I've been looking for ways to amp up my hair products using natural oils as I almost always air dry my hair and I've read about the importance of including ceramides in my hair products especially during the leave in conditioning step.

Ceramides are meant to replenish the internal cuticle oil, hydrolysed protein patches up the cuticle surface. - JC
Ceramides are essential for the normal organization of our tissues into structures that are responsible for keeping the barrier function of the skin functioning well, like preventing transepidermal water loss and keeping other things out. They are found in our skin at about 50% by mass. A decrease in ceramides - through ageing, exposure to high or low temperatures - can lead to dry skin and itchiness due to a decrease in the efficacy of the stratum corneum's ability to keep water in and other things out. - Susan

My search for useful ceramides brought me to Nadege's blog post on Ascience after which, I started looking for natural products that contain 18-MEA. My logic is, with hydrolysed protein, lipids (ceramides, 18-MEA and cholesterol) and moisture combo in my deep conditioner, I should be one step closer to creating the perfect regimen for my hair.

The purpose of this lipid (18-MEA) is quite similar to ceramides in that they help maintain the integrity of the cuticle layer. - Nadege
The exciting part about the discovery of 18-MEA is that researchers say it minimises future damage and actually halts the ageing process. It can target and repair each hair, attaching itself to the damaged areas, restoring the surface - Marta's article

Follow these links if you are interested in reading about Restoring Essential Hair Fiber Lipids with Quaternized 18-MEA.

Whatever does this all mean? I'm am currently on the market for an organic product that is Elucence level good and contains 18 MEA. If you come across anything promising, be charitable and let a sister know s'il vous plait.

Peace, Love & Elixirs

18-MEA and your conditioner