by
Chinwe
By Chinwe of Hair and Health
Are you having a difficult time finding a suitable moisturizer for your dry, thick hair? Naturals in this category usually require a heavy butter- and/or oil-based product in order to effectively provide and retain moisture. Such products tend to work better when applied to damp hair, thus acting more as a sealant. Others work just fine on hair that has been dried, thus providing moisture as well. In this article, I will share four top products for dry, thick hair:
WHAT’S IN IT: The Jane Carter Nourish and Shine contains a good combination of moisturizing butters among its top ingredients, including shea, illipe, mango, and kokum.
WHY NOURISH AND SHINE: This combination effectively moisturizes and seals extremely dry, thick hair. It melts into the strands without leaving a film or greasy feel, and a little goes a long way. The end result of using this product is supple, moisturized hair that also smells pleasant due to the addition of grapefruit and pear essential oils. I personally find that Nourish and Shine works well on either damp or dry hair.
WHERE TO FIND: Amazon.com
WHAT’S IN IT: The Amla & Olive Heavy Cream consists of castor oil, olive oil, distilled water (moisture), amla, brahmi, aloe, glycerin (humectant), and other ingredients.
WHY AMLA & OLIVE HEAVY CREAM: Many naturals rave about the effectiveness of this product for dry, thick hair. If you are not so much a fan of shea butter but love oils and glycerin, then this product may be for you. The Amla & Olive Heavy Cream has a thick consistency that resembles that of a whipped butter but without the addition of a butter. Many naturals prefer to use this product on damp hair as a sealant while a few use it just fine on dried hair.
WHERE TO FIND: https://www.qhemetbiologics.com/
WHAT’S IN IT: The Pura Body Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter also contains a combination of butters among its top ingredients, including cupuacu, murumuru, mango, illipe, seed, and shea. Additionally, this product contains a few oils, such as olive, castor, and coconut.
WHY CUPUACU HAIR BUTTER: Due to the combination of butters and oils, this product works very well as a sealant, especially for dry, thick hair that requires something heavy. It works best when applied to damp hair in order to effectively retain moisture. The Cupuacu Hair Butter comes in two fragrances – Tahitian Vanilla and Lemongrass Blend. I’ve used both and prefer the Tahitian Vanilla due to its light, sweet scent.
WHERE TO FIND: https://www.purabodynaturals.com/
WHAT’S IN IT: Many DIY naturals with dry, thick hair gravitate towards a mixture of shea butter and oil(s). The more popular oils tend to include coconut oil and/or olive oil. Other options are grapeseed oil, safflower oil, and castor oil. The mixture ratio depends on your desired consistency; homemade whipped butters usually contain 20-40% oil(s).
WHY WHIPPED BUTTER: This homemade mixture can work well for dry, thick hair given the combination of a heavy, moisturizing butter and oils with sealing/moisturizing properties. Whipping your own mixture also allows you to directly control the ingredients that go onto your hair.
WHERE TO FIND: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Safflower Oil
Do you have dry, thick hair? What are your favorite moisturizers?
182 Responses
i use sweet almond oil mixed with jojoba oil and a leave in conditioner. i use those oils because they are light and moisturizing
Ladies I Would Really Appreciate Your Help?My Youngest Daughter Who Is 6yrs Old Hair Is Beyond Dry&Frizzy&Her Curls Arent Curls Anymore..Ive Tried So Many Different Products But Cannot Find Any S&C Sets or Deep Conditioning Treatments Or Any Deep Conditioning Leave In That Will Work. Her Hair Soaks Up Everything And Im Out Of Ideas. If anyone has any mixed children(African-American/Sicilian/Cuban)Any Of Those Lol And Has Had This Same Problem But Found A Solution Please Share That Knowledge Or If Anyone Has Any Suggestions Id Be Beyond Appreciative. I Get Ber Hair Braided Every 2wks Now Because I Just Cant Do Anything With It Anymore. Her Hair Care Is Important As You All Know;)And There Has To Be Some Kind Of Well Anything That Works. Thank You For Your Time&Any Help You Can Give.
I usually wear a natural oncological wig. Do you recommend any of these products?
My hairdresser recently recommended this to me because I have hard to handle hair that is super dry and brittle on the ends and gets really oily at the roots. I’ve been using this product for about two weeks now and it has honestly improved my hair so much. The once dry, brittle ends of my hair are now amazingly healthy, smooth and hydrated, without being that false silky that you get with a lot of supermarket brand conditioners. As for the oily roots of my hair I find that this product helps remove any extra oil in my hair and just leave it feeling beautifully healthy.
Hi!!, i’ve read the article and i’d like to know if those treatments are also good for wigs. I have wig from this site https://www.pelucasypostizosonline.com/ and i like to try something new. Thanks.
Wow! Love the Idea of Whipped Shea Butter.
https://labellagz.com/blog?___store=en
I have curly hair but it is not very thick. I need moisture and want to also use a product for styling my hair. The best one I’ve found so far is this product called Hair&Skin Moisturizing CC Cream. I got a sample from a girl at a hair show and haven’t been able to find any since then. Does anyone know Where I can find it? It is very, very good.
– I have thick curly hair . My hair is perfect when i first get out of the shower & I haven’t found anything that keeps my curls loose, minimual firzz, & keeps it looking fresh. Anyone with medium length hair please comment, i need someone wh has a similar hair type .
Personally, heavy natural shea butter, is too much for my hair, especially for the nape where my curl pattern is looser (don’t ask me what it is, I’m still trying to determine my hair myself, lol). I personally stick to getting my hair super damp with a spray bottle, and coating it with my castor oil mixture (75% castor oil + 25% olive – which is for growth), or my olive oil mixture (75% olive oil +25% castor – which is geared more towards moisture). I rarely use butters, but anything with whipped coconut oil (and not because it smells good), is good for me.
– How do the oils affect your hair ? Does it have less frizz or is there less scrunching ?
I made a whipped cocnut oil mix and my hair loves it. I used organic blah, blah, blah coconut oil, jojoba, sweet almond, alittle vitamin e and a few drops of argan and lemongrass oil and whipped it with a hand mixer util it was fluffy. I use it as my daily creme
I tried homemade shea butter mixes in the early days of my natural journey but I don’t think my hair like pure shea butter much. I;’ve tried a number of mositurizers on my hair and so far my faves have been
Karen’s Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream and CB Smoothe Daily Moisturizing Styling Creme
https://www.curlkitshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=159
https://www.curlkitshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=143
Yes! Listen to queen bee. I almost want to say any product works better on damp hair first.
I have to agree, damp hair 1st!
I recently started using Aura Cacia Organic Cocoa Butter. It is fabulous for my hair. It is really hard in its raw form until you heat it up. It is my number one go to for hair moisturizer and it smells so good. I totally stumbled upon this product for my hair on accident. It says for skin on the container, but my hair loves it!!!!
Tried Jane Carter–my hair hated it and tried to b-slap me for using it. butters work well with water FIRST then a leave in condish then the butter to hold it all in. If you use a butter and hair feels dry, look at the sequence you use it in. Never substitute butter for moisture or water because it is NOT the same!
help!!,my hair gets very oily when I add a bit of pommade, but dry when I do not.Is there too much oil in my hair or is it because of my transitioning stage?
I need some help my daughter has very dry hair and her hair is starting to break off. Need help fast.
What have you tried? Need more details before advising.
Hey Sonia, I would suggest that you create a whipped shea butter mixture for your daughter’s hair. I have heard many positive feedback in the past from using natural ingredients for moisturising hair and I am yet to try making this whipped shea butter to see the moisturising effects on my own hair. Natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and etc really helps to retain moisture in hair leaving your hair soft and healthy. You can choose from a variety of natural oils to whip with the shea butter to help with your daughter’s hair. Here’s a link to a useful website (https://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/coilybynature?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoilybynature.com%2Fhow-to-make-whipped-shea-butter-for-hair-formulating-a-recipe%2F&dm_redirected=true#3030) – this website gives info on the benefits of different types of natural oils to use on hair which will help you decide which oils you should use in your shea butter whip to suit your daughter’s hair needs, and even comes with a whipped shea butter recipe where you are able to tweak some of the ingredients if you want.
Hope these tips helped, I am really confident that this will keep your daughter’s hair moisturised 🙂
Has anyone ever tried to add glycerin to their DIY shea butter mix?
I make a shea butter mix and I love it, however, I live in a very humid and hot climate all year around and would like to add a humectant to it. My hair responds well to glycerin and shea butter, but I’ve never tried the two together (not yet anyways).
If you’ve used a mixture similar to this, please share what you thought about it, and if it worked for you or not?
Thanks.
Glycerin is a humectant. Humectant work well for some in warm climates. It works for me even though my hair is low porosity.
According to most gurus this is a no no. Do what works for you hair. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
why do some people say Glycerin is bad for your hair if it helps attract moisture?
To much moisture makes my hair shrink and tangle so I don’t use it on high dew point days. Glycerin when the dew points are low sucks the moisture out of my hair. So I have to be very careful and watch the weather if I’m going to use it or any humectants. I love it though when the weather is right.
I love Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Shea butter. I steam my hair with both and it’s awesome!
The Jamaican castor oil is great for dry thick hair.
Monique, everyone’s hair is different. You have to find what’s works for you. This takes trial and error at times. For instance, I don’t like the results after using aloe vera juice or gel on my hair-leaves it dry and hard. I remember my mother using coffee on my hair so I went back to that and my hair loves it. Go figure.
What does coffee do for your hair? I have never heard of this before. Do you rinse your hair with left over coffee?
Hi Monique!! I feel your pain. Sometimes its not what u buy, its how u use the products. I am going on my second yr natural and the first year it seemed like it too forever for my hair to grow. I went for a trim one day and the stylist cut it so short it looked I big chopped again. I was super mad but it allowed me to really re-evaluate my regimen again. One thing I realized that protective styling works well for me even though I hate doing. My hair like bentonite clay as deep conditioner it helps shop breakage. Shea butter keeps my hair alive and aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice are the bomb.com. I came to all these conclusions doing tons of research, taking pics of my hair as documentation and overall embracing my hair for what it is. I hold my hair to its own standards not any other naturalistas.Good luck and dont give up!!
I just found out that I was Vitamin D deficient (like heavily) which could be one of the reasons why my hair was breaking. I am now on a routine of coconut oil, JBCO, peppermint oil and shea butter. I am interested in what/how you use aloe vera gel in your hair.
I think my hair is growing out (I have managed to hide most of the hair loss, I think!) with meds and all natural products (and SLS free shampoo and conditioner).
The hair loss has left me really depressed and exasperated!
Hello ladies… Oooooook I’m also very frustrated cut my hair 2 years ago to go all natural was really excited willing and trying to choose products that’ll help me manage. However I was lost and still am, I’m unaware even what my hair type is,it never stays oiled,I’ve used anything could buy from a supply store that says all natural,arogan moisturizing creams,sprays,morrocan whatever. Plllllllease HELP!!! In two years my hair has come out. It’s literally shorter now than when I began and I’m lost. Thanks in advance… Btw,pic with my son is beginning second pic is a year later which my hair is shorter then and that was a year ago from now.
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Are you on IG? If so my natural hair pics are there to see:
Trinalashea3. Moisturize with water and then a leave in.conditioner and then your oil. Try using EVOO or coconut oil. Take niotin or msm vitamins. Also drink 64 oz. Water minimum and protective style. I hope this helps!
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What’s your hair regimen like right now? Your hair looks similar to mine when I was in the twa stage, may be able to help you out. What products do you use for each step right now? (Washing to styling)
Hello ladies thanks so much for your input… Talisa I actually don’t have a specific routine. That’s part of my problem I’m sure, however I use coconut oil to oil my scalp once dry, I have some kinda natural shampoo and conditioner. I use a natural comb when combing or styling my hair. In getting better at wearing my cap to bed. My issues are not really knowing what products to purchase so I can get back on to a regiment… Currently have micro braids
I would try GreenBeautyChannel on you tube. There are 2 three part video series that I think would help. The first is on Hair typing and finding out the 5 factors that make up natural hair. The second is Porosity. She talks about knowing your porosity is one of the most important factors to being able to successfully care for your natural hair. It determines what products will work for you and how to apply them. Because if your treating your hair like it has high porosity when it has low this can be as damaging as using constant heat. And she has a lot of other great video’s but that should get you started.
Hmmm, i think “best” would be very subjective based on the individual. No two heads are alike.
Tyler
http://www.onelittleblackdress.com
I have thin hair, however my hair loves the shea butter mixtures. You just need to use a little.
hello my name ownisis and yes this is my actual name and i am proud of such a uninique name. i am 15 years old and i had been trnasitioning for 8 months since my last relaxer which was march 20 2013. i cut off my relaxed ends my natural hair has grown in qiute a bit due to extention braids. i cut off my relaxed ends december 28 2013 and did a wool twist. i am going to keep it in for three months and then take it. i am scared because onece i take it out i wont really know how to take care of my natural hair. i dont really know what to do with my natural hair or how to take care of it. i am afraid that i might end up damaging it . Somebody please tell me how to care for natural hair HELP!!!
moisture is key.. there are a lot of videos that discuss natural hair care on youtube… but I find that the sister who makes Hadassah’s Secret products on Etsy is a wealth of information about truly natural processes and caring for your natural hair. Her products are also all natural, as are those on my site.. https://www.beautifullynatural.org.
Buy you some cowash conditioner was hair weekly. Next leave in conditioner its ey to moisture retention. Invest in a deep conditioner weekly for this as well. Edenbody works have excellent hair products, cheap and great quantity. If you have any other questions let me know
I have been reading the post along with the recommended suggestions for moisturizers. I just recently tried raw shea butter, extra virgin olive oil & argon oil. This really worked well on my thick dry hair. I cold washed my hair (washed with hair conditioner), sprayed lotta body setting lotion & used shea moisture hair milk. I then sectioned my hair & applied the shea butter mixture moisturizer to each section & two strand twisted my hair then sat under hair dryer & let dry. I untwisted my hair the next day & my hair looked great! That was Thursday of last week & my hair still looks great…the moisturizer mix was very inexpensive & I can use it multiple times & it’s works! This is a must try. Good luck to you????. Let me know how it works
I will try #4: Whipped Shea Butter, I heard very good things about it.
Well done “Love My Mane”, I will follow your advice about homemade mixtures. Hopefully, I see some results.
Anyone with proper African hair use Shea butter and does it make a difference on a day to day basis? Congrats Love My Mane, I hope to be where you are in a year!
I started using raw African shea butter in the last year and I have been natural for 6 years. (I’m kind of upset it took me this long to start using it!) It is one of the best things I could have ever used for my hair. I am half African (Liberian) and Haitian and I have very dry, THICK, kinky hair. Using shea butter with coconut oil and sweet almond oil transformed my hair like I never imagined and really brought out my curls. I also found that it was easier to absorb when slightly melted down and put onto damp hair to really seal in moisture. I usually wash and go (I don’t fight any shrinkage lol) or twist my hair with it and take it out the next day or two and don’t have to touch my hair for the next 3-4 days, when before I used to have to refresh my hair everyday. It definitely makes a difference!
Hey Ash! My hair is just like yours: very kinky, thick and coarse. Dry hair is constantly an issue for me. I have a few questions about the shea butter moisture mixture you talked about.
1) What portions do you use of the shea butter, coconut oil and almond oil? 1/3 each and the mix it all together before rubbing it in your hair?
2) What leave-in conditioners do you use?
Thank you so much! I’ve been natural for a few years as well, but I still feel like I’m learning how to really take care of it. :o)
Oops that was a thumbs up.
Mine was supposed to be a thumbs up too.
Wow 6 years natural!! ive only been natural 2 years now. hopefully i too can find the right moisturizer for my thick, course 4c hair.
I use only homemade mixtures. I have tried expensive name brands and nothing! My hair is thick and course. The homemade stuff can be altered to fit your own needs. My hair stays moisturized and it has grown a lot in the past year.
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What do you put in your conditioner? I have the same type of hair.
I use homemade shea butter mixture. It’s the only thing that has worked for me. I’ve tried the national brands, even $40 jars, and NOPE! Mine keeps my hair moisturized, and it has grown a lot in just one year.
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I love the Nourish and Shine! A little really does go a long way.
I really Love Camille Naturals Curlaide! It’s light effective and produces very nice results in my twist outs! I like mixing my own shea butter too, my go to is definitely Camille Rose!
Ceecii,
https://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/03/natural-hair-type-guide-which-type-are-you/?utm_source=crowdignite.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=crowdignite.com
I just viewed the link above on hair typing, I have viewed others in the past. This one is a good start, although I’ve viewed many to finally determine that I am 4b–I thought it was 4c but I was wrong.
Check out Charjay on youtube, she has a video on a review of hair products and conditioners was one. One that she recommended is Jessie Girls Deep conditioner–I like it. Google will lead you to both.
Happy and Healthy Growing
EL
I am just growing out my hair and going all natural. How can you find out your hair type? Also I have fine springy like hair so could you please recommend a conditioner and moisturizer. Thanks
Why would someone give a “thumbs-down” to her asking a question? SMDH
It’s not a thumbs down even though it looks like it is
A thumbs down Would have a minus symbol next the number 🙂
they would give a thumbs up because most likely “they were thinking of asking the same question”…. !
Homemade Whipped Shea Butter with Oils for the win!
Hello,
Just wanna know if we can combine all the four products at the same time, or can you tell me which one is better to promote the length, I am a 4b/4c frizzy thick hair… which one is a better moisturizer ?
I really feel like just giving up on my hair ,my hair is sooo dry and sooo kinky that I don’t even know where the oil and products I use go. I think my hair type isn’t even on the charts but I’d say it’s probably 4f or something and everyone else on this site is like way above that. So all this stuff is super discouraging cus
I’ve tried them before for about a year. I guess I’m just geneticly incapable of growing past even neck length hair :/
Ivy Victoria, sounds like you might have the same problem that I have. I am young, but grey. My hair is extremely dry. email me at ta*********@****************al.org
it could be internal health issues…that was the problem for me (thyroid in particular )
A good combination for me is using Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-In Cream and then sealing with S Curl. It works wonders for my hair and is light on my budget.
At Beautifully Natural, we hand make all natura, vegan hair and body products. Visit our website for more information regarding Honey’s Hair Souffle, An excellent sealant for dry brittle hair, as well as our Stimulating Scalp Oil and Our Healthy Hair Serum. http://www.beautifullynatural.org
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I moisturize with DIY mix of aloe vera, glycerin and few drops of lemon oil. I spray the mixture in my hair and i seal with pure mango butter…..MOISTURE FOR DAYS FOR MY DRY 4C HAIR
I’m just now working the natural look. I just bought my first natural hair product by Shea Butter. I purchased the curl enhancing smoothie & the curl & style milk. I want to know why every product that I saw said apply to damp hair. Am I supposed to wet my hair everyday & use the products? Is there a product that I can use on my hair while its dry? Plz help this natural hair virgin ????
I use the SheaMoisture curl enhancing smoothie; and that’s geared more to using after a fresh wash to “set” your hair in twists or braids. everyone’s styling practices are different. I only twist my hair once a week and fluff in the mornings, however if you are one of the naturals that retwists every night I would say you should mist your hair with water [not soak it] before retwisting. that helps with moisture and manageability. if im retwisting w/o shampooing first I use a oil/water mix to spray on my hair. my scalp however likes weekly shampoos. hope I’ve helped you somehow.
Hello! My mom and I are working to create a new business in natural hair care products, we also make natural soaps and lip scrubs for special orders, Everything is handmade, we are struggling to sell our products to natural men and women and it would mean a lot to us if you guys could take a look at our listing for our whipped shea butter and other listings for natural products, our user name on ebay is whineup88 (yes that is inspired by the song whine up by kat deluna haha ^^) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Unrefined-Whipped-Shea-Butter-/121168829108?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c36399ab4
Thank you so much everyone 🙂 #teamnatural
Been using Kera care Natural textures butter cream and it seems to work just fine 😉 Any fellow users out there??:D
My hair loves the Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Blossom Moisture Mist and her Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream. I have tried the Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream, and I found it to be a bit too greasy. Then I tried the Burdock Root Butter Cream, and I found that to be slightly lighter than the AOHC, and it was also a bit greasy. I was not heavy handed at all. However, whatever works for your hair, then stick with it. Another really good moisturizer is the very affordable SCurl Activator and Moisturizer in the blue and white spray bottle. This moisturizes and softens like nobody’s business, and it is great for twist outs and curl definition. Just did not see the hype in the AOHC and the Burdock Root Butter Cream. Maybe it is for someone who has extremely dry, highly porous hair. It did keep my hair moisturized for a week, but it is not for me.
I’m going to vouch for Qhemet Biologics. Their entire line is the BUSINESS!! I love the Amla and Olive Heavy cream.
I USE RAW SHEA BUTTER WITH OILS AND PEPPERMENT OIL ON MY NATURAL HAIR AND MY FOUR YR OLD ..ADDING WATER AND THEN THE BUTTER DOES WONDERS..ESPECIALLY WITH THE COCUNUT OIL..ALL OF THESE OILS CAN BE PURCHASED AT A WHOLE FOOD STORE…
Thank you to all the contributions above and a big thank you to BGLH…you simply the best!
<3 from South Africa
You don’t necessarily need a specific conditioner. Personally everything for me is the same, I don’t see the difference. I would purchase a drug store brand or a salon brand like, Chi , Macadaimia, TREsemmè , Aussie, Organix. Those are great conditioner brands. I recommend leaving your conditioner for 3 whole minutes. It gives it time to deep condition your hair. Remember to keep it atleast 3 or 4 inches away from your roots because that may cause damage and oily conditions. Thanks.
Hi…..my best advice would be to deep condition your hair at least twice a week and wash hair with conditioner to maintain moisture in you hair. Also once a month use a mild protein like Hair mayonnaise or ORS Deep Replenishing conditioner. I hope that helps. Happy hair journey.
I guess this might work for some but I honestly don’t have the time to deep condition TWICE a week. Single mom & new business owner. Are there many people who actually do this?
I cowash and D/C twice per week as well (Sundays and Wednesdays) and I consider my life pretty busy. I have a full time and a part time job so I work 60 hours plus per week and I’m in school finishing up my PhD. The only difference is I don’t have any children but I do have a husband who sometimes gets very needy. It’s all about you finding time if you really want to do it and that’s what I do.
I use the brand “Blue Magic” it makes wonders!! They are all based on oils so they have plenty variety, theres something for everyone!
I perfer the non-greasy formula ones (carrot oil and tea tree oil) and also the one based on castor oil. 🙂
This made me chuckle. Thanks.
Girl stop using that…or were you joking…that’s not good for your natural tresses…they may be based on oils but do a little research to see what other harmful ingredients they have in them.
Whipped Shea Butter leaves my hair so dry and brittle no matter how I use it… I like Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque. It’s really thick, creamy & moisturizing! My hair loves it. I only need to re-moisturize about 2 to 3 days, if that!
Water should be underneath any butter as butters and oils are not moisturizers, butters only lock in the moisture you gave your hair to begin with. Butters, like oils seal in moisture (water) if you added no moisture (water) there’s no moisture to seal in. The shea Moisture product you are using probably has Water as an ingrediant, so it is not the product that is adding moisture to your hair it is the water that is in the product. 🙂
Umm a little confused. In this article: https://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/05/the-9-most-ineffective-ways-to-moisturize-your-hair/ you said one of the most ineffective ways to moisturize hair is to use butters and oils but here, you state that the best moisturizer fro natural hair is a mix of shea butter and oils……so…which is it? or am I missing something? Thanks.
Hi Angyee. The article you linked states the following:
“With the exception of a few oils, like coconut oil, that can penetrate the strand — oils and butters will sit on the outside of your strand because they are sealants, not moisturizers…”
So, certain oils are considered moisturizing oils while others are sealants. In my experience, the same goes for a few (not all) butters.
In this article, the Qhemet product contains water, glycerin, and a few moisturizing oils. The Jane Carter product contains kokum and illipe, which I consider to be moisturizing butters. So the Qhemet is a moisturizer and the Jane Carter can act as a moisturizer (on dry or damp hair).
The Pura Body product contains coconut oil (moisturizing oil) and cupuacu butter (has humectant properties). The homemade whipped shea butter can contain coconut oil and safflower oil, which are moisturizing oils. These two products are more like moisturizing sealants. The article states that they work best on damp hair (i.e., hair containing some water already).
I hope this helps.
Thanks for the reply. I am transitioning to natural so I need all the help I can get!
I have to respectfully disagree from a scientific standpoint. While butters such as Illipe, kokum, and mango are wonderful as far as nourishing emollients go, they still have the inability to moisturize.The term moisture is being applied incorrectly. Scientifically speaking, Moisture is indicative of the presence of water. Butters in their most base for do not contain any water. Even “penetrating” oils are still devoid of actual water content, hence they cannot moisturize. They can nourish, and enhance pliability. I often see “penetrating” be used in place of moisturize, which is more than misleading. Now it’s a whole league of women out there who think an oil or butter totally devoid of any water content will moisturize their hair. The incosistency she pointed out was absolutely correct.
Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioner and Peanut oil to seal 😉
Do I use it every day?
I love the light whipped DIY shea butter cream Naptural85 makes on her channel. I own the Cantu shea butter, but there’s nothing like raw sheabutter and pure olis and nothing else added. My hair ols on to that way longer than anything in a jar. Cantu is a nice quick alternative when I’m out of the homemade stuff (which goes a long way and lasts forever anyway). I like the cantu for styling, but for straight up hair care nothing beats the shea butter, of course after water has been infused into my hair.
My hair **HOLDS** on to that way longer than anything in a jar
Naptural85 recipes are amazing. I use the Shea Butter and the Oil mixture. Both are big staples in my hair care routine.
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I need help with my hair
I love the nourish and shine by Jane Carter. I ran out and have to get some more asap because my hair is thirsty. My cousin uses shea butter, I don’t think it works that well. Ehh
I just received a sample of the Jane Carter product. Can’t wait to try it since I’ve heard so much good about it.
I’m not a big cream user myself. A little water and oil usually does it for me.
2 days after washing, my scalp gets dry and flaky. It itches a lot. I hope this helps.
I use a castor oil and coconut oil mixture to oil my scalp , I’m about to add neem oil to that. I oil scalp overnight then shampoo using justnatural itchy scalp shampoo. You can only buy this online. It works great for me.
Ugh, I think I’m going to try this. I get THE worst flakes in history no matter what I do. I scratch and oil my scalp every few days and it’s always like I haven’t done anything at all. Initially I thought it was build up, but like Nickie, it occurs right after wash day as well. We also share the same texture, so flakes get stuck everywhere.
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I love love love mixing my own shea butter. I usd 100% raw shea butter and add lavendar oil, rosemary oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil. I combine all the ingredients in a glass bowl and whip with an electric hand blender (the kind you use to mix cake batter). It works wonders on my 4c hair and on my daugthers 3a (super duper fine and curly) hair. It is my go-to style product for EVERYTHING!
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Cream works really well on my hair whether I apply it on wet, damp, or dry hair.
I’ve been mixing my own version of Optimums 6 oils or whatever for years. I started adding neem and emu oil so I guess it can no longer be considered a 6 oil mix. I’ve also tried Hair Trigger elixir and have recently added neem and emu oils. I like Silk Elements moisturizing leave in as a daily moisturizer along with water. I also use a shea coconut mix or my shea, aloe Vera gel, jojoba, safflower oil mix with an essential oil. My friends call it their hair cracks. I’ve never had a problem with shea butter and aloe mixing so I don’t use an emulsifier. When my order arrives I’m gonna try a ayurveda spray mix for moisture. I may add moringa tea to it just for the nutrients.
Shea Butter is affordable and multipurpose. Recently added to our stock is a all natural shea butter mixture suitable for hair and skin. Scented and Unscented.
https://www.outerbeautysupply.com/african-shea-butter-oils/
Shea Butter is my life with some coconut or olive oil and that’s ALL I need.
I recently ordered a combination of raw butters shea, mango and cocoa. I want to mix these together with an oil/oils, has anyone tried this mixture before what oil did you use and did you like it? Also I’ve tried braidouts/twistout before, I have trouble easily loosening the braidout should I braid all the way to the ends? I even try to braid loosely but the end of the braid is the problem any suggestions?
@Capri: i wouldn’t recommend braiding all the way at the end. i would just two-strand twist the ends of your hair. it’s alot easier [not to mention quicker] to unravel that way but you still get a nice curl on the ends. 🙂
I love the Pura Body Naturals Capuacu Hair Butter in Tahitian Vanilla. I’ve been using it for over 1.5 years to retwist on top of a spritz of water. I love the scent, a little goes a long way, it smoothes my strands and also helps to keep it stretched. I’ve gone through phases where I’ve stopped using it beause I’m trying new products and went right back to it. It’s the only non-water product I love of the ones I’ve tried.
shea butter is a MUST have. My 4C hair is thick (it might even be 4A in curl patter in the back where I didnt dye and relax it as much/at all) but SHEA BUTTER. When I don’t have it I’m very sad and my other go tos are olive oil and coconut oil and I’m finding out a spray of aloe vera juice and water (about 50/50 or 60/40) also helps keep my hair moisturized but i put shea butter or the oil, or a combo of all those things on my hair when it’s wet and it dries wonderfully soft. i love it. I recently blow dried my hair (aloe/water spray, shea butter oils mix, let dry, respray damp to wet, blow dry) and all is awesome but the ends 🙁
DARCY’s DARCY’s DARCY’s (Madagascar Vanilla or Avocado styling cream)and sometimes Alaffia Lotion. Darcy’s is GREAT and I keep going back for more!
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Cantu Hair Lotion. It’s light on my hair and it moisturizes my hair effectively.
I have an oily scalp but very coarse, dry, type 4b hair; can anyone suggest an effective moisturizer?
I live in the UK and have thick 4b/c hair. I use Cathy Howse’s UBH creme moisturizer, I just would not be without this product! I seal with a home made mixture of raw shea butter and various oils.
I live in the UK and refuse to pay silly prices for US hair products so I make my own hair moisturiser in fact I also use it on my body. I have only tried the Jane Carter, I got a sample kit at an event, and I didn’t think too much of it. I’ve found that my hair likes water based moisturisers rather than pure butters.
I find that sticking to the LOC method means that I don’t have to make the moisturiser too thick so my hair does not get weighed down with products and I can use it every day.
It took a few goes before I came up with a recipe that my hair liked, you should all give it a try it’s loads of fun.
Did you make a water based moisturiser? With fatty alcohols like cetearyl or something else? I imagine it’s easy to whip butters but not products that contain water because then you need to think about fatty alcohols and preservatives.
Also do you have a recipe for a water based moisturiser or know where one might find one?
Hi Zanthe,
Yes my hair moisturiser is water based. I melt shea butter with emulsifying wax and whip in fresh aloe vera gel and water and essential oils of my choice for scent. I just add in any liquid oils that I feel like, I like avocado and castor oil. Then I add in Vit E as a natural preservative. I don’t measure ingredients at all. I make a light version that has less shea butter for my hair and a heavier version with cocoa butter for my body. I get the shea and cocoa butter from Ghana, I go every other year to visit my family. The hair moisturiser I keep in the fridge and just keep a little pot in my bedroom this helps to keep the whole lot from going off (it goes mouldy on top otherwise). I don’t use fatty alcohols like cetearyl as I want to keep it as natural as possible and as I keep it in the fridge I don’t think there is any need for that.
For recipes all I do is look at the ingredients of popular hair moisturisers and use that as a base on the internet you will find websites that give basic recipes for making your own moisturisers it really is very simple. That is why I don’t need to buy other people’s products anymore. If you are making a water based moisturiser for hair or body the only speciality ingredient you need is emulsifying wax this allows the water and oil to be mixed together without separation I learnt this from the lady who makes the BeUnique hair products, I met her at a natural hair event in London. You add the emulsifying wax to your hot melted oils and then beat in your water based ingredients.
I just made a wonderful smelling cocoa and shea butter body cream it really smells of cocoa butter as it is fresh from Ghana, mmm, I love to smell myself.
Where can i find an emulsifying wax? Sounds very interesting!
google emulsiyfing wax.
Try mountainroseherbs.com I buy oils and herbs they also have waxes
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the information about the emulsifying wax…I was having trouble with the mixing of the water and oil…
Hello,
Thank you for your information. What do you use? Please, reply.
I’ve just recently fallen in love with whipped shea butter using purified one and kpangnan butter mixed with shikakai henna oil infusion, yangu, avocado and castor oil and it does wonder for my hair. It doens’t stay greasy on top of my strands it makes my hair so soft I liked it and will keep on testing several recipes.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away free. I love seeing website that understands the value of providing a quality resource for free.Thanks for sharing.
I’m definitely a believer of the DIY whipped shea butter mixture. I usually add a few drops of peppermint oil for fragrance, coconut oil, and a few drops of Africa’s Best Herbal Oil to the shea butter. I’ve went a few weeks without it and the difference between my hair when I’m using it and when I’m not is obvious. My hair is softer, it has a shine, and it’s easier to style when I use this mixture. It’s become a staple for me.
Elasta QP Mango Butter and a few spritzes of water(with essential oil) seem to work for me.
Can you tell me what kinds of oils can I use in a Shea butter oil mixture? and can I apply the Shea butter oil mixture to my scalp?
Hi! You can put any kind of oil in your shea butter mixture that you like. I like to add coconut oil and olive oil to my mixture, with a few drops of peppermint oil for fragrance. The types of oils you use depends on how oily you want your mixture. Some naturals also add castor and jojoba oils to their mixes. Naptural85 and FushionofCultures on YouTube have great tutorials on what they use in their shea mixtures. Do a search on Google or YouTube to get some recipes/ideas. I hope this helps!
And yes, you can use it as a scalp moisturizer. My mixture has helped tremendously with the dry, itchy scalp I’ve had for years.
I just happened upon this article…and Im not even sure how but Im thankful because I have been on the search for a moisturizer I can use when my hair is dry. I have very hearty locs, and I have to moisturize my hair daily between washes. I typically use a spray bottle filled with H2O, mixed with drops of essential oils (peppermint oil, lemon oil, lavender oil,) and some coconut oil. This is how I moisturize my hair everyday, but I also have a notoriously dry scalp, so I am on the hunt for a moisturizer I can use on my scalp, not so much my hair. Healthy scalps make healthy hair right :o) So my two questions are 1) Can these products be used on locs and not cause excessive build up (you know the gunk that resembles lint)? Has anyone with locs tried these products? Results? 2) Can these be used on the scalp? If not any natural recommendations? Thanks!
@Aisha-You may want to try putting a light natural oil that is a liquid in your spray bottle. I usually use 2/3 water and 1/3 oils.I always keep grapeseed oil because it’s really light and I use it on my face as well and i dont use the essential oils much (after i spent all that money on them) because it seems like they’re only good for scents. I don’t have locs but every 2 days I’ll spray my flat twist and make sure I get my scalp good and I noticed doing that and shampooing once a week it has helped my dandruff. Hopefully that will help.
I’m in love with Walgreens Biofusion Hair line,,, it is the bomb.com. Very mositurizing, light weight, great hold and economical…. Give it a try its my staple product for $7.99 a bottle..
The all natural products dry my hair out, I need products that are Glycerin free(Glycerin & humidity dont mix) I use product with cones and mineral oil to moisture my hair the best.
I have been using Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, shea butter mixtures, and EVOO for my hair since I went natural. Shea Moisture and EVOO are easy to find, inexpensive, and work wonders for my hair whether applied to damp or dry hair, although I prefer damp applications. I haven’t ventured into other products, because these work for me and don’t punch a hole in my small pockets 🙂
I use Reve Essentials Hair and Body Moisturizer right after wetting/washing my hair. I either seal that with castor oil or apply Donna Marie SuperButter on top. I’ve had no issues with dry hair since.
The pj in me is deeply considering adding QB Amla and Olive Heavy Cream to my stash though.
I have thick, dry natural hair but I also have a good mixture of fine and coarse strands. Qhemet’s Amla Cream and their Atheo butter just sit on top of my hair and make my hair dry and stringy and build up on my hair very quickly. I use the Amla cream to massage my scalp and edges to encourage growth. It helps because of the castor oil.
Crimsonpeach where do you get your mango butter? I would like tried it.
It seems that she was referring to the mango butter used in the specific product she made reference to.
You can find natural mango butter on etsy.com and amazon. You get better deals on etsy though. HTH
Kisa, I had no idea you published this blog about us until I was sencahirg your blog tabs about tetonia. Thanks for bringing the obvious into my view. This week has been horrendous with 2 sick kids, trying to juggle work and Justin and I taking turns going to work and staying up at night. I see the light at the end of the tunnel now that everyone is feeling better and I know this wasn’t the first or last time we’ll have to do this. But, your photos reminded me of the times when everything just stands still and, oh, how I wish I could bottle Shea up right now and keep him little. This is my last baby and I need to learn how to slow it all down. thank you for that and for bringing what’s real in to view. I guess that’s why your job is so special. Smiles, Christina
I have thick 4a/b hair with fine to medium strands. I purchased the Quemet Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and the Burdock Root Butter Cream and both were rather heavy, and the glycerine in them made my hair so soft that it would not hold a twist or braid out. They are sitting in my fridge right now. I plan on those creams when I do mini-twists.
So far I’ve been spritzing my hair nightly with a mix of water, aloe vera juice, and EVOO, and sealing with a drop of grapeseed oil, and my hair has been incredibly hydrated and moisturized.
It should be noted that clean hair is easier moisturized that dirty hair. I went 2 weeks earlier this month without washing my hair and not matter what I used, it would dry back out. Too much product buildup can block moisture no matter what you use.
YES TO THE LAST PARAGRAPH EXCELLENT POINT
Thank TINA, I had to learn this the hard way. My scalp/hair loves to be clean. Also shampoo bars have been a great way for me to cleanse my hair while keeping the moisture locked in.
I have dense hair but fine strands and while Amla Olive was way too heavy, greasy and made my hair difficult to manage, I found Burdock to be nicely moisturising, not heavy or greasy and the glycerin didn’t bother me like it does in some products.
I agree about clean hair accepting product and if my hair wasn’t so dense and time consuming I’d wash more regularly than 1-2 weeks. I don’t think it can handle the manipulation and is always much drier just after air drying post-wash only needing to be re washed a week later just as it is softening up.
Zanthe, I usually wash my hair once a week. The time I went 2 weeks, and mentioned above, is when my hair acted out. lol By the time the second week rolled around, it was very dry. I’ve learned that to maintain my moisture levels, I need to wash/cowash at least once a week for now.
I agree that washing can be time consuming–it does take a while!! I’ve tried to streamline my regiment so that that it takes less time.
@Landry, now I’m certain I need to wash my hair when I get home from work tonight. Thanks!
@ Landry the AOHC is too heavy for me as well. I tried the cocoa tree detangling ghee (ctdg) and it is awesome but I can’t use or I will get a lot of buildup. I usually wash, seal and then use the ctdg and I get beautiful twist/braidouts. Though, once the hair is well moisturised with whatever product, your twists/braid will be awesome. You can try samples on their website. I think the moringa ghee might be lighter * I sound like a pusha.
I’ve also heard good things about Camille rose naturals almond jai twisting butter but just like Qhemet they can be pricy (sp)
Pat, if you’re a pusher, I am too! lol! I LOVE products and I am not ashamed to say it. 😉 I have heard good things about Camille Rose products as well, I may try that next.
For now I use Carols Daughter Loc Butter (a little goes a long way) for my twist/braid outs and I love it.
I agree about AOHC being heavy. It took a few tries before I realized I had to use basically a “smear” of it on each section while damp, let it marinate for about 30″ to an hour with a scarf on & then check to see how much Aethiopika I’d need to seal. Same with the CTDG. The Moringa Tree ghee formula has changed with the new bottle & works better for me. I use it as a deep conditioner detangler & then rinse most of it out so I won’t have buildup hen I use the other products. If I use one of the ghees It’s best to use the lighter Burdock root butter cream. Still just use a little. Qhemet’s is REALLY REALLY CONCENTRATED !!
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Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair’s Coconut Curling Cream is the best moisturizer I’ve found yet! It leaves my hair soo soft, gives it a great shine, and the smell is heavenly too. Loooove it!
HOW LONG CAN THE WHIPPED MIXTURE LAST FOR AFTER ITS MADE?WILL IT START TO SMELL RANCID?HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS AN OK FUNNY SMELL FROM GET RID OF IT SMELL? 🙂
Hi Jojo. It depends on what you add to your mixture. If you just add olive oil and/or coconut oil, the mixture can last up to a year and maybe a little longer. If you add oils with short shelf lives or if you add “wet” ingredients (such as aloe vera gel), the mixture may only last a few months or several months, which is fine for most people. This is all without the addition of preservatives. NOTE: I would stay way from adding water to a whipped butter, unless you are using the right preservatives.
In my experience, the mixture will start to smell rancid. Also, it can change color, though not always.
VITAMIN E OIL AND TEA TREE OILS ARE PRESERVATIVES AND ARE ADDED TO MY HAIR MOUSSE. ALOE VERA GEL ALSO LASTS A FEW YEARS AS WELL
Lol @ Tina Smith
@PAT WELL IT’S TRUE LOL
Hi JoJo, whipped shea butter can last at least a year unless you use oils that highly polyunsaturated such as hemp and flax seed oil. Unless you are using the aloe vera gel that already has preservatives in it such as you would find in the suntan or skin sections of a store,once plain aloe vera without preservatives, it tends to grow fungus. Water grows fungus as well. Tea tree oil does very little for fungus and vit E is an anti oxidant that slows the rancidity. Keep your mixture refrigerated or in a dark cool place to delay changes in your product.
That Alma & Olive Heavy Cream is the truth. I like to put in when I’m having a bad hair day and just let it marinate…scratch that murrinate like chicken in a blend of secret herbs and spices…Whoa, that stuff is good. Softest, shiniest, supple hair and a little goes a long way.
lol
I agree. I’m a 4z and nothing so0ftens my hair better.
I use Shea Moisture’s Curl & Style Milk OR Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
Me too! It’s my staple product.
I vote for QB’s aethopika hydrating and twist butter. Soft hair very time. My hair loves the mango butter in it.
I have thick fine mostly 4a with some in between a & b spots & love the Aethiopika, too. Since Qhemet’s products are so concentrated I can section my hair & use a very little AOHC on each section & then twist with the Aethiopika. I washed my hair on Saturday
Oct 13 & today is the 15th & it’s still very moisturized despite low humidity. I also have the Nourish & Shine which a pal gave me because it didn’t agree with her hair. I haven’t done twists with it yet but I did use some over Kinky Curly in the summer to keep my hair from drying out. It worked very well & will be a staple. I used to rotate between Qhemet, CURLS & Carol’s Daughter and Qhemet won.That stuff is the TRUTH !! As I am also makes an excellent Coco Shea spray moisturizing spray which I use to spray on my twists.
Girl my hair LOVES QB products. The Twist Butter is always sold out! I am using the Ghee for my twist outs and they always come out looking amazing, but my hair is so dry i have to apply almost everyday day it soaks it all up. I will STAN for their products always. I have I guess 4C? I don’t know it’s really tight, breaks easy, and super dry.
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i’ve been eager to try Amla & Olive Heavy Cream
Amla & Olive cured me of my product junkie habit. I LOVE this stuff! I have very thick dry hair, and it’s the bomb.
i use the aohc and i really like it.
the qb online store is not 100% open now but they are selling a sample pack of all products, except the shampoo, now for $29 plus $6 tax.
i’ve wanted to try some of the others but haven’t been able to convince myself. i ordered the sample pack, even though it’s not cheap.
just remember, a little goes a looonnnggg way with these products. i washed my hair sunday night and haven’t added moisturizer since.
i mean $6 for shipping. tax depends on your state, of course. lol.
Qhemet is sold through https://www.sagenaturalceuticals.com/shop/
They have the full size stuff, and they ship EXTRA FAST! But you have to register (which is free, just give an email address).
yes, but as far as i know, the sample pack and the other minis are only available through her facebook page and the qb website.
i’m not talking about full size containers. i’ve order through sage…
Does a whipped shea mixture really moisturize hair? I always thought moisturizers had to be water based and then the oil based stuff were to seal in that moisture
Hi MzT. It depends on what you add to your whipped butter, but for the most part, yes it is more of a sealant that is best applied to damp hair.
Moisturizers are usually water-based (like the Amla & Olive Heavy Cream above), but some (not all) oils/butters can do a bit of “moisturizing” as well.
got it. You should use it with damp hair! I want to make whipped shea butter in the near future!
I just started using the wipped shea butter option. So far, it’s being great. I hair remains moist for a at at least a week, then I reaply. I do need to get a water base moisturizer though, as an addition.
Definitely agree here. I use oil-based products like shea butter ON TOP of moisturizers that are water based.
I don’t have thick hair but I have dry, very dense FINE 4b hair. I have found that KBB Butter Love and Creamylicious as well as Oyin Hair Dew and any of their sprays plus Hairveda CoCasta Shikaikai are just perfect for my hair. The kbb stuff is pretty expensive once it crosses over the pond to the UK but to me it’s worth it. Qhemet’s burdock root is also good but their stuff is hard to get hold of here and the online shop always seems to be closed.
Do they sell the Pura stuff here by any chance? I’m in London and I’d like to check that out. Also, where do you get the Oyin from?? I’ve never tried it, but I’ve heard a bit about it and I’d like to give it a go.
No PuraBody is definitely not over here yet. I buy Oyin and KBB at Nexrastore online. I’d like to become DIY because we lack so many brands here and the imported products are far from cheap compared to the price in the US. Oyin Hair Dew is £13.99 but I like it because it’s glycerin free and moisturising in the winter.
Thanks for the response!
I’ve found a few lines that I like that are sold in the shop, so that’s a good thing- Africare or Afrocare is one I want to try, and Beautiful Textures is okay as well. I get my Taliah Waajid stuff too which I really like, but I haven’t found any of the ‘popular’ brands.
£13 is a lot, but then again, I got a sample of that Kiehls shampoo and the full size costs about £20 so… yeah. Expensive!
DIY is definitely cheaper, and I just have fun mixing things up on the whole.
I have fine and very thirsty 4b hair too. And I love the Oyin Hair Dew. I’ll check out the other products. But one problem I have with my natural hair is it dislikes most of the popular ingredients like shea butter and olive oil. I have a hard time finding products that suit my hair needs. I wish the natural hair community would pay more attention to fine-haired naturals.
Oh I forgot. It dislikes glycerin too.
Qhemet is sold through Sage Naturalceuticals in the US and Mariposa Import in Europe.