Hopefully we have all taken the time to pause our lives and “stop smelling the roses,” as they say. That wonderful and romantic scent has been sought and used for thousands of years to calm our senses and our skin. However, the oil produced from the seeds of the Rosehip Fruit is actually even more effective as a healing panacea. If you are familiar with skincare ingredients, you will recognize this potency from the ingredient list of many prestigious products. But rosehip seed oil is just as great for keeping hair thick and delicious as it is for keeping skin smooth and clear!
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, but is somehow often overlooked when it comes to conventional hair care. How many of us are plagued with itchy scalps that are dry and greasy? Well, just as rosehip oil is a superstar in balancing your combined face, it can moisten flakes and curb excess oil production on your scalp too! It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, also known as linoleic acid, which hydrates deeply without feeling greasy or fat. It also communicates to you oil-producing pores that the job is done, limiting excess build-up that can clog hair follicles and suffocate the scalp.
Rosehip oil for hair growth
In that sense, one of the main causes to reduce hair and body growth is that annoying accumulation problem. When we wash our hair frequently, with strong detergents contained in most commercial shampoos, we remove all natural oils, causing our bodies to produce more to compensate. Furthermore, we accumulate products, some of which never seem to disappear completely. All of this begins to get into the hair follicles, blocking the hair trying to grow. A sweet scalp massage with rosehip seed oil before showering can do wonders for breaking down dirt, dissolving excess oil and making hair easier to wash. It also pre-moistens the scalp, preventing the shampoo from getting too damaged. To go further, consider switching to a milder sulfate-free shampoo as well.
Rosehip oil and antioxidants
One of the reasons this miracle oil is such a powerful source is the amount of antioxidants. There is much about the modern world that is trying to age us. Everything from sunlight, pollution, secondhand smoke, even many household cleaners and processed foods, all contain free radicals that interact with our bodies, breaking down fragments of our cells in a process called oxidation. With skin, which looks like fine lines, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and weakened collagen production, all of which is significantly reduced with rosehip seed oil. For hair, oxidation damages the hair shaft, affecting thickness and strength, growth rate and pigmentation. Antioxidants act like little scavengers, trapping free radicals before they bind with our cells, preventing damage from occurring in the first place. This means that antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as rosehip oil, can prevent hair loss, thinning hair, and gray hair. What witchcraft!
Rosehip Oil and Vitamins
In addition to antioxidants, rosehip seed oil is also packed with vitamins that our bodies need. We should all be taking our multivitamins, but sometimes that is not enough when we need specific results. Let’s look at some of the vitamins contained in these nifty little seeds:
Vitamin A
Also known as the natural source of retinoids, Vitamin A is incredibly smooth skin. It aids in the production of collagen and sebum control, which means it works against wrinkles and acne. It is also a powerful antioxidant in its own right, helping to keep hair long and elegant.
Vitamin C
Rose hips contain almost 100 times the amount of vitamin C as oranges. Yes, it is true, ONE HUNDRED times vitamin C. This vitamin also has antioxidant and anti-pigmentation properties, keeping hair color fresh and vibrant, and stems strong and smooth.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is essential for hydration, firmness, prevention of oxidation and longevity of hair color, all at the same time. Vitamin E also has a synergistic effect with vitamin C, creating a combo that is more powerful than the sum of your individual traits. It also keeps the oil cool, giving it a longer shelf life than other similar oils.
Recipes and tips for using rosehip oil
The easiest way to use all the wonderful benefits of rosehip seed oil for hair is to massage your scalp. Apply a few drops to the fingers and massage into the scalp, using the fingertips to gently apply the oil. Repeat this until the head has been covered and leave to act for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and condition as usual.
Scalp Serum for Fine / Thinning Hair:
- 1 teaspoon rosehip seed oil
- 1.5 teaspoons of jojoba oil
- 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3-4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for extra dry scalp or weak hair)
- 1 teaspoon castor oil (for extra oily hair and to promote growth)
Mix all the oils in a small bowl.
Apply the mixture to your scalp, massaging it as you go. When you have covered your scalp well, comb the remaining oil through your hair with your fingers, making sure to get a bit more on the ends. Leave this mixture on for at least 30 minutes, though with the addition of a shower cap, this is a great mask for the entire night. When you’re done, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and condition as usual. You will come out with soft and shiny locks that you will not be able to keep for yourself.
Credits: coconutbeauty.org