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One of my first lessons when starting my healthy hair journey was about the benefits of ceramides for hair and skin. After I finished researching and read a ton of reviews, I ran out and stocked up on oils with the highest amounts of ceramides. No, seriously…I think that may have been the start of my product junkie ways.
I have always wanted to share the benefits of ceramides with you but I designed the topic to be a series. Since I have recently been nudged by a fellow blogger, I am now bringing you the series. Over the course of the series, I will share my favorites and their benefits. You may be asking, “What the heck are ceramides?” Well, here are the basics…
What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are lipids (fats) found in the inner layer of the hair cuticle and in the epidermis layer of the skin. The hair cuticle is composed of many layers that lay much like fish scales and serve the same purpose. Simply, ceramides are the fats that hold skin and hair cuticles together.
Why are Ceramides Important to Hair and Skin?
The cuticle protects the hair strand and when the layers are raised you will notice dry, brittle, or dull hair. Ceramides bind the layers together keeping them flat and thus serving as a means of protection. Additionally, ceramides attract water and retain moisture in hair and skin.
What are the Benefits of Using Ceramides?
If you are protein sensitive, ceramides are your best weapon for strengthening your hair. After learning I was protein sensitive, I research other products that would add strength to my hair similar to using protein-based products. I learned both henna and ceramides behave and perform similar to proteins but are not proteins. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true and it works. I have seen the difference in the health of my hair when I add and remove ceramides from my regimen. Now, adding oils to my wash day and moisturizers are a must.
How Do You Use Ceramides?
I love to pre-poo with (affiliate links) grapeseed oil. In the past, I used olive oil for my pre-poo and hot oil treatments but I learned my hair responds better to grapeseed oil. I add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil to any mixture I am using as a pre-poo and for deep conditioning, I do the same with hemp oil. I have several oils that I have in rotation for various benefits that I briefly listed in my hair regimen post.
Benefits of…:
Each week I will add to this section to link all of the oils together.
Safflower oil 78%
Grape seed oil 73%
Poppyseed oil 70%
Sunflower oil 68%
Hemp oil 60%
Corn oil 59%
Wheat germ oil 55%
Cottonseed oil 54%
Soybean oil 51%
Walnut oil 51%
Sesame oil 45%
Rice bran oil 39%
Pistachio oil 32.7%
Peanut oil 32% [17]
Canola oil 21%
Egg yolk 16%
Linseed oil 15%
Lard 10%
Olive oil 10%
Palm oil 10%
Cocoa butter 3%
Macadamia oil 2%
Butter 2%
Coconut oil 2%
Make sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss my upcoming series featuring the benefits of my favorite oils.
heidi says
What a complete list of oils. I never knew. I kind of just start experimenting with stuff, my favorite is a rosemary hair rinse. It seems to make my hair softer.
Tiki says
Rosemary hair rinse sounds yummy! I love rosemary
Brittnei says
I’ve never heard of this before. It was great to learn something new. I use coconut oil. I’ve heard of grapeseed oil, but haven’t tried it just yet. Thanks for sharing these tips and info with us at the Creative Style Linkup!
Divachyk // Relaxed Thairapy says
You know we love the same oils.
Tiki says
Girl yes! Wheat germ and hemp are my boos. I’m not even supposed to use anything with wheat. lol