15 Best Natural Ingredients for Black Hair Care
Do you want to switch up your hair care routine and use natural ingredients instead? You're in luck!
Natural ingredients are some of the most effective ways to keep black hair looking healthy, vibrant, and shiny.
From plant-based oils to herbal extracts, there are many options for nourishing your tresses.
In this post, I'll highlight 15 of the best natural ingredients for black hair care that can help bring beauty to every curl and coil!
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Why Use Natural Ingredients?
Store-bought natural hair products are often filled with harsh chemicals and artificial additives. These things can cause more harm than good for your hair and body.
Natural ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals that nourish your hair and protect the scalp from drying out.
Also, natural plant-based oils are excellent at locking in moisture.
>> Check out some of my favorite non-toxic beauty products HERE!
Ingredients to Watch Out for in Store-Bought Products
Getting healthier hair and looking good should never come at the expense of your health. But unfortunately, many store-bought black hair care products contain ingredients that can be hazardous to your well-being.
Here is a list of common unhealthy ingredients to look out for and limit or avoid in your haircare routine:
Parabens: These preservatives are linked to hormone disruption.
Petroleum-based products: These are derived from crude oil can cause scalp irritation.
Fragrance/parfum: This broad term can contain phthalates and other toxins which may lead to allergic reactions or hormonal imbalances.
Silicones: These coat the hair follicle, leading to buildup.
Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients on Black Hair
Natural ingredients are one of the best ways to ensure your hair care routine is healthy, safe, and effective.
Here are some of the top benefits of using natural ingredients on black hair:
Good for any hair type: Natural ingredients provide moisture and nourishment for thick and dry hair.
Promotes hair growth: Certain natural oils have properties known to stimulate follicle growth, leading to healthier and thicker strands.
Non-toxic: Unlike many store-bought products, natural ingredients do not contain any harsh chemicals or toxins which may be hazardous to your health.
Inexpensive: Natural ingredients are a fraction of the cost of many store products.
Natural ingredients are an affordable, safe, and practical way to ensure your hair looks beautiful.
Also, natural ingredients are great whether you have permed hair, braids or are on a natural hair journey.
If you have decided to switch to natural ingredients for your hair care routine, it is important to remember that the process may be slow and gradual.
While you may experience some benefits immediately, it can take time for your hair to respond and for longer-term results to show.
Patience is key when utilizing natural ingredients for your black hair. Give yourself at least 2-3 months before expecting any major difference in your hair health.
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The 15 Best Natural Ingredients for Black Hair Care
Let's look at some of the best natural ingredients for black hair care.
Carrier Oils
You can use natural oils such as the ones listed below as a carrier to dilute essential oils to apply them to the scalp. We will look at essential oils later in this post. You can also use them without essential oils.
When using most carrier oils, it's recommended that you start with damp hair, apply a cream-based product, then apply the carrier oil to seal the moisture in. This is known as the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) method.
My favorite cream-based product is anything from Shea Moisture because their products are free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and other harmful ingredients.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is excellent for black hair because it is full of amino acids that strengthen your hair. Use pure, organic coconut oil when possible.
Also, remember that coconut milk will not work the same as coconut oil.
You can use it as a leave-in conditioner. You can also use coconut oil as a hair masque.
To do this, warm up a generous amount in your hands. Then work it into your strands from the hair shaft to the ends. Next, put on a plastic cap, and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Then shampoo and condition your hair.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is great because it can help prevent hair loss, decrease breakage, and more! If you're looking for a hot oil treatment or want to mix it with other conditioners, olive oil is ideal.
Be sure to use it sparingly if you are not washing it out. Too much olive oil can weigh your hair down.
3. Avocado Oil
This clean and green fruit is full of fatty acids that help replenish your hair's moisture. A little bit of avocado oil goes a long way. Since it's a heavier oil, it's best suited for people with denser and more coarse textures. If you don't have thicker hair, just use it sparingly.
4. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is among the most nourishing oils to use on the hair. It helps restore a healthy shine and strength to dull and damaged locks, bringing back a natural glow.
This all-natural oil benefits all hair types and is high in vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has a unique composition that closely resembles the natural oils on your scalp.
It’s also lightweight and non-greasy. Apply it directly to your hair and scalp, or blend it with conditioner or a hair mask for added nourishment.
6. Grapeseed Oil
Extracted from grape seeds during the winemaking process, grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil.
Especially beneficial for black hair, its lightness ensures that it won't weigh locks down. Also, its lack of odor or greasiness helps to make hair look shiny and lustrous.
7. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Jamaican black castor oil is one of the best oils for black hair. It stimulates growth and nourishes your scalp.
It contains many beneficial nutrients that reach your hair follicles when you massage a few drops into your roots.
It's no wonder many products now incorporate this oil - it's well worth the hype! Be sure to use this oil sparingly, as it’s very heavy.
Essential Oils
An important thing to remember is that essential oils are highly concentrated. So it's vital that you use one of the carrier oils mentioned above to dilute them.
Most people use 3-6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. It's best to start on the lower end and work your way up. Also, do a patch test with the essential oil beforehand to ensure you don’t have a reaction.
Use a dilution calculator if you're curious about what is best for you based on the desired dilution percentage.
You can also add essential oils to shampoo or leave-in conditioner. Remember that the same ratio applies.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
One of the most popular essential oils out there, lavender comes with many benefits.
Not only does the soothing scent promote relaxation and a sense of calming vibes, but it's also excellent for your hair.
Lavender essential oil can relieve dandruff and make your scalp healthier overall. It can also help reduce stress levels.
9. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary has a calming scent. And it's not just relaxing. A few drops of rosemary essential oil in your shampoo or conditioner can help relieve an itchy, dry scalp and promote hair health.
10. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a great way to refresh your scalp and hair. Its invigorating scent will energize you! It's also known for promoting the health of your follicles, which can encourage hair growth.
Try adding it to your shampoo or conditioner for an extra boost!
11. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful and versatile antibacterial.
Always dilute it with cool water, carrier oil, or another hair product before applying it to your scalp.
Massaging it in can help relieve itchiness or dandruff. It's also the perfect way to dissolve product buildup.
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Other Natural Hair Care Ingredients
Here are a few other natural ingredients for black hair that will help nourish and protect your strands.
12. Shea Butter
Shea butter is an excellent sealant for dry, coarse, and frizzy hair.
It also moisturizes without leaving your hair greasy. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce scalp dryness and treat potential damage.
13. Aloe Vera
African American hair is prone to dryness. So using products with natural ingredients like aloe vera can help maintain moisture in brittle hair.
Try testing the aloe vera on your wrist before applying it to your scalp due to its potential sensitivity. Fresh aloe vera gel is recommended.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) provides natural solutions for hair and scalp health. It balances pH, reduces buildup, prevents flaking and itching, and adds shine.
It can also fight fungi and bacteria and boost hair health. An ACV rinse is an easy way to incorporate it into your routine.
15. Rose Water
Rose water can help combat dryness and scalp irritation while adding shine to your hair. It can help reduce frizziness and restore softness to your natural hair. You can use rose water daily.
What to Consider When Deciding Which Natural Ingredient to Use
Determining the best natural ingredient for your hair requires considering your specific hair type.
What works for one person with afro-textured hair may not work for another. Everyone's hair has different needs.
Experimenting with different options is essential.
When selecting the right natural ingredient for your hair, here are some questions to consider:
What are the specific needs of your hair?
What is the texture and porosity of your hair?
How often do you wash your hair?
What styling techniques do you use for your hair?
In addition to considering your hair type and texture, be sure to use quality products when selecting natural ingredients for your hair. Organic products can be especially beneficial.
Conclusion
The above ingredients can provide plentiful nourishment and hydration when caring for black hair. With natural ingredients, you can maximize your hair health without worrying about harsh chemicals!