Hair care practices from Africa that can be incorporated into modern haircare routine
With the rise of interest in natural ingredients and unique regional practices, hair products that have been part of Asian and African hair routines for centuries have finally started getting more recognition in the West. However, it can be difficult to navigate yourself with so many products entering the market at the same time.
That is why this article is dedicated to explaining some of the popular products that originate in Africa but could be used by any woman to experiment and improve their haircare routine for healthy hair growth.
Chebe Products
Some of the most popular products recently are Chebe products. At the core of each Chebe product is Chebe powder – an ancient hair care remedy that has been used for generations by the local women of Chad for healthy hair growth.
It possesses remarkable healing properties and has been the secret to Chadian women having long, lustrous hair for centuries. The unique blend of all-natural ingredients, such as finely ground lavender, cloves, cherry seeds, the misik stone, and resin tree sap, give Chebe powder its moisture-restoring and strengthening properties.
We will guide you through each Chebe product so you can decide what works best for you.
Chebe Powder
Traditionally, Chadian women use Chebe powder by mixing it into a paste using oil and tallow. Once the mixture is ready, they apply it on the already clean, damp hair. They leave it in for several days, though, of course, you don’t have to go that far – a minimum of two hours will suffice for effectiveness. Here is a recipe you can try at home yourself.
How To Use
Step 1: Mix 4 tablespoons of powder with 2 tablespoons of oil or butter of your choice.
Step 2: Divide your hair into sections and apply the mixture to clean damp hair. You can leave it in for 2 hours upwards, depending on your hair’s reaction and sensitivity.
Step 3: Wash your hair and get ready to be creative! Depending on your hair texture or length, style your hair in the way that works best for you. We recommend repeating each step after 5-7 days.
Chebe Hair Butter
One of the most popular Chebe products is Chebe hair butter. It is a creamy, all-natural formula that provides hydration and nourishment to the hair. It usually contains shea butter, cupuacu butter, and olive oil, which can all help moisturize the hair shaft deeply.
These oils contain fatty acids that help replenish the moisture in dyed hair, leaving it feeling soft and nourished on top of the benefits of the Chebe powder.
Chebe Hair Paste
Another popular Chebe product to try as part of your hair routine is Chebe hair paste. With a thicker consistency than that of hair butter, it is best for those seeking to improve their hair texture.
This formula is technically the closest to the one used by Chadian women since it uses tallow (beef fat) as one of its core ingredients. Ostrich oil also contained in this product helps eliminate split ends, while rosemary stimulates thickness.
Chebe Hair Oil
Having a completely different texture than both Chebe paste and butter, Chebe hair oil is best at sealing in moisture and adding a natural shine to the hair strands. It also provides protection from environmental factors like UV rays and pollution.
Though it has a very similar ingredient list to hair paste, olive oil it contains adds to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Fermented Rice Water
Fermented rice water which has been popular in Africa and Asia alike for centuries now is another product worth trying for healthier hair growth. It is especially great since it can be used in two ways – as a protein treatment, as well as as a hair conditioner.
As a protein treatment, it helps build up the keratin in the hair shaft and makes strands stronger and less prone to breakage. It is also a perfect substitute for the more chemical hair conditioners since it helps detangle hair and improve its texture. Additionally, it contains vitamins B, C, and E, which aid damage repair and boosts scalp health.
Karkar Oil
Karkar Oil is another traditional Chadian remedy used to grow healthy hair and to protect the scalp from any irritants. It is made using all-natural ingredients including sesame seed oil, tallow, ostrich oil, and honey wax.
It has many great benefits, among them the ability to rejuvenate your hair and prevent any dryness it might experience. Definitely worth trying for yourself.
Conclusion
There are many hair products and practices from Africa that you can try for yourself and make a staple of your hair routine. Not only have they been tested for centuries but because of their natural ingredients, they are far less of a risky gamble than any of the more chemical ingredients.
