Miracle Ingredient — Roucou Oil

So, we’ve all heard about the numerous oils that claim to have miraculous effects on the hair… it all began with Moroccan Oil (also known as Argan Oil) — a very popular ingredient in many pharmacy hair products, as well as salons. While Moroccan Oil can be a very good way to treat dry and damaged hair it can be unaffordable and in many cases you’re getting a watered down version of the actual product. Next came Manketti Oil (also known as Mongongo Oil), derived from the Mongongo Nut native to South Africa. Manketti Oil has many positive benefits for hair, however most commercially available products featuring the oil are supplemented with synthetic ingredients, including silicone. This goes for many “grocery” or “pharmacy” brand hair products — often times brands claim to have amazing all-natural ingredients, but on closer label inspection they kind of get lost in translation.

Personally, before my first consultation with Brittney and Roze at Roka, I had never even heard of Roucou Oil. The lovely ladies were kind enough to brief me on the products they carry with the amazing oil, but, being the skeptical gal that I am, I had to go home and do my own research… here’s what I found out:

achiote plant Found in the Amazon Rainforest, Roucou Oil is derived from the fruit of the achiote, an evergreen shrub sometimes called the lipstick tree because of its pink flowers and spiny red fruit. Also known as annatto, bixa, and achiote, roucou oil is harvested from the seeds of the heart-shaped fruit.

Traditionally, due to the intense orange-yellow colouring, the seeds have been used as a dye. Combined with coconut oil, the crushed seeds create a body paint which provides the wearer with a layer of defense against the sun, wind, insects & freezing temperatures.

Roucou Oil is one-hundred times richer in beta-carotene than carrots and stimulates the production of melanin, which is responsible for your hair’s colour). It also contains ellagic acid which neutralizes free radicals and has antioxidant properties that protect against UV radiation.

What it all means for your hair

Firstly, the melanin actually keeps the old lady grays at bay and minimizes frizz — which, to be honest, is a good enough reason to be using it! Roucou Oil also minimizes cellular damage from harmful UV rays and strengthens your tresses while stimulating hair growth. Last, but my no means least, it hydrates your locks and de-tangles for an absolutely gorgeous, smooth & shiny mane.

Where you can find it

Roucou Oil is the key ingredient in Davines OI products (links found below). I HIGHLY recommend the Davines OI/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion, which I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Honestly, two to three drops on towel dried hair is enough to provide outstanding results. Next up I’m off to visit the Roka team and buy some OI Shampoo and Conditioner. With how much I’ve come to depend on my OI/Oil, I’m sure I’ll love everything else!

OI/ Conditioner

Particularly suitable for giving hair extraordinary softness, shine and body.

Benefits:

accelerates the drying process
protects the structure of the hair from damage caused by the heat of blow dryers and straighteners or by mechanical stress

Ideal for all kinds of hair. Now available in travel size.
Carbon-neutral/Zero Impact Product

OI/ Shampoo

Particularly suitable for giving hair extraordinary softness, shine and body: it is an ideal treatment before applying oi/all in one milk and oi/oil. Now available in travel size.

Carbon-neutral/Zero Impact Product