Red palm oil is taken from the fruit of the oil palm tree and comes from the same part of the palm tree as regular palm oil, but it is less processed and retains its red color. According to the Livestrong, red palm oil has been consumed for over 5,000 years and holds numerous health benefits for our body and hair. It is an edible vegetable oil that is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm or Elaeis guineensis. It gets its red color from the carotenes like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene, which are the same nutrients that give tomatoes and carrots their rich colors.
Red palm oil is also rich in vitamin E and that benefits the hair by promoting cell growth of the hair follicles, which results in stronger hair. Vitamin E also decreases graying of the hair and hair loss. The carotenes in red palm oil is also responsible for the growth and division of cells and will prevent the hair from becoming weak and brittle. Oilypedia says that the saturated fats and lipids make this a perfect moisturizer for our skin and hair.
Palm oil can be found in shampoos, conditioners, soap, lotions, and other beauty products because of its anti-aging properties and its ability to remove oil (yes, oil can dissolve oil”> and dirt form skin and hair. According to Livestrong, it also contains a refatting agent that will help restore our hair and skin’s natural oils that standard soaps and shampoos are known for stripping.
This wonder oil also has antibacterial properties that will eliminate parasites, clean the skin and scalp, and create a healthier environment for hair growth. Is palm oil more beneficial than our wonder oil coconut oil? Well, they both come from the palm tree family and are tropical oils, but the fat and nutritional profile of both differ with palm oil having 45% saturated fat with a high percentage of monounsaturated fat. Coconut oil is approximately 90% saturated fat. What does that mean? Since the American Heart Association recommends minimizing saturated fat (especially tropical oils”>, palm oil is the better choice out of the two for consumption.
As far as our hair, no other plant-based oil has more vitamins A and E than red palm oil. Is that enough for curlies and coilies to put down their coveted coconut oil and reach for red palm oil? I think not and for several reasons. Coconut oil is not getting the bad press red palm oil is getting over its harvesting. Green Palm Sustainability advises that when buying red palm oil you want to make sure to buy certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO”> as there are large companies that are destroying tress in order to harvest palm oil.
Eating your nutrients is always best, but the beneficial vitamins that red palm oil offers are great reasons to give it a try whether in a product or in your DIY hair recipe.
The richness of palm oil makes it great for all hair types, especially for those who are suffering from dryness, hair loss, or scalp ailments. Eating your nutrients is always best, but the beneficial vitamins that red palm oil offers are great reasons to give it a try whether in a product or in your DIY hair recipe like Fred Fro’s DIY Deep Conditioner recipe.
Check out these products with palm oil or palm extract:
- Karen’s Body Beautiful Secret Weapon Restorative Hair Treatment
- Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-use Hair Treatment
- Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Cleansing Shampoo
How do you use palm oil?
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