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Thank you Maya!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

After applying your advice from this thread to use natural oil on my hair, I cannot believe the difference.

I was eager to try something asap and as olive oils is something I already had at home, I tried using it. I left on the whole day and my hair feels completely different now! Not only that it doesn't feel coarse or dry, but it didn't tangle and also it dried so quickly. I have to use the hairdryer to style it, btw, but I always try to keep it to the minimum - this time, however, it took noticeably less time.

Thank you!

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from suzanne

Maya

Veteran

Oh yay! So glad it worked for you. I knew it would

Olive oil and coconut oil are really miracle products. They also work very well as skin moisturizers, if you ever have a problem with dry skin.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, hadn't heard of that before - I will keep in mind for any friends struggling with dry hair.

Medicechic

(website)

I may have to try that. I tried the washing with baking soda/water and rinsing with beer... It actually worked really well. I think my hair stayed clean for about 3 days. Normally I wash it every day! It was a little complicated though, so I haven't done it since.

Lynne

Veteran

yay for YLF girlfriends

Ornella, I have also heard of fortifying your normal conditioner with a bit of olive oil, too. It was a bit too much for my fine hair, but might work for hair with more volume?

Astrid

Veteran

I didn't see your first thread, but I'm glad the olive oil is working! I'm using it regularly myself. I just have to take care to not use too much, because my hair doesn't like that either.

Lynne, I sometimes do the bit with the conditioner. The problem with this method is that you can't really estimate the amount you use. If it's too much oil, you can throw the entire bottle of condtitioner away, or have oily hair.

Lisa

Veteran

Yay for a successful hair tip. High five to Maya!

Marley

Veteran

Wow - never heard of this. Going to have to give this a try!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Once again, I am amazed with how simple solutions to some issues are. It really makes me wonder what other pampering product can be replaced with something form the kitchen.

I just cannot believe the difference. I couldn't keep my hands out of my hair the whole day today, it was so smooth, soft and wonderful to touch. Seriously, I went to the washroom at work too many times, just so I can admire my hair. How sad is that LOL

@rae, Medicechic, Marley - it's definitely worth a try.

@Lynne, the idea of fortyfying the conditioner with the oils sounds brilliant. I think I'll experiment with the coconut oil though, as olive oil I use is high quality home-made one that has a very strong, distinctive aroma. The difference between that one and what supermarkets sell as highest quality is massive in every way. I actually really love that aroma, but in food only. I worry that walking around with hair smelling like a meditarranean salad dressing might cause a few frowns

But coconut oil, that I'll try for sure. Thanks for the super advice.

@Astrid, great tip to watch the amount of oil used in the conditioner, thanks. As for the amount used directly on hair, I thought I was using too much yesterday, but my hair soaked it all in - there was hardly anything to rinse later in the day. My poor hair must have been so starved before! But it must luuuuurve me today as it shines beautifully

I'll most certainly keep an eye on what kind of products I'll use in the future, but I migth have found the only solution I actually need. Maya, my hair will be eternaly grateful and I have a feeling my purse will be too

Freckles

Veteran

I'd like to try this but I have very fine hair and the follicles are spaced widely apart. If I tried it tonight/tomorrow would it wash out by Sat night? I'm attending niece's stag/doe and my hair can't be awful...

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Freckles, I'd steer away from any experiments so close to the important event, it sounds like too much of a risk if you're unsure. But, once it's over, why not give it a go though.

Maya

Veteran

I have fine hair too. Just use a tiny bit. It will definitely wash out by Saturday...I mean, it washes out in just one wash for me. Just make sure to only use the minimum amount necessary to coat the hair.

crazyone

Veteran

Ornela: just a warning, coconut oil is pretty strong smelling, too. It's great for hair, but it's a very, very strong smell, which is why I never liked my mother putting it in my hair when I was growing up...

Scarlet

Veteran

Ornela (and Maya and C1) does the smell wash out easily? I was always concerned about that so I have never tried this.

Astrid

Veteran

Scarlet, if I use the minimum amount I require in my hair it does smell only a little and evaporates after half an hour. I don't find the smell totally unpleasant and had never any problems with it. If I use too much I can get it out with one more wash, so I have no problems with experimenting. I think you shouldn't do it just right before an important outing, but if you have a quiet weekend at home, you should try it out!

joyi2011

yes, thanks mama

Maya

Veteran

I don't really notice the smell of coconut oil, except when it's on my head, which is to be expected. I suppose there could be a little residual smell after I wash it out but I don't really notice it, and considering I'm in much closer proximity to my hair than anyone else, I would be the first to know.

That said, I find the smell inoffensive and actually rather pleasant. I like it more than olive oil in any case. If I have to smell like a tropical cocktail or Mediterranean buffet, I choose tropical cocktail! If it does leave a bit of a light scent, I think most people would just assume I'm using one of those coocnut-scented bath and body products.

crazyone

Veteran

No, instead of a Mediterranean buffet you'll smell like a Keralite buffet (my family's from a state in India which uses coconut oil for all their cooking) ;-). It's certainly a good hair oil, but I think many people are going to find it very strong smelling. The smell is a little different from coconut meat or coconut milk, as well.

Also, I'm guessing you use less than people in India tend to do, where they literally slather it over their hair both before and after washing their hair.

Freckles

Veteran

Thanks for the advice ladies. I think it might take a couple of tries to get it right. My hair is smiling now but I put a wee bit too much in one area. Think I'll start at the underside of the back next time. Really appreciate the timely response.

Scarlet

Veteran

I think I also read somewhere that coconut oil works better in warm climates (like India) because of its relatively high melting temperature, but I guess according to Maya's experience that may not be true.

crazyone

Veteran

Scarlet: coconut oil does freeze at relatively high temperatures (my mother's oil would be frozen indoors during the winter, for example) but just heating it up a little bit (even by placing the bottle near a heating vent) should work fine. Interestingly, in India the prevalent idea is that coconut oil, in addition to hydrating your hair, keeps it "black", probably because hydrated hair looks glossier than dry hair? I don't know.

Maya

Veteran

All you have to do to melt it is put a tiny scoop in your hand and rub it between your palms. The friction will cause it to melt.

Freckles

Veteran

Just fyi I tried the olive oil on my dry elbows and didn't notice an improvement. When I was at the pharmacy this weekend I asked the pharmacist about it. For my particular elbows he said it wouldn't do anything but use a urea cream to make them become softer and less dry.

I know a pharmacist is a traditional medicine practioner...

Has anyone had any experience with this. The urea cream seems to be helping.

I was thinking of using the urea cream until they get better (well never as I'm always sitting with my elbows on the table) and then using the olive oil to maintain. Has anyone had this problem?

Scarlet

Veteran

I think the difference is something like the urea actually increases the moisture in your skin whereas the olive oil prevents moisture loss. Sorry, I don't have experience though.

Freckles

Veteran

Thanks Scarlet, that makes sense!

suzanne

Freckles, I don't know if you know it, but urea is one of the few substances that actually penetrate the epidermis. Our skin actually contains three natural moisturising factors in its own structure: urea, lactic acid and amino acids. Therefore one of the most effective natural moisturisers is Urea, which the skin makes from protein and is found in the outer layer (stratum corneum) of the skin a well as in the surface layer of the skin (epidermis). Basically it plays the prima donna role in maintaining the skin's moisture balance and suppleness. Urea is non-toxic, non-allergenic, colourless and odourless. It is an intense, natural moisturiser that is actually much more "natural" to the body than any kind of plant oil could ever be. I think that the only part that is off-putting is the fact that urea is also a component of urine. (but remember that urine is so sterile that one CAN actually drink it) However - most urea used in cosmetics is manufactured! Sorry for all the science talk - I come from a huge family of docters - it sort of rubs off on one ;-). Use the urea cream - it works!

Freckles

Veteran

Thanks Suzanne I really appreciate all the knowledgeable advice.

It sounds like I can't overdose on the urea cream and that's great news. I was thinking of it more like a "drug"; use it until fixed and then switch to another cream. I guess I'll just continue to use it as needed. I must say, rubbing the excess onto my hands has really improved them too!

suzanne

So glad - I'm most partial to it myself. And once again sorry for the jargon *blush*!