With the afro hair industry now worth upwards of $500 billion, it’s no surprise that more and more of us are looking for ways to care for our curly locks. The beauty of this type of hair is the variation in style – in fact, there are at least 12 different types which are each classified by the tightness and shape of each curl. And while each type of curl needs to be treated differently, the one thing that is essential across all afro hair is moisturisation. Curls make it more difficult for natural oils to be evenly distributed all the way down the hair shaft. And, these bends cause weakness points throughout the strand which makes it more prone to breaking.
Here at Malée, we believe passionately in the power of natural ingredients. In place of potentially irritating synthetic alternatives, naturally sourced oils and butters can do wonders to the health of afro hair in the same way they can for skin. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the natural products and ingredients you should be using to keep your curls bouncing.
Coconut oil
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past decade, you’ve likely heard of the benefits hailed from coconut oil. Harvested from the kernel of matured coconuts, this nutrient-rich oil has a high density of saturated fats. It is flushed with very small molecules which allows it to penetrate much deeper into each hair strand. This allows it to work on a deeper level, rather than just giving a superficial shine.
Alongside this, coconut oil has long-lasting benefits and a slightly positive charged energy. Hair has a natural negative charge, which is similar to static electricity which is insulated by a protective lipid layer. When hair becomes frizzy, broken or damaged, the negative charge increases. Using a positively charged oil with this increases the attraction and improve its ability to soften and offer additional protection.
How to use coconut oil for afro hair
It’s important to note that coating your hair in coconut oil can do more damage than good. It should be used as a sealant, rather than a sole moisturiser. Therefore, it should be used on moist hair but not afros that are bone dry. Introduce it into your routine as a deep conditioner or before washing. Here, it will help to protect hair from breakage and give it back that rich, healthy look.
Avocado Oil
This edible oil is extracted by pressing the fruit itself. It is highly dense in healthy fats and nutrients which all contribute to healthy afro hair. The abundance of oleic acid and monounsaturated fats make it one of the only oils on the market that can effectively penetrate the hair shaft. This allows the moisturisation to go deep, offering real benefits to your hair instead of just making it look healthy. This hydration helps to strengthen the individual hair shafts and prevent the damage that afro hair is so prone to.
How to use avocado oil for afro hair
Avocado oil works best for 4C hair as it nourishes from within. Use is before washing or as an oil to help detangle your hair. In addition, it can be massaged into the scale to help improve blood flow and therefore encourage healthy growth too.
Almond Oil
Due to its emollient properties, almond oil is an exceptional choice – particularly for afro-textured hair and 4C curls. It contains high levels of zinc and Vitamin A which help to soften and nourish the hair from within. Added Vitamin E brings with it antioxidants which are known to combat free radicals and oxidative stress. These stressors can cause damage to hair follicles, increasing the risk of breakages and frizziness. Vitamin B7 or Biotin can also be found in this nourishing oil which helps to strengthen hair strands and by offering a natural SPF protection. There are also some studies that claim almond oil has antibacterial properties which can help to keep dandruff at bay.
How to use almond oil for afro hair
As an emollient, almond oil is a brilliant detangler. Use on post-washed hair to eliminate tangles without causing additional damage. It can be applied directly to the scalp or hair, or used as a hair mask with other natural oils.
Aloe Vera
As we mentioned above, the biggest ailment that afro hair has is dryness. Which is why aloe vera is a brilliant natural option. As a humectant, it naturally retains moisture which helps to keep dry hair as nourished and moisturised as possible. An abundance of vitamins, amino acids and minerals help to strengthen at the same time. As a gel, it has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation which is a key cause of dandruff. This is also helped by the natural enzymes found in the gel which destroys excessive dead cells and helps to rebalance the scalp’s pH.
How to use aloe vera for afro hair
As with the other oils on our list, aloe vera can be used before shampooing or as a deeply nourishing conditioner. It is also another natural product that helps with detangling and can be massaged into the scalp to help promote healthy growth.
All-round winner
If all the information above has confirmed to you that natural products are really a winning recipe for natural hair, we have the ideal product for you. The Malée Moisturising Oil is a rich and abundant blend of carrier and essential oils. Within its formula, you’ll discover sweet almond oil, coconut oil fatty acids, avocado oil, argan oil and rosehip oil – all of which are rich and abundant in the vitamins needed to see your curly coils bouncing once again.
Conclusion
In our opinion, and that of many afro-haired men and women from all across the world, natural products work wonders on curls and provide a host of benefits that far exceed that of synthetic alternatives. Choosing the right oils, using them correctly and caring for your hair properly can help you see significant differences in a shorter space of time.
