By Jolene Hart, Beauty Editor
UV rays, chlorine, saltwater and blowdryers working overtime are out to turn your hair to straw during the summer months. Don't sit back and watch dry, brittle hair happen; give your locks a fighting chance with nature's abundant remedies: the rich, restoring oils of plants and nuts. Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, these oils strengthen hair, smooth the hair cuticle and add elasticity, softness and shine. Their hair-repairing benefits are nothing short of incredible-no toxic ingredients needed! Use any one of these natural oils as an intensive treatment once each week before shampooing, or dab on a few drops each day for softer ends and allover shine.
Rahua: Oil of the Moment
When hair stylist and salon owner, Fabian Lliguin was traveling in the Amazon region, he noticed the luster and strength of the hair of native women, and knew he had discovered a natural hair strengthening treasure. The source? The rahua nut. Rahua nut oil produces a remarkable hair transformation with its lightweight, non-greasy texture that smoothes hair without weighing it down. Try Amazon Beauty Rahua Elixir ($175, 1 oz;).Argan: Time-tested Treatment
Until recently, argan oil's value as a beauty treatment was only known by Moroccan women who revered the vitamin E-rich oil for its skin and hair-supporting properties. When argan oil hit the beauty mainstream, it became an instant beauty-must for hair repair and shine. Try Kae Natural Radiance Argan Hair Serum, a blend of argan and other natural oils that work wonders as a leave-in treatment on dry ends ($45, 30 ml;).
Macadamia: Mirror of Nature
Macadamia oil is prized as a hair and scalp treatment for its light, non-greasy texture, as well as its high content of monounsaturated fats, which mimic the scalp's natural sebum and absorb quickly and easily. Warm a few tablespoons of oil and massage into hair and scalp before shampooing to restore strength and manageability to over-styled hair. Try Primavera Organic Macadamia Nut Oil ($18, 3.4 oz;).Olive: Kitchen Cabinet Remedy
Olive oil helps rid hair of buildup from synthetic products, so reach into your kitchen cabinet if your hair needs a break from styling. Or try John Masters Organics Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer, a blend of olive and jojoba oils with lavender, cedarwood and rosemary essential oils that can be added to your regular conditioner for improved results ($16, 15 ml;).Coconut: Nature's Strengthener
Coconut oil is touted for its ability to promote hair growth due to a high concentration of antimicrobial lauric acid; anyone with damaged, thinning locks will want to give this oil a try! After applying from scalp to ends, wrap hair in a warm towel and wait 30 minutes or longer for the oil to absorb. Shampoo and condition as usual. Try a cold-pressed coconut oil like Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($12, 15 oz;).Avocado: Good Enough to Eat
Although one look at an avocado may tempt you to mash up some fresh guacamole, skip the labor-intensive process and buy pure avocado oil straight from your local market. Just a tablespoon or two, massaged into hair and scalp before washing, restores missing moisture and nutrition that your sun-damaged hair is calling out for. Or work a few drops through damp hair before styling. Try Spectrum Avocado Oil ($14, 8 oz; at Whole Foods).For more tips and articles like these, visit HealingLifestyles.com
