There’s so much choice in the beauty world, it can get overwhelming, especially when it comes to Afro hair.
“Afro hair can be dryer than other hair types,” explains trichologist Stephanie Sey. “The curl in the hair can make it difficult for natural oils to be distributed down the hair shaft. Afro hair is also a little more delicate, as the bend and twists in the hair strand can cause points of weakness, and these same bends and twists can also cause single-strand knots. Finally, a tight, curly texture means that it doesn’t reflect light in the same way as straighter textures, so the hair appears not to shine.”
To combat this, you might want to make more effort to ensure your hair is properly nourished. You don’t have to pump your hair full of chemicals to keep it shiny and healthy; there are plenty of natural ingredients which will work wonders.
Natural products for Afro hair
Many of these help all hair types, but they’re particularly well-suited to the needs of Afro hair, strengthening the strands whilst adding shine and moisture…
1. Coconut oil
There’s a scientific reason why coconut oil is well loved: “Coconut oil has very small molecules which can penetrate deeper into the hair than other oils, so rather than acting merely on the surface, the effects of the oil are longer lasting,” explains Sey.
“Additionally, coconut oil is slightly positively charged. The reason this is important is because weathered and damaged hair is negatively charged, so these opposite charges result in the coconut oil being attracted to the hair, meaning that it will soften and protect it.”
As an added bonus, you can easily buy coconut oil from the supermarket. Use it like you would a hair mask, and let your locks soak up the moisture.
Try Coconut Merchant Organic Coconut Oil available from Amazon.
2. Avocados
Avocados aren’t only good on toast – they contain healthy fats and nutrients which can contribute to healthy hair. “The oil that is extracted from avocado is great for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Sey.
The trichologist also adds: “It’s good at lubricating the hair strand, imparting shine and helping to preserve the ends of the hair.”
Luckily, avocados can easily be made into a DIY mask at home if your hair is feeling lifeless and you’re noticing more split ends. Mash it up with some other nourishing ingredients – like coconut oil, olive oil or yoghurt – and apply to your locks after shampooing, as you would a normal mask. Just don’t forget to wash it off afterwards, and use any leftover avocado for breakfast the next morning.
3. Almond oil
Not only does almond oil smell delightful, but there are plenty of reasons it should be added to your haircare routine.
“It contains zinc and vitamin A, and is one of the best sources of vitamin E,” says Sey. This is particularly important, because vitamin E is a natural antioxidant, so can combat free radicals (unstable molecules) and oxidative stress – which can “damage the cells in the hair follicles”.
Try Naissance Sweet Almond Oil, available from Amazon.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an excellent ingredient in all its forms – gel, hydrosol or juice, notes Sey. It is a humectant, which means it retains moisture, so is perfect for keeping hair moisturised.
If your head is feeling a bit tender from tight braids or chemical treatments, aloe vera is a great choice. “It is an anti-inflammatory, so is soothing to the scalp,” explains Sey. “It also has a pH of about 5, which is excellent for scalp health, as well as smoothing the hair shaft.”
Try Seven Mineral’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel, available from Amazon.
5. Jojoba oil
I’ve stopped: • drying my hair with a towel; I only wrap it up with a cotton t-shirt • brushing it straight out of a wash PERIOD. until my hair’s completely dry • using “hair repair” serums; I hydrate with 100% natural jojoba oil
& MY HAIR IS AS LIVELY AS EVER!!! 😩
— Amethyst 🍬 (@iammcosmetics) April 29, 2020
Fun fact: jojoba is pronounced ‘hohoba’. “It’s actually a wax, which is liquid at room temperature,” says Sey, and it’s beneficial because “its composition is very similar to scalp sebum”.
A lot of products can weigh down your hair and suck the life out of it, but this isn’t the case with jojoba oil – which Sey says “isn’t greasy and is really good at sealing moisture into the hair”.
Either look for products containing jojoba, or buy the oil from a health store and use as a serum after you’ve washed your hair.
Try Naissance Cold Pressed Golden Jojoba Oil, available from Amazon.
You may also be interested in…
Best-selling afro hair products for natural hair
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- Will define, condition and add manageability to your curls
- Made with 100 Percent Pure Shea Butter
- Embrace your curly, kinky or wavy hair
- 【Freely Adjustable】The loc hair ties for curly hair are made of high-quality rubber bands, the metal buttons can be tightened or loosened at any time, and the scrunchie holder length can be...
- 【Super Elasticity】The elastic band is super elastic and the material is very soft, curly hair ties can fit the largest and thickest hair, holding the hair firmly together and holding it tighter.
- 【Won’t Pull Your Hair】Hair accessories for black women and men won't squeeze or crease your hair, no creases, no headaches, no tangles, afro ponytail for natural hair perfect for hair management...
- Instantly moisturises hair curls, coils and waves.
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- ❤ 【EXTREME STRETCH】Our natural hair ties are made of nylon material,which is soft, elastic and not easy to break.
- ❤ 【ADJUSTABLE SIZE】Our afro puff ponytail tie will not pull or damage your hair.There are adjustable buttons on the hair band,which can be extended hair ties to fit your thick hair.
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- CURL ENHANCING - this oil-infused cream, helps define your natural curl shape and seals in moisture for slip and added shine
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR NATURAL AFRO HAIR - our curl activating formula was designed to work effectively with the complete Wakati line up of products but also works effectively with other natural...
- PROVIDES LONG LASTING MOISTURE - to maintain healthy and shiny hair and enhance your curls
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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