Olive Oil

 

These oils can usually be found in aromatherapy stores, organic or whole food stores (beauty section), sometimes vitamin stores carry it, even high end grocery stores now have it. These oils are not salad dressing or cooking oils: they are "carrier" oils--the kind that "essential" oils are diluted in. (Essential oils are scented oils such as rosemary, grapefruit, lavendar and rose and must be diluted in a carrier oil because if applied to the skin in full strength, a reaction can occur...including a blood issue for those who are highly sensitive.) Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.

 

Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ. Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go rancid. Some carrier oils will contain natural vitamin E as a natural preservative.

 

Not all oils are hair friendly but Jojoba and Coconut will not harm your hair. The web site Simplers Botanical Company has a very nice overview of essential oils. (Look at the menu on the left for topics.)

 

 

Hope this helps.