Summary
Baobab oil comes from the fruit of the beautiful baobab tree found in Africa, and thanks to women’s co-ops and other trade arrangements, we are fortunate to have the ability to observe its effects on our skin and hair for ourselves. It has significant amounts of Vitamin E in it, an antioxidant that protects hair from environmental damage caused by formation of free radicals. Also, the unique fatty acid profile for this oil means that some of the oils can diffuse into the cortex of the hair and improve its elasticity and suppleness, while the remainder forms a protective film on the surface that adds shine, decreases tangling, and helps to seal in moisture while blocking out humidity. This special combination of properties means that baobab oil should be especially beneficial for fragile hair or damaged hair exposed to a very hot and dry climate, hair damaged by heat styling or chemical processes, hair exposed to humid conditions, and also hair damaged from swimming or activities in the sun.
There are a number of ways you can incorporate baobab oil into your hair care routine. Try applying a few drops to your hair along with your styling products to gain some protection before you go out in the summer heat. You can also add a few drops to some almond oil, warm it up, and do an intense oil treatment to improve the health of damaged hair. Adding a drop to your conditioner may also give you softer locks. Just remember, it is important with oils to not overuse them either in quantity or frequency. A little caution can help prevent excessive absorption of oils into the hair shaft, which can lead to frizzy, limp hair. Removal with a mild shampoo is also essential, as organic oils can build up and make hair appear greasy and weighted down.
Finally, it is important to note that many of the currently available “baobab oil” products are made of predominantly silicone ingredients and which contain very little baobab oil. These products probably will not reveal the full beneficial properties of baobab oil for you, and may cause some unpleasant effects to your curls if used too often. Fortunately, it is possible to obtain 100% pure, cold-pressed baobab oil from reputable vendors to incorporate into your own routine and products.
