Beautiful, thick and healthy hair has always been considered the main decoration of a woman. But under the influence of aggressive environmental factors, the scalp becomes dull, brittle. Essential oils can help restore his health. Detailed information on how to use fir oil and its beneficial properties for hair can be found in the article.
The composition of cosmetic essential oil
From ancient times, people have noticed that the air of coniferous forests has a beneficial effect on health. Deer living in the forest are happy to eat needles, and birds - nuts from cones. Therefore, cones, resin, pollen and needles are firmly included in the recipes of traditional medicine.
If we talk about fir oil, we mean the product obtained by distillation - distillation of coniferous raw materials using steam. When the vapors are cooled, they decompose into two fractions - water and oil.
Technically, pharmaceutical oil is not produced from fir (lat. Abies), but from pseudotug (lat. Pseudotsuga menziesii). The synonymous name for the tree is Douglas fir. Depending on the feedstock, the composition of the ingredients in the pharmacy bottle may change, as well as the concentration. So, in nature, essential oil should protect the tree from pests: scare them away or destroy them. Therefore, the concentration of esters during the active growing season will be much higher than during dormancy.Did you know? Native Americans used fir needles to make scented pillows for a restful night's sleep.
Fir oil is helpful. It consists of 17 chemical components that provide its aroma and therapeutic properties.
In its composition:
- bornyl acetate;
- camphene;
- alpha pinene;
- delta-3-karen;
- limonene;
- beta pinene;
- beta-fellandren;
- tricyclene.
Bornyl acetate, which is 34% in the oil, is used in perfumes and in the production of aromatic detergents. The specified substance also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used as an analgesic.
Camphene is monoterpen. It is an intermediate raw material in the production of camphor and is characterized by the same pronounced aroma. Among the predominant properties of hydrocarbons are antifungal and antibiotic. Monoterpenes are responsible for the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections, and are used in the treatment of severe respiratory diseases such as bronchitis. Can be used to treat lungs damaged by smoking or tuberculosis. In combination with vitamin C, camphene acts as an antioxidant and also has a calming effect on the nervous system, thereby reducing blood pressure, inflammation and, ultimately, stress.α-pinene has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and acts as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. In combination with beeswax, this substance can be used to treat parasitic infections both externally and internally. The substance was first studied in juniper bark in 1600. Then it was used as an ointment for the treatment of eczema and open wounds, as well as fungal infections of the legs.Did you know? Combine oil began in antiquity. In Greece, this was the rule of good form. Beauties believed that the hands must smell like mint, and the face — palm tree.
Limonene is a neutral liquid hydrocarbon that belongs to cyclic terpenes.. It is useful in that it participates in metabolism, acts as a mild means to suppress appetite, and contributes to the loss of excess weight. It also has the properties of a probiotic.
- We can say that fir oil has the following properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- antifungal;
- antiviral;
- stimulating;
- painkillers;
- antitussive;
- diuretic;
- antioxidant;
- astringent;
- aromatic;
- expectorant;
- deodorizing;
- tonic.
Useful properties for hair
The active substances of fir oil affect hair. First of all, ethereal substances are able to fight against fungal skin diseases, dandruff and minimize inflammatory processes.
- Their use has a positive effect, namely:
- enhances hair growth due to stimulation of skin cells and hair follicles;
- soothes the skin;
- heals acne, ulcers, wounds on the skin;
- moisturizes, nourishes and has an antioxidant effect;
- prevents premature cell aging.
Methods for making hair masks
Care products that are applied to the hair and scalp are called masks. Their task is to strengthen the hair follicle, restore the hair structure or improve the scalp. Of course, the composition and properties of the masks will vary.
Masks can be:
- moisturizing - are used once and are intended for nutrition of dry hair;
- protective - should reduce fragility, and protect hair from the influence of negative environmental factors.
Essential oils are very concentrated. And they are used in a mixture of 2-3 drops. An additional ingredient is a base oil. It can be coconut, grape, etc. It will take one teaspoon or a tablespoon, depending on the recipe. Grind the resulting mixture in the palms of your hands and run them through the hair, providing them with nutrients, smoothing the tips and reducing brittleness.
The technology of working with a classic mask always consists of the following steps:
- Washing and rinsing hair.
- Mask application.
- Waiting for 5 minutes or another recommended time.
- Flushing the treatment composition.
- Towel drying and drying.
Frequency of use can be once a week - for prevention and regular care. For medicinal purposes, it is possible to increase the number of times up to 2-3. As for the duration, the minimum exposure time of the composition on the hair is 5 minutes, and the maximum is half an hour.
Important! The mask is not recommended to leave for a long time. A wet hair shaft has a porous structure. It can absorb a lot of moisture, stretch, weaken and break. Therefore, do not overexpose hair in a wet state.
Most masks consist of several components. They are mixed and the resulting mass is applied to the hair. To enhance the effect, the composition can be preheated, and the hair with the product is wrapped in a towel. This allows components to enter skin cells faster.
From dandruff with clay
This mask belongs to multicomponent. Clay is supplied to store shelves in the form of dry powder. It comes in different colors: blue, white, pink, etc. Green restores the moisture balance of the skin, as well as nourishes, dries and eliminates peeling. Fir essential oil will help cleanse the skin, and will contribute to their recovery.
Dry clay is diluted with warm water. The ratio of components is 1: 2. In the resulting mixture you need to drip a couple of drops of fir essential oil. The mixture is applied to the root zone. Then wrap your head with cling film, wrap with a towel and stand for about 20 minutes. After the procedure, be sure to thoroughly wash your hair and apply any conditioner balm.
From falling out with onions
Onion juice is a stimulant for growth. It strengthens the hair follicles and reduces brittleness. For use, you need to chop 1-2 bulbs to make gruel. Put 2 drops of fir oil into it. Apply the resulting mixture to the roots with massaging movements.
Leave on for 30 minutes. The head is also wrapped with a film and wrapped in a bath towel. If the frequency of use is about 2 times a week, then the effect should be noticeable after a month.
Important! Not everyone likes the smell of onions. And if it seems to you that he was left on his hair, just rinse it with water and table vinegar.
From fat with cognac
Masks with alcohol-containing drinks, including brandy or brandy, are popular and often used due to their stimulating effect. This is the most effective mixture against hair loss. With regular use, the hair becomes soft and tender. Alcohol in the composition will also stimulate blood circulation in the scalp.
The main features that you need to remember about the "cognac" mask:
- Use exclusively high-quality and expensive cognac.
- Before use, it must be heated to + 30 ° C.
- You can’t apply it on the head from the bottle “as is”, it causes skin irritation.
- For those with sensitive skin, such a mask is not suitable.
The volume of masked ingredients may vary. For long hair, the amount is doubled. If the hair is very oily, then add an additional dose of cognac, and if dry - reduce. Do not be afraid to change the ingredients, choosing the composition that will be most effective for you.
Components:
- cognac: 3 tbsp. spoons;
- honey: 2 tbsp. spoons;
- base oil (olive, grape): 2 tbsp. spoons;
- egg yolk: 1 pc.;
- fir essential oil: 2-3 drops.
Cooking:
- The yolk is stirred with brandy until smooth. For long hair, use 2 yolks.
- The remaining ingredients are added. Knead for about 5 minutes.
- Then rub the composition into the roots. But do not rub too hard, especially if the hair is brittle.
- When done, distribute the rest of the mass along the length of the hair.
- Wrap your head in foil and a towel. Leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the mask with water and wash your hair with shampoo. Do not use too hot water - it is not good for the skin.
Important! You can use alcohol masks no more than 1 time per week. Otherwise, there is a high probability of getting a skin burn.
For fast growth
When it comes to hair growth, you need to consider components that enhance blood circulation and awaken hair follicles. Mustard is one such ingredient. It is sold in a pharmacy in the form of mustard powder. It must be diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1: 1, add 2 drops of fir oil and apply to the roots for 30 minutes. After 1-2 months, the exposure time is reduced by 5-10 minutes. Under the influence of the mask, the hair should first strengthen, then the development of the bulbs will improve, and growth will begin.
Contraindications
It is recommended to avoid the use of any essential oils and mixtures based on them during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Children under 8 years old should also not be given them.
In addition, there are a number of other rules that must be followed in order not to harm the body:
- Always mix fir essential oil with base oil if you intend to apply it to your skin. Concentrated products can cause irritation and burns.
- Be sure to do an allergy test before using it. This is done by diluting 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of base oil and applying this mixture to a small area of the skin. If it turns red and you feel a burning sensation, then it’s best not to use a prepared remedy.
- Avoid direct contact of the mixture with eyes or other mucous membranes. Do not use on any other particularly sensitive areas of the skin.
- Do not swallow essential fir oil in its purest form.
- Use with caution if there are people with epilepsy, asthma or high blood pressure in the room.
Persons who are taking prescription drugs have a major operation or there is a risk of developing strokes, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, it is also recommended to consult a doctor. These are not contraindications, but it is necessary to weigh the risks and determine whether the harm caused by the use of the oil exceeds the possible benefits. In case of an allergic reaction, stop using the drug, immediately consult a doctor to assess your health condition and take appropriate medical measures.
Did you know? Hair growth rates vary throughout life. From 18 to 24 years old, they grow fastest. And during the day, the hair follicles are more active at night than during the day.
Using essential oils, try to adhere to the general rules for their use. If you have serious hair problems, provide them with regular care and be sure to monitor the body's reaction. The absence of any visible results from the use of oils for 1-1.5 months is a signal to replace the means used.