For the longest time it has been commonly declared that ‘grease’ and any similarly oily, lardy imitation product is the key in moisturizing and increasing growth rates amongst those of African descent (Affs, Carribs, A.Americans, everyone). Now I’m not sure exactly when this memo went out but it has seemed to reach every corner of the globe and has STUCK.
Whether it be greasing the scalp prior to braiding or at the sight of snowflakey pieces of dandruff; as a heat protectant whilst blowdrying or as an aid in adding that sought after bling to the hair ,most of us, somewhere in our arsenal of hair products have a few tubs of the stuff.
Before we dissect the pros and cons let’s have a quick look at the main assailants that are the forefront of the ‘Grease Please’ propaganda…
Mr Blue Magic and friends...
Dax
So why the hate parade you may ask.
I am here to confirm that there are limited benefits to using such pomades on your hair. Have a look at the ingredients list. In the top row you will usually see nestled some the following:
• Petroleum – Note what Vaseline is made out of. Yep, we have essentially been slathering Vaseline on our scalps for double the price and expecting miracles
• Lanolin - Used in the beauty industry for its water repellent properties
• Paraffinum liquidum - Acts as barrier between the skin or scalp and the air. Preventing moisture from leaving or entering.
If our hair is not in healthy condition and not adequately moisturized prior to using grease then what happens is that the hair shaft become blocked by the large molecules in the grease preventing the smaller water/moisturizing molecules from entering.
This explains why many of us are constantly battling with dry hair.
To seal in the moisture imparted into our hair from conditioning or a daily water based moisturizer ,I definitely recommend substituting pomades with a natural oil that has tonnes of benefits. Here are the best ones!
Avocado oil- Great for Fortifying hair
• Aids in strengthening hair
• It contains essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins A, D, E and B6, magnesium, copper, iron, amino acids and folic acid.
• Its consistency is light and runny but is solid in colder temperatures • Perfect for daily oiling as it will not clog the pores on your scalp
• Perfect for fine strands as it will not weigh down the hair
Coconut oil- Excellent for shine and moisture
• Gives amazing shine good substitute to oil sheen
• Contains nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamin E.
• Leaves hair softer and retains a high level of moisture
• Its consistency is light and runny but is solid in colder temperatures
• Perfect for daily oiling as it will not clog the pores on your scalp
• Perfect for fine strands as it will not weigh down the hair
West Indian/ Jamaican Castor Oil- Perfect for increasing growth and taming thick hair
• Perfect for sealing in moisturizing prior to installing braids and weaves instead of Blue Magic
• Helps to thicken strands and regrow areas of breakage or early traction alopecia around the edges
• Its consistency is thick and gooey
Diluted Tea-tree oil- Amazing for dandruff
• Helps combat an itchy scalp can also be added to shampoo
• Highly fragranced
• Its consistency is runny and light
Jojoba Oil- The all rounder. FULL STOP.
Whether it be greasing the scalp prior to braiding or at the sight of snowflakey pieces of dandruff; as a heat protectant whilst blowdrying or as an aid in adding that sought after bling to the hair ,most of us, somewhere in our arsenal of hair products have a few tubs of the stuff.
Before we dissect the pros and cons let’s have a quick look at the main assailants that are the forefront of the ‘Grease Please’ propaganda…
Mr Blue Magic and friends...
Dax
So why the hate parade you may ask.
I am here to confirm that there are limited benefits to using such pomades on your hair. Have a look at the ingredients list. In the top row you will usually see nestled some the following:
• Petroleum – Note what Vaseline is made out of. Yep, we have essentially been slathering Vaseline on our scalps for double the price and expecting miracles
• Lanolin - Used in the beauty industry for its water repellent properties
• Paraffinum liquidum - Acts as barrier between the skin or scalp and the air. Preventing moisture from leaving or entering.
If our hair is not in healthy condition and not adequately moisturized prior to using grease then what happens is that the hair shaft become blocked by the large molecules in the grease preventing the smaller water/moisturizing molecules from entering.
This explains why many of us are constantly battling with dry hair.
To seal in the moisture imparted into our hair from conditioning or a daily water based moisturizer ,I definitely recommend substituting pomades with a natural oil that has tonnes of benefits. Here are the best ones!
Avocado oil- Great for Fortifying hair
• Aids in strengthening hair
• It contains essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins A, D, E and B6, magnesium, copper, iron, amino acids and folic acid.
• Its consistency is light and runny but is solid in colder temperatures • Perfect for daily oiling as it will not clog the pores on your scalp
• Perfect for fine strands as it will not weigh down the hair
Coconut oil- Excellent for shine and moisture
• Gives amazing shine good substitute to oil sheen
• Contains nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamin E.
• Leaves hair softer and retains a high level of moisture
• Its consistency is light and runny but is solid in colder temperatures
• Perfect for daily oiling as it will not clog the pores on your scalp
• Perfect for fine strands as it will not weigh down the hair
West Indian/ Jamaican Castor Oil- Perfect for increasing growth and taming thick hair
• Perfect for sealing in moisturizing prior to installing braids and weaves instead of Blue Magic
• Helps to thicken strands and regrow areas of breakage or early traction alopecia around the edges
• Its consistency is thick and gooey
Diluted Tea-tree oil- Amazing for dandruff
• Helps combat an itchy scalp can also be added to shampoo
• Highly fragranced
• Its consistency is runny and light
Jojoba Oil- The all rounder. FULL STOP.
