Whether you’re newly natural or just looking to tweak your natural hair care routine, chances are you just want product that leaves you with optimal results right? Well, look past the pretty packaging and start reading the product ingredient list! Before you shop for that next product haul, check out this quick reference guide featuring some of the best product ingredients for natural hair.
1. Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a natural emollient derived from the nut of African karite trees. Found in products like Jane Carter’s Nourish and Shine, shea butter provides optimal soft ‘n fluffy hair results and seals in moisture minus the heavy buildup. Shea butter also softens nicely when mixed with essential hair oils for easier application.
2. Coconut Oil
Natural hair loves coconut oil because it doesn’t just sit on top of the hair -it penetrates and helps heal from the inside out. Products with this ingredient harness coconut oil’s moisture retention and strengthening characteristics for rejuvenating make-up. If used alone, this light ingredient’s best use is thought to be as a pre shampoo hair oil treatment.
3. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil closely matches what the scalp produces naturally, making it ideal for balancing out oil production. Extracted from jojoba seeds, jojoba oil acts as natural humectant and boosts shine without leaving the hair greasy.
4. Olive Oil
The wunderkind of hair oils, olive oil (particularly extra virgin or EVOO), nourishes and improves the elasticity of hair with each use. Olive oil is rich in moisture and less prone than other oils to aggravate allergies. No wonder it’s used for everything from pre-shampoo and scalp treatments to curl friendly conditioners like Deva Curl One Condition.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera’s pH balancing properties make it a model ingredient for natural hair use. Aloe Vera also promotes hair growth and acts as a natural astringent to combat dandruff. This multi-purpose ingredient (in gel or juice form) is commonly combined with conditioner to soften hair, add shine and reduce frizz. Curly girls often mix aloe vera with water and spritz it on as a coil refresher.
6. Honey
Did you know that honey is also sweet for hair? Honey can be combined with conditioner or oils to give natural hair a healthy, smooth and shiny appearance. The peroxide found in honey is lightening agent that can subtly lighten strands over time.
What ingredient do you look for in products for natural hair?
