love this oi because you can you can add it to any flavor – it really doesn’t have much taste to it. If you add it to green tea, the complexion clearing properties get a boost! Both are good for you skin – double whammy! – so have a cup each night, and you can even add in some honey for flavor.

A New View!

Think about some innovative new ways you can incorporate this new health find into your lifestyle. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Cleanse

Detox diets are ever-popular these days, and they can work magic for your overall health & wellness. Improve the way your body functions and feels. Use your Safflower Oil to motivate you to begin a new cleanse. You can take it in pill form or liquid form – just a Tablespoon full – along with a selection of detoxing vitamins and herbs on a daily basis. Three weeks to a month makes for the most noticeable differences, for cleanses.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great health-drink to include in your cleanse, and you can also have them for breakfast, or any time if you’re adhering to a healthy diet. These not only taste good, they make you feel fantastic! Add your Safflower Oil to your favorite recipes, for extra health-boosting benefits. Here’s a recipe to try:

Green Goddess Recipe

               -1 Tbsp. Safflower Oil

               -1 banana

               -1 cup of Spinach

               -1 Tbsp. of Tapioca Pudding Powder

               -1 cup of Rice Milk

               -1 Tbsp. of Wheat Free Protein Powder (try Rice or Soy Protein Powder)

Directions:

Throw everything into your blender – doesn’t matter what order, unless you’re being pretentious –  and blend. Add in some coconut water, if you find it too thick. You will have a rich, smooth and frothy drink that tastes delicious and improves the condition of your hair and skin.

Done and Done.

What are your suggestions for great smoothie recipes? How are you using your Safflower Oil, and what parts of this article are your favorites? We want to hear from you! Comment in the section below.