3. Castor Oil*
Ahh, castor seed oil, now this is an emollient that I am pretty sure that everyone has heard of! Castor oil , also known as ricinus communis, is a thick oil that is derived from the castor bean. It can vary in color, from a clear color to a dark brown color (unrefined castor oil*).
How to use castor oil
Castor oil can be used alone or mixed with other oils for a thinner sealant. Castor oil is also known for its ability to increase hair growth when used for scalp massages.
There are ladies that have claimed to have had increased growth and thickening from applying castor oil to their scalp which is another bonus in addition to being a great emollient.
Castor oil can be very heavy so we recommend using it on your scalp or directly on your ends when sealing. If you use it on the length of your hair, make sure you have a great moisturizer underneath and you are not heavy handed.
Where to find castor oil
You can find castor oil in health food stores, near the laxatives section in pharmacy stores such as CVS and Walgreens, and on online marketplaces such as Amazon.
4. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, also known as the main component of Crisco, is a great all-around emollient. It’s light enough for fine strands but also efficient enough coarse strands well.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is created through a process where vegetable oils , such as soybean and cottonseed, are infused with hydrogen. The end result turns the oils* into a solid which has the texture of butter or lard.
How to use Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Like the previous emollients, hydrogenated vegetable oil is best used as a sealant. Many ladies also use Crisco as a heat protectant* which came with much speculation even though it works very well.
Where to find Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
The easiest way to find hydrogenated vegetable oil is in the form of the product called Crisco at your local grocery store.
It is usually cheaper and more easily accessible than buying it online. But, if your neighborhood store does not carry Crisco, you can find hydrogenated vegetable oil on sites like Amazon and From Nature With Love.
5. Lecithin*
Last but not least is lecithin. Lecithin is an emollient that is usually extracted from egg yolk, soybean, rapeseed, milk, marine sources and sunflower. The color can range from yellow to yellowish brown. As far as hair products are concerned, lecithin is used as an emulsifier in many conditioners and leave-ins.
How to use Lecithin
The thickness and other properties of lecithin is very similar to castor oil. You can use lecithin alone (especially on the ends of your hair) or you can use lecithin as a mixture with other oils*.
It is best to apply it on damp or moisturized hair and even though lecithin* is thick you do not have to worry about excessive buildup.
Where to find Lecithin
You can find lecithin in health food stores and on online marketplaces such as Amazon. What are some of your favorite emollients?
Ab Ster says
Why is glycerin not on the list
Alexis Pettway says
From what I have heard it is a dryer oil & may not have the same sealing properties unless you combine it with another oils, if that makes since
Maybell Lena Killion says
Are you speaking of glycerin?
stevievi says
This article sucks. Yes pet oil, seals it also prevents your strands ability to add any additional moisture, clogs pores and the build up is crazy, and you have to use strong soap to get rid of the build up. It’s cheap because it’s a by product of gasoline manufacturing, No Thanks! This article is just ignorant.period. you shouldn’t even put that crap on your body
stevievi says
This article sucks. Yes pet oil, seals it also prevents your strands ability to add any additional moisture, clogs pores and the build up is crazy, and you have to use strong soap to get rid of the build up. It’s cheap because it’s a by product of gasoline manufacturing, No Thanks! This article is just ignorant.period. you shouldn’t even put that crap on your body
Vietnam_Remy_Hair says
wonderful