In my quest to find just the right products while remaining as close to natural as possible, I came across these gems at my friendly neighbourhood grocers (one in Westland, MI and one here in Columbus).  What makes them gems?  Well, much like olive oil (a great moisturizer, conditioner and dandruff remedy), in addition to their dietary benefits, coconut, sweet almond and grape seed oils work wonders for skin and hair care, without the sometimes harmful additives and preservatives you might find in products on your local beauty supply shelves.

Each oil, when used sparingly, is a light and healthy alternative to commercial hair dressing and lotions, and tend to work better for you since the makeup of each is very close to the composition of human skin.  Chock full of healthy fat compounds, which hair loves, these wonderful food derivatives provide proper nourishment for hair and skin, promote growth and prevent damage.  In addition to that, coconut, sweet almond and grape seed oils are all rich in Vitamin E which is known to help strengthen cells, encourage proper blood circulation and works as an antioxidant.

Looking at each oil, here is a list of known hair and skin benefits:

Coconut Oil

• Works as an antibacterial agent to stop hair loss as well as helps treat and prevent dandruff.
• Prevents hair breakage by strengthening and nourishing the hair follicle.
• Conditions hair and helps it retain moisture.
• Regrows and nourishes damaged hair.

Sweet Almond Oil

• Prevents hair breakage and loss.
• Smooths hair cuticles which prevents frizzies.
• Soothes itchy, sore, dry and irritated skin and improves its complexion.
• Rich in vitamins A and B which accelerate cell renewal and promotes blood circulation (respectively).

Grape Seed Oil

• Tightens, tones and moisturizes skin.
• Regenerates damaged and stressed tissue.
• Conditions hair.
• Accelerates hair growth.

But the attributes of these wonder oils don’t stop at their topical usage.  Because healthy hair and skin depends on what you put into your body as well as what you put on it, each oil’s benefits can also be gained from ingesting them.  As a light dressing for a salad or a healthier substitute for vegetable oil in recipes and frying, your body will absorb the vitamins and minerals presented in each oil and work from the inside out to benefit your hair and skin.  Seems a win-win product for all!

Because the aroma of coconut, sweet almond and grape seed oils are not as pungent as olive oil can be, these products work wonderfully as massage oils (especially sweet almond oil because it is easily absorbed into the skin and does not leave a heavy residue), as well as carrier oils for other beauty recipes.  One thing to note when using these products for beauty aids, while sweet almond and grape seed oils remain liquid in consistency, when in normal room temperatures coconut oil solidifies.  However, because it has a low melting point, coconut oil easily liquefies when hand manipulated, and may work best in recipes for pomades or body butters.

In addition to the beauty benefits, each oil provides their own unique health and nutritional boosts as well.  For instance, coconut oil is known to help increase your body’s metabolism by relieving stress on the pancreas and helping thyroids and enzymes function properly.  This is glorious news for those of us trying to either shed a few pounds or prevent them from staying around.  Grape seed oil can help ease and decrease the amount of time you are down and out with the common cold, and helps to lower cholesterol.  Sweet almond oil is known to help as a mild pain reliever and helps aid in your body’s digestive process.

Price wise, in comparison to olive oil, these beauty beauties are not “cheap” to come by.  For my 14 oz. jar of Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil I shelled out $8.99 at Giant Eagle.  I purchased my 8.45 oz bottles of International Collection Sweet Almond and Grape Seed Oils at Kroger for $7.59 and $5.89  respectively.  Since I don’t plan to use them for cooking (at the moment) the amounts are just fine for my hair and skin needs, so I don’t see having to purchase either product all that frequently.  But for those of you who plan to use the oils topically and internally, depending on how often you use them will determine how often you have to buy them.  I’m sure you can find great deals online, though.  A few places I have discovered are:

• Nutiva.com
• Nature’s Alchemy.com

NOTE: Both Spectrum Organic and International Collection manufacture sweet almond, grape seed and coconut oils, as well as other beneficial oils, so you don’t have to be brand specific if ordering online.

Like with shea butter, you want to be mindful of how the oils are processed, which will determine how much of the natural beneficial qualities are still contained in them as well as their shelf life.  Organic, virgin oils are recommended , and although there are no set standards for the purity of virgin coconut, sweet almond or grape seed oils,   most “experts” agree that expeller pressed is best.

So there you have it.  Three great products that can aid in the natural care of your natural (or relaxed)  hair.  Since they are a lot alike in function, you can choose to use one exclusively, or mix and match for a solution that works best for your hair.

Healthy Hair Wishes,