Do Oils & Butters = Moisturizing?
I remember as a child running to go get the comb, brush, and a jar of grease either Vaseline or Dax because it was time to get my hair done. And it seemed no matter how much was slathered on my hair the combing process was so excruciating, and I was told "your soooo tender headed"
Oh sure water was occasionally sprayed on the hair, and the grease helped some. Well my hair got done but there should have been a better way.
Why Mineral oil is not the best for your natural hair.
Yes Mama and big big Mama used it as well as many other folk, but mostly because it's cheap. If we could have afforded to buy nut oils and butters and if they were readily available I'm sure we would have. But we have always had to work with whatever we had. hence the use of Vaseline, mineral oil, and petrolatum for everything. But this should make you think twice.
Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin and hair just like plastic wrap. The skin's natural barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb moisture and nutrition. The skin's ability to release toxins and wastes is impossible through this "plastic wrap," which can promote acne and other disorders. It further hinders normal skin respiration/transpiration by keeping oxygen out. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age. Petrolatum - A petroleum-based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil. Just know it cost more money to dispose of this oil then to sell cheaply to manufactures that use it in cheap bath and body products.
Moisturizing
The first step in moisturizing the hair is WATER. Water has to be present but, water evaporates too quickly so something more is needed.
This is where EMOLLIENTS come in which are oils & butters.
vegetable,(corn) ex
fruit(olive) ex
nut (sweet almond) ex
seed (sesame) ex
butters (cocoa,Shea) etc.
These emollients work with water to help seal in moisture.
Other natural emollients include jojoba oil (which is considered a wax more than a oil), rosehip seed oil, and avocado oil
Now we need a bridge between the water and the oil.
These are known as HUMECTANTS.
Humectants by definition are substances that are added or applied to another to help it to retain moisture such as glycerin.
Glycerin is a colorless orderless sweet syrupy liquid, and is a natural by-product of soap. It can come from vegetable fat or animal fat.(vegetable is best) Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air , and holding it to the skin or hair. This makes it emollient and moisturizing. It is also a form of alcohol. A lot of naturals use the infamous glycerin and water mixture for detangling and as a moisturizer and it works wonders for them.
Other natural humectants are used in most hair care products include honey, Lecithin, Panethol (pro vitamin .B5), and vitamin E (mixed tocopherol)
When it comes to moisturizing your tresses these are three things that be included in your moisturizers. as well as any other plant extracts, essential oils etc
So whats in my water bottle you ask?
Spring water
honey
Vitamin E
EPO Evening primrose oil
jojoba
sweet almond
safflower
black Castor oil
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