The natural hair team, popularly known by the hashtag term #teamnatural, seem to be gaining grounds in today’s lifestyle. With a collection of both natural and processed hair care products, the market is becoming a lucrative one, attracting new adherents by the day. Natural hair can be maintained the natural way. There are quite a number of natural products that can boost hair growth the natural way. Though you may not be able to get all of them in their natural state and at the same time, watch out for these ten key ingredients when buying haircare products, and set a schedule of application for a rich afro hair.
- Shea butter The renowned Shea butter, known as ori in Yoruba or okume in Igbo, is common in local Nigerian markets. The raw form is hard but can be made into a smooth constituent through rubbing vigorously between the palms or through mild heating.
- Tea-Tree oil Because of the concentration of its chemical constituent, the tea tree oil is normally diluted with other oils such as coconut, olive or jojoba oil before applying to the hair. It possesses antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and thus is often used in the treating and preventing hair-related infections.
- Coconut oil This oil is great in keeping the hair full as it locks in moisture into hair strands. It enhances curls and gives the natural hair a natural sheen.
- Jojoba oil Possessing a similar composition to sebum, the oil that is naturally produced by the skin/scalp, the jojoba oil is easily absorbed and used by the hair. Benefits include stimulating hair growth, giving the hair a full look, and maintaining the health of the scalp. Its antimicrobial properties make it suitable for preventing dandruff. It is used as a suitable hair conditioner after washing, and can be also applied periodically as it is non-greasy.
- Olive oil This is very good for conditioning, for smoothening split ends and for treating dandruff. To condition, apply as a leave-in to hair after washing, and to apply to tips of the hair to prevent broken ends.
- Aloe vera The gel from Aloe vera penetrates the scalp and hair and balances the pH levels. This, in turn, promotes and maintains hair growth. Apply the extract on washed hair and leave for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. It can also be mixed with shea butter or flaxseed extract as a natural gel to hold the hair.
- Castor oil This is used especially to grow hair as some have attributed hair growth to its use. To use for hair treatment, apply in sections from scalp to the tip of the hair and allow to sit for not less than 2 hours for effect before rinsing off with water. It also keeps the hair hydrated by sealing in the moisture after being applied to damp hair.
- Hemp Hemp oil softens and hydrates the hair and is a natural booster of hair. Little wonder most hair growth products have it as an essential ingredient.
- Honey You can prepare your own homemade conditioner with a blend of honey, olive oil and shea butter. Apply the mixture to damp hair after washing and leave to sit inside a shower cap for about 20 minutes or more. It can also be used with other combinations, or alone, as it is easily absorbed and used by the hair.
- Flaxseed extract Also known as linseed, these tiny seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein and minerals good for the hair. The gel that is gotten from seeds is a natural medium for holding hairstyles. To prepare extract for hair, boil a quart of seeds in two cups of water and collect the extracts through a sieve.
Most of these products are constituents of good hair care products. To get them in their raw form visit sites like naturalnigerian.com to order.