I thought this could be particularly useful, since there is still so much I don't know about natural hair ingredients. Hope it is helpful for you.
1.
Shea Butter: High in fatty acids, shea butter is an emollient—meaning it provides a layer of oil on top of the surface of a hair strand, significantly reducing the amount of moisture (water) lost. This is what Naturally Curly girls mean when using products like this to “seal” their hair.
2.
Coconut Oil: Another emollient perfect for sealing moisture into the hair.
3.
Aloe Vera Juice/Gel: Aloe vera adds true moisture to the hair. It is actually absorbed into the hair strand. Try it as a daily moisturizing spritz!
4.
Vegetable Glycerin: Acts as a strong humectant—meaning, it attracts water to itself and binds to it. Creates a layer of oil over the hair strand, thus aiding in the retention of moisture. Can be combined with aloe vera juice to create an even better moisture spritz!
5.
Jojoba Oil: Another humectant. Perfect for adding to damaged ends.
6.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: EVOO is an emollient that seals and softens the hair. The “extra virgin” on a label means it was produced using only physical means (no machines involved) and has no chemical treatment to alter it. Use it as a quick pre-poo or a deep conditioner.
7.
Castor Seed Oil: Not only is this vegetable oil a humectant, it also has anti-fungal properties. This will ensure a clean scalp, with the hair follicles clear and prepared for better hair growth. Some apply it to the temples to increase the thickness of thinning edges.
8.
Honey: A light humectant that also has antibacterial properties. Check out Oyin Handmade products! They use tons of Oyin—the Yoruba word for honey—in their sweet hair treats.
9.
Avocado/Avocado Oil: They’re packed with Vitamins A, D, E, and contain more potassium than bananas. Easily absorbed into the skin, avocado oil is a quick way to get multiple nutrients onto your scalp for improved hair growth.
10.
Tea Tree Oil: With potent antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil is a soothing remedy to a dry scalp. It is an essential (concentrated) oil, so a little goes a VERY long way. Over-application of a potent essential oil may actually cause irritation.
P.S.- Definitions
-Humectant: Substance that preserves the moisture or water content of the skin. Most dry skin lacks moisture rather than oil, and therefore
humectants and
moisturizers are needed instead of
creams or oils.
-Emollient: A mixture of oils found in most
body creams. The purpose is to seal in the moisture so that it can't escape from the skin. Especially important during the winter months.
~Lista~