How to use Palm kernel Oil for a Soft, Long and healthy hair

Palm Kernel oil is widely used in Africa because of its numerous health benefits. Its top uses are for a healthy skin and healthy hair.  Palm kernel oil (PKO) is dark in color when extracted locally.

How is palm Kernel oil applied?
there is no exact formula on how to apply palm kernel oil. However here are some different ways people use palm kernel oil for a healthy hair

1. Palm kernel oil is usually applied on the scalp and hair after washing it with water and shampoo. others apply palm kernel oil on their scalp periodically depending on the availability.  
2. There are others who will usually dampen their hair apply a generous amount of palm kernel oil on their hair. others prefer to mix it with honey before applying it on the hair. It is allowed to set for at least one hour. The hair is then washed with shampoo or any locally made soap from herbs like aloe Vera. 

Used as a Hot oil treatment for hair. Since palm kernel oil is readily available and cheaper than  other oils (coconut oil, olive oil etc..) it is used for treating natural/relaxed hair. 

• Wash your hair to make sure it is clean
• heat your palm kernel oil.  3 -5 table spoons of palm Kernel oil will do the job. In order to get rid of dandruff, a teaspoon of jojoba oil can be added to the palm Kernel oil.
•  If your hair is dry, dampen it with water.  
• apply the mixture on your scalp and work your way up from the roots to the tip of your hair. Massage your scalp for at least 5 minutes
• wear a plastic bag on the hair after massaging it. use a hand hair dryer to heat up the hair in the plastic cap. Alternatively, you can allow the plastic cap on and the body will heat up the hair naturally. 
• allow the plastic cap on the hair for 30 minutes
• Wash your hair and dry it 

It is also used to seal in moisture especially for those who have kinky hair.

One study showed that palm kernel oil has emollient and moisturizing properties.  it it best when applied to damp hair. 

Hair benefits of palm kernel oil 
Although there is little research to support the uses of palm kernel oil, it has been used from generation to generation and recommended by African traditional healers for the following benefits

1.  Preventing hair loss
2. preventing hair breakage
3. hot oil treatment helps in softening the hair and treating minor scalp disorders like dandruff
4. strengthens black hair and makes is shine
5. Adds the volume of hair by thickening it