I prefer using all natural ingredients in my hair and skincare regimen and I've tried many different oils, butters and other natural ingredients in my DIY hair and skincare routine. One thing about using all-natural ingredients is that they are not masked by synthetic or artificial fragrances. I've found that some of the most powerful and beneficial ingredients for the skin and hair can actually have some pretty offensive odors.
In fact, we've become so accustomed to smelling artificial and synthetic ingredients that we actually believe that cucumber and melons smell like bowls of sugar and candy. Negative. When you learn the benefits of using all-natural ingredients and how they can improve your hair, skin and health, sometime it's worth a few minutes of enduring the absolute scent of nature.
Here is my list of 8 all-natural and powerful ingredients for hair and skin that work wonders, but smell horrible:
1. Neem oil
Neem oil comes from the Neem tree which is native to India and other parts of Asia. It work wonders for several different hair and skin problems. Neem oil can help fight scalp infections, fungus, eczema, scalp psoriasis, dry scalp, flaky scalp and dandruff. Neem oil also helps promote hair growth and stop thinning hair, also improving the overall texture of you hair. I have to be honest, Neem oil is one the more extreme smelling oils in my opinion. You may prefer to use this oil by adding a bit to your shampoo and conditioner. You can also add Neem oil to your deep conditioner and any DIY natural hair care recipes, but I would not recommend wearing this oil in your hair when you have to be in public around other people, especially in confined spaces.
Quick Remedy: treats scalp infections, fungus, scalp psoriasis, flaky scalp, dandruff and hair breakage.
2. Amla oil
Another oil that has a pretty unpopular scent is Amla oil, which some people find to be extremely overbearing. Amla oil (especially Dabur's amla oil) has a somewhat floral scent mixed with something else that I can't quite put my hands on. Amla oil helps strengthen the hair starting at the root. It is commonly used as a deep conditioning agent due to its ability to soften the hair. Amla oil is a great natural remedy for graying hair, as continual use will darken the hair over time. Applying amla oil to the scalp can also help with preventing dandruff and soothing a dry, itchy scalp.
Quick Remedy: deep conditions hair, restores moisture and body, softens hair, darkens hair and helps to prevent premature graying.
3. Pine Tar
I know what you're thinking, but hair products made with pine tar are actually excellent to use for severe hair issues such as hair loss, scalp psoriasis, ringworm, severe thinning and scalp eczema. Traditional pine tar soap is made from pure, organic ingredients and should leave your hair feeling moisturized. Pine tar also works exceptionally well for removing dandruff from the scalp. Try using a shampoo made of pine tar or a shampoo bar such as Grandma's Pine Tar Soap bar or Grandma's Pine Tar Conditioner.
Quick Remedy: aids in severe hair loss, scalp infections, ringworm, and thinning hair. Keeps hair moisturized, removes dandruff from the hair and scalp.
4. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is another one of nature's wonders but keep in mind, this oil is not for the faint of heart. It has a distinctive aroma that some have compared to oregano oil, but I beg to differ. If you don't know the benefits of black seed oil, I would encourage you to look up the many uses and effectiveness of the oil. Black seed oil can be used topically and internally, and has been said to work wonders if you are dealing with certain types of natural or medical hair loss issues. Black seed oil an help to improve damaged hair as well and encourages healthier hair growth. You can usually find Black Seed oil in any international market, organic market, The Vitamin Shoppe or you can order it online.
Quick Remedy: helps restore lackluster hair, increases hair growth, prevents hair loss, healthier hair growth, restores damaged hair.
5. Sulfur
People have been using sulfur to promote hair growth and rid different scalp issue for many years. Sulfur, also known as MSM is a naturally occurring mineral and is essential to the human body. Hair consists of something called keratin, which is made up of a good deal of sulfur and is required for the proteins in the hair to retain their shape. Sulfur has also been attributed to treating and relieving scalp psoriasis, eczema, severe dandruff and folliculitis. Another one of he major advantage of sulfur is it has been known to lengthen the growing phase of your natural hair growth cycle resulting in increased hair growth and length.
Quick Remedy: treats scalp psoriasis, eczema, folliculitis, severe dandruff, improves and increases hair growth cycle.
6. Garlic oil
Garlic oil is enriched with many medicinal properties and contains calcium, zinc and various other minerals that are beneficial for your hair. Garlic oil also works well in fighting bacterial and fungal infections that may be present on the scalp and also aids to rid severe dandruff. Most importantly, raw garlic oil contains a fir amount of vitamin C which is great for promoting healthier and stronger hair growth from the scalp. The oil can be purchased online but if you're more of the DIY type, you can use garlic oil by crushing cloves of garlic and soaking them in extra virgin olive oil for at least 72 hours before applying the oil to your hair.
Quick Remedy: fights bacterial and fungal infections, rids dandruff, promotes stronger scalp and healthier hair growth.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is also known as a wonder oil and has been proven to show substantial improvement in the treatment of acne, dandruff, burns, cold sores, warts, scalp disorders, and itchy scalp. Tea tree oil contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties and works well in unclogging the scalp from oil and product build-up. Whether its dandruff, scalp eczema or psoriasis, dry flaky scalp or scalp infections, tea tree oil is the go-to oil for treating various hair and scalp issues.
Quick Remedy: treats dandruff, itchy scalp, killing hair lice, purifying scalp, treats oily hair, can be used as a natural antiseptic.
8. Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil
When it comes to hair loss, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil is one of the oils you should have in your hair arsenal. Sea Buckthorn has a large volume of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 as well as vitamins A, C, D, B, E & K to promote healthy skin and hair growth. Additionally, reports show that the use of sea buckthorn has aided in the reduction of premature hair loss.
Quick Remedy: restores skin cells, kills demodex mites, cleans the hair follicles, restores hair elasticity, helps hair retain moisture, protects hair shaft and the cuticle.
What are some of your favorite all-natural (or, not so natural) hair ingredients to use that don't smell too hot? Do you have any embarrassing stories? Leave your thoughts below!
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Image Credit (main image): OhSoNatural.com
