Black/Africans in the diaspora can brag about having the best hair on the planet. Yes! We sure merit this because of what they’ve got. When the sun shines, your hair receives strength from above. Without going into esoteric analysis of the significance of African hairs, it’s important to highlight that there are spiritual meanings to hairs as believed by African ancestors, and for hairs being the first body parts encountered from the space.
Retaining the natural look and health of black curly or kinky hair is possible with the right product. Below, we talk about must-have natural hair ingredients suitable for Africans in the diaspora, and what should be avoided.
Reasons Why Black Hairs need natural shampoo
Shampoos made with harsh chemicals can harm your precious natural hair. Your hair may be more sensitive to their constituents, leading to hair damages and poor growth. What about your scalp? They can be dangerous to your scalp too.
Black hair can be prone to damage. It is sensitive to some of the chemicals used in most shampoo brands, and if you are the type that is looking for length at all cost, something has to give. Look for natural shampoo.
Ingredients Your Hair Shampoo Should Not Have
Whenever you come across these ingredients, run! But consider the amount present in your shampoo. Below are some ingredients that may harm your hair or scalp.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This is a very harsh detergent to avoid in shampoo. But unfortunately, too many brands have it. SLS is responsible for the foaming leather that makes us go gaga in shampoo or hair commercials. But this hilarious chemical can strip your hair of its essential oil, break down protein and make hair growth impossible.
Formaldehyde
This ingredient is found in most shampoo brands and causes hair loss with prolonged usage.
Dimethicone
Most people are allergic to this ingredient, raising concerns about its safety in shampoo products. It causes rashes, burning as well as itching.
Sulfates Parabens and Gluten
If you can, try and avoid parabens and gluten as prolonged usage weakens your hair cells exposing it to damages.
Here are Some Must-Haves in Hair Products
- Jamaican black castor oil
- Organic shea butter
- Apple cider vinegar
- Peppermint
- Keratin proteins
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Citric acid
- Olive oil
- Jojoba seed oil
- Sunflower seed extract & oil
- Irish moss
- Peach extract
- Wheat protein
- Ginseng
- Yeast extract
- Ginko Biloba leaf extract
- Vitamin E and B5
Look for natural ingredients that restore strength, encourage growth, and boost hair hydration. Depending on your needs, revitalizing dull strands, boosting hydration, and eliminating impurities are key before aiming to growth and shine.
Minimizing heat by not straightening your hairs often is important. Your hair is rendered vulnerable when you constantly barrage it with heat and straightening irons. You can naturally prevent damages, and even restore growth and shine by washing, air-drying, and combing with little to no heat.
Most hair health issues and challenges for Blacks diaspora hairs stem from not knowing the right ingredients, the lack of dedicated time to manage hairs, or a combination of both. The length of your hair doesn’t matter much as its health and the care you give it. With the key guides above, you should now be ready to speak to your hair, and hear it speak to you.