I think that when we go shopping for hair products that we all have our personal checklists when it comes to choosing the right product (where are all my product junkies can I get some raised hands and amens??)
Whether it is shampoo or leave ins, it has to have the right consistency, ingredients, packaging (for some of us) and of course the right smell. I can safely say that for most of us the fragrance of our products can be a deal maker or often a deal breaker and for me, there are certain fragrances that I absolutely love.
We don’t often think of essential oils* as being fragrant because when it comes to hair care we tend to go for the more ‘herby’ ones like rosemary* or tea tree oil*. But very often essential oils* actually form the basis of your favorite designer perfumes. Here, I have listed my top 6 favorite fragrant oils* which I know most of y’all will convert to!
Ylang Ylang
What is Ylang Ylang*?
Ylang Ylang or its scientific name, Cananga odorata, is mostly grown in Bahasa Indonesia is known as the Madagascar-oil plant or perfume tree. Now, although it is grown abundantly in Indonesia it is a tropical tree that originates from the Philippines.
What does the ylang ylang plant look like?
The flower of the Ylang Ylang plant has yellowish green petals which are droopy and narrow. If I had to say what it would truly resemble I would have to say that it resembles a star a sea star. The leaves are evergreen leaves which are glossy and smooth in appearance.
What does ylang ylang oil smell like and where is the oil derived from?
Unlike most essential oils, ylang ylang actually has multiple layers of fragrance instead of just one. The deep fragrance contains notes of rubber (I can picture the look that your face is making right now… it is more like the under smell not the main smell) and custard with mild hints of jasmine and neroli.
Now remember when I said that the main fragrance of the ylang ylang essential oil is not based on rubber, well it truly is not, it is actually based on the main components of its fragrance: linalool, p-cresyl methyl ether, methyl benzoate, and benzyl acetate. The essential oil of the ylang ylang is derived from the flowers of the plant.
What are the benefits of ylang ylang* oil?
Ylang ylang plays a major part in aromatherapy. It is used normalize sebum problems in skin and scalp (perfect for us with oily skin), relieve high blood pressure and as a .. get this.. aphrodisiac. Yup an aphrodisiac! So ladies, keep this in mind for valentines day, anniversaries, and any time you want a little lovin’.
I would have thought vanilla would be number 1. It is in so many fragrances even many for men these days.
The Real Person!
They are not in any particular order. Personally I love vanilla the best 🙂
I LOVE Vanilla scents! definitely my top favorite…these were all great scents…I think Imma need to stock up lol
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Hi Danni, I’m here in the DMV too, a native but a resident in MD for decades but I love my city. Your hair looks great! Your article about essential oils got my attention, as a Clinical Aromatherapist (as you can imagine). I applaud you for qualifying your article by saying it is about perfume fragrance essential oils. For many people, perfume/fragrance is a priority but as a Clinical Aromatherapist, it’s important to have products that go beyond a good ‘perfume’ fragrance or beyond being perfume grade (even though they may say ‘pure, therapeutic grade’). Many people going natural want to remove toxins and other additives from their bodies so using unadulterated essential oils which are truly pure, therapeutic is imperative. It says ‘Speak Your Mind’, and I appreciate that, so I must unashamedly share my choice of industry standard essential oils for life, Young Living Essential Oils which I’ve been using for over 12 years for many issues, including my hair in all styles. Just sharing…Keep reaching out and sharing!
Thank you for this update. As I was reading this article, I called a location who carries these oils. Hopefully they last a while because he is closing his store for good. He doesn’t have the “Sweet Orange” oil but an “Orange” oil nonetheless. I’ll purchase what you have listed and play with the scents to see what I like best; also, thank you for giving some uses for these, much appreciated!!!
The Real Person!
If you are anything like me you will love the sandlewood Ruth! Best of luck 🙂
hi, i’m judith, i’m here to learn but i want to known what can i do for make the perm out of my hair to start being natural.
My name debra I’m going I’m going through menopause so I am always sweating and the sweat breaks my hair off and makes it very dry so I went bald this summer so what can I do to have my hair grow back healthy and strong
So sorry to hear of your hair problems. I am not a expert, but have encountered hair problems. I suggest as your hair grows back not to cut it, but send for a hair analysis. Since you know what causes the problem the solution is probably easy. I had one and she analyze strands from your hair and will send a photo from the microscope.
She explains hair porosity, and problems with strands from root to tip. Provides a chart that helps you determine best ingredients based on the analysis (conditioner and shampoo). Must avoid shampoos, oils and best use, the best regime (ex. for afro natural hair avoid butters, henna use etc).
You will need to advise detailed information for best results. This was a game changer for me. Prices rang from $20 I think to $85.00. The best and cheapest is goosefoot prints, but she only takes a limited # of samples per month and she is booked, but hope this helps!!! FYI her price is on the lower end.
Hello i am Jeana,
You were saying your hair is breaking off real bad? But the best thing you can do is a deep conditioner and cover with a plastic cap and sit under a medium heated dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. A good product i would recommend is Shea moisture shampoo and conditioner and to also purchases a good leave in conditioner. Make sure you purchase sulfate free products. Now i am going to be honesty with you it is pricey. But that is your choice. Keep your split ends clipped every two weeks, it helps growth. Massage your hair scalp i normally do morning and bed time it helps to stimulate growth. Use a satin bonnet/pillow case. These things works wonders for me and good luck with your natural hair journey.