What's good, Rosettes? There’s a hot debate on the streets as of late — should we forego oils and butters on our natural hair, or do they help it to be its very best?
Our take is that when used properly, oils and butters can work hair wonders. Let's take an in-depth look at the ins and outs of oils and butters and why we think they should absolutely be a part of your hair care regiment.
All About Oils
It’s no secret that natural hair thrives by its own set of rules. No matter your hair type or texture though, one thing remains true: it’s all about moisture and maintenance.
Oils protect the hair from dryness, which leads to breakage. It also fills the gaps between cuticle cells to preserve hair follicles and strengthen the shaft of individual strands, especially in hair that is prone to dryness and frizziness.
Also aiding in scalp health, oils can even help with growth retention.
“When you gently massage the scalp it helps in exfoliation and sometimes that helps in reducing hair fall,” says Dr. Khushboo Garodia, a certified trichologist (via Healthline).
Since natural hair can often get dehydrated, it’s important to replenish lost moisture as much as possible - something oils do without a doubt.
The Benefits of Butters
Like oils, hair butters help revitalize dry or brittle hair. Although hair butters often contain oils of some type, they are heavier (hence the name) and creamier, acting as a sealant for the hair that defines coils and curls.
Because of the thickness of hair butters, it’s important not to overdo it. This can lead to an excess of product buildup and weigh down your hair. When it comes to utilizing hair butters, a little goes a long way.
How To’s
When using oils and butters, there are a few tips and tricks that will likely heighten your experience.
One of the most popular uses of hair oil is using it to massage the scalp, which is said to promote hair growth and overall scalp health. Want to kick the benefits up a notch? Take a moment or two to warm up your oil mixture in the microwave (for no longer than 10 seconds - you don’t want it to be hot) before using it to massage your scalp. The warmed oil not only feels more relaxing but penetrates the scalp better.
As far as hair butters go, you’ll see the best results if you apply it after using a leave-in conditioner. When applying, don’t skip your scalp, especially if you have particularly dry hair.
Unsurprisingly, oils and butters work their best when used together - the oil acts as a deep moisturizer and the butter as a sealant that protects against damaging elements, including outside irritants like pollution and the daily strain of styling.
We just can’t help it, we’re all about our oils and butters.
Hair Butters And Oils: Are They Really Good For Your Hair?
by Eartha Terrell – April 29, 2022
