Natural oil obtained from African oil palm fruits is orange and very thick butter. It dissolves at contact with skin, moisturises, nourishes and smoothers. This is natural oil, which properties are known for thousands of years. Why, in contrary to popular opinion, it shouldn’t be used on dry hair? How does it work? What it holds within?
The answers to all the above questions require to find more information on palm oil. It is being used in similar way to coconut oil. Unfortunately, both these oils are mistakenly used as a remedy for dry and damaged hair.
They do not indicate any particular moisturising nor regenerating properties. You must remember about this.
Palm oil – for what hair type?
In fact, it is butter. The oil form is observed only after heating it up. Orange colour of palm oil is a merit of carotene, while antioxidant properties are present thanks to the vitamin E. Beside those, oil contains high amount of fatty acids, where the majority (even 44%) are saturated fatty acids. This composition makes oil wrong choice for dry hair.
Saturated fatty acids are characteristic to penetrating oils, perfect for low porosity hair (healthy). Its small particles effectively penetrate hair cuticles raised at the minimum. This is why palm oil, most of all, provides strengthening and protection. Applied on dry hair can intensify the frizz.
Palm oil properties
Okay, what does palm oil do then if not regenerates or hydrates? It is not a lie that palm oil holds moisturising properties. However, it does not deliver water to hair cells, only protects against water loss. It ensures oil, softness and flexibility. Hair is smooth and constantly protected against unfavourable factors, because strands are coated with delicate film. It makes hair soft and less susceptible to toxins, the sun, temperature, etc.
I haven’t tested on hair, but for my oily skin is great