Emu Oil Benefits our Natural Hair

by Jessica Mousseau via Naturallycurly.com

It seems as though each day a new product guaranteed to give you longer, stronger, healthier hair is introduced. Some of them even go so far as to claim that they can stop hair loss and even re-grow hair. Although some products can actually stop hair loss and allow for the re-growth of hair, most of them do little to improve the condition of your hair.

Of all the products that make such claims, however, emu oil benefits the condition of your scalp, which is where hair growth starts. This product may actually be everything it’s hyped up to be.

How Does Hair Actually Grow?

Hair actually starts growing below the epidermis, or top layer of skin, of the scalp. Hair follicles go through three separate phases, and each one may be in a different stage of growth.

The first stage is called the anagen stage. The hair begins to grow from the root and gradually works its way to the end of the follicle. This is actually the only time that hair is considered alive. Next is the catagen stage. During this phase, the hair has fully grown, and the hair follicle itself is actually coming closer to the surface of the skin. The hair is actually getting ready to be shed. Nothing happens to the hair itself during this period. Color does not change (unless it is by artificial means), and the length remains the same. It is, for all intents and purposes, “dead,” although a more precise term would be to say the hair is in a “resting” phase. Hair shedding of the follicle and preparing for new hair growth occurs during the telogen phase. This is the phase in which the existing hair falls out, a new hair follicle grows, and the process starts all over again.

Again, each of these phases is occurring at a different time on different parts of your head and body. Of course, the hair on your head is more noticeable; that is why each day you see hair left behind in the sink, on your brush or comb, as weeks pass after a haircut or as you notice your hair growing long again.

Emu Oil Benefits for Hair Growth

Clinical studies conducted in the United States and other parts of the world show that emu oil works with the anagen phase of hair growth. This is the only phase in which the hair follicle and the hair are actually considered “living,” and thus can be affected by any type of product.

It is thought that emu oil benefits cell growth and provide skin stimulation around new hair follicles as they start and continue the development process. All of these together help hair to grow faster; in addition, the hair grown is said to be healthier.

How Much To Use

The amount of emu oil you use will depend on your personal preference as well as your hair’s characteristics. If your hair tends to be naturally oily, you may not want to use as much as someone who has normal or dry hair. Additionally, the thickness of your hair will have a bearing on how much you use. Thick hair may require more in order to penetrate each follicle as well as the scalp, while thinner hair may require less.

The length of your hair is also a factor in how much emu oil benefits you’ll get from the amount you use. Longer hair may require more, especially if it tends to be dry. You’ll want to use as much as is needed to make sure the emu oil is applied all the way down the hair shaft. Shorter hair, on the other hand, may tend to be oilier, and, of course, will be closer to the scalp. You will probably need less if your hair is short.

It may require a little experimentation to get just the right amount. Once you’ve found what is best for your hair, however, you can jot it down so you won’t forget, or you can even put the emu oil in a dispenser that allows you to dispense the amount you need. You may want to consider doing the latter if you buy your oil in large quantities.

Where to Buy Emu Oil

• Emu oil can be purchased through online merchants. You can also find it in health food stores, beauty supply stores, and possibly even in some drug or department stores.