If this post looks familiar to you, then it's because it is. While I was doing my HTML thing and re-designing The Mane Objective, I somehow deleted this article that I spent A LOT of time doing research for. Fortunately, two of my AWESOMELY AMAZING readers heard my cries for help and e-mailed me the article back. MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCHHHHHH LOVE to Kelly and Alwina for emailing me, and for being e-mail subscribers!
Happy Friday Everyone! If you follow me on Instagram, then
you know about my little mishap/injury yesterday. Since I had plenty of time yesterday
evening to rest, I found myself digging and doing tons of research and reading
up on my most recent purchase -- Apricot Oil.
Of course, there is a #recessionproof story behind this one. Some time ago in the mail, I received a $10 rewards certificate from Vitamin Shoppe, because of my 2012 purchase points. I didn't even know I spent enough money at Vitamin Shoppe to get rewards but hey, I'll take it! After spending 30 minutes pouring through their hair section, I stumbled upon this gigantic bottle of oil for $12.99. Hmmm, I'll pay $3 and some change for a new oil -- why not? And so here we are.
Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca) is pressed from the kernels of the Apricot fruit, and is light yellow in color. It is slightly nutty, and similar in viscosity to sweet almond oil. Apricot oil is high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which have all sorts of wonderful benefits for hair, scalp, and body.
Oleic acid is commonly known as an omega-9 fatty acid with wonderful emollient properties. Emollients are ingredients that when applied, make hair and skin softer and more pliable. While emollients do not truly moisturize (meaning they do not penetrate the hair), they do increase the hydration level of hair and skin by preventing evaporation.Lineoleic acid is the fun stuff, and definitely the star of the show. Lineolic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid with a laundry list of benefits internally and externally. According to a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-6 fatty acids can stimulate hair growth. Another emollient, lineolic acid also helps control hair hydration by controlling water loss.
Altogether, the fatty acids in Apricot Oil come together to serve three wonderful functions at the molecular level:
Of course, there is a #recessionproof story behind this one. Some time ago in the mail, I received a $10 rewards certificate from Vitamin Shoppe, because of my 2012 purchase points. I didn't even know I spent enough money at Vitamin Shoppe to get rewards but hey, I'll take it! After spending 30 minutes pouring through their hair section, I stumbled upon this gigantic bottle of oil for $12.99. Hmmm, I'll pay $3 and some change for a new oil -- why not? And so here we are.
Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca) is pressed from the kernels of the Apricot fruit, and is light yellow in color. It is slightly nutty, and similar in viscosity to sweet almond oil. Apricot oil is high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which have all sorts of wonderful benefits for hair, scalp, and body.
Oleic acid is commonly known as an omega-9 fatty acid with wonderful emollient properties. Emollients are ingredients that when applied, make hair and skin softer and more pliable. While emollients do not truly moisturize (meaning they do not penetrate the hair), they do increase the hydration level of hair and skin by preventing evaporation.Lineoleic acid is the fun stuff, and definitely the star of the show. Lineolic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid with a laundry list of benefits internally and externally. According to a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-6 fatty acids can stimulate hair growth. Another emollient, lineolic acid also helps control hair hydration by controlling water loss.
Altogether, the fatty acids in Apricot Oil come together to serve three wonderful functions at the molecular level:
- Cement: They shape the substance that seal scales of the hair cuticle, in the same way that cement keeps together the bricks in a wall. Because the scales are "cemented" together, they make for a smooth surface, which enables the hair to protect itself against external aggressions, and to reflect light (shiny hair).
- Barrier: Also known as sealing. They prevent the water that was absorbed by the hair from evaporating.
- Sponge: Fatty acids are also mild humectants. They are able to absorb small amounts of water from the air's humidity in order to help maintain hair hydration.
Apricot Oil is also rich in Vitamins A & E. Vitamin A supports skin health and repair, a wonderful property for those suffering from dry scalp, psoriasis, dandruff, or eczema. Additionally, it can help soothe irritated scalp, and soften fine lines in the skin. Vitamin E supports healthy hair growth, and is believed to prevent hair loss. When combined with fatty acids, Vitamin E acts as a preservative preventing free radicals from eliminating their effectiveness. It also prevents UV damage, which is just in time for Spring and Summer!
To sum this thing up, Apricot Oil will make for a great pre-poo, as well as a mix-in for your conditioner, shampoo, deep conditioner, and leave in. It helps promote hair growth, as well as length retention. You can even use it on your skin to help soften and retain moisture. If you are suffering from dry or flaky scalp, or dull and dry hair, Apricot Oil may be just the thing you need to restore moisture and balance.
As with all oils you intend to use on your hair, scalp, or skin, you will reap the most benefit from those that are:
- Virgin or Pure: Meaning that the oil was obtained by mechanical processes, without industrial refinement or chemical additives.
- Cold Pressed: Meaning that the seeds, nuts, or kernels are pressed to release their oils without heat. Cold pressed oils best retain the nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids that provide the benefits you seek. Heat diminishes their presence and effectiveness.
- Organic: Which guarantees that there is has been no fertilizer, no herbicides or chemical pesticides in the environment where the product source is cultivated. Because those elements are soluble in greasy substances, they end up in the raw product (unrefined/cold pressed). Only industrial refinement can then eliminate the impurities...then the oil itself loses its effectiveness. Talk about a vicious cycle.
1 Comments
I use argan oil and it's so good I think I'll keep using it for a very long time. check it out, it's the one from por naturals
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