I have natural 4b hair and I recently ran out of my usual daily moisturizer. With the knowledge of knowing how important it is to have my hair type moisturized daily to prevent breakage I had to find an alternative to hold me over until I could order my favorite moisturizer. I went through several tried in failed attempts to discover what would work best.
The first thing I tried was misting my hair with plain waiter followed by the small amount of moisturizer that was left. By the time my hair completely dried, my hair was hard and dry. I then tried applying conditioner to my hair and water. The same result followed: dry, hard hair.
Moisturizer
So I decided to use another moisturizer that I had on hand. I didn't really like this moisturizer because it is more of a moisturizing liquid spray, instead of a cream or lotion. Used alone this moisturizer would leave my hair feeling pretty hard when it dried. The moisturizer I am referring to is the CURLS Quenched Curls Moisturizer.
I first used plain water to mist my hair so it was damp all over. I then took the Quenched Curls Moisturizer and sprayed several squirts throughout my hair. I massaged the moisturizer in my hair from root to tip and combed my hair with a wide tooth comb. I then took a dollop of raw shea butter(the yellow kind), rubbed it in my hands to melt it and applied it section by section into my hair, getting more shea butter as needed. I finally combed my hair once again to distribute the shea butter evenly and my afro looked lovely.
Q. Even though my hair was soft now, how would it feel once it was dry?
A. After a few hours my hair still felt soft and moisturized.
Q. The following day?
A. My hair still felt soft and moisturized.
I was amazed at this revelation of how beneficial shea butter can actually be in black hair!
Natural raw shea butter acts as a natural conditioner and sealant. It seals in the much needed moisture into our hair, strengthens it and imparts a natural shine. You can also use it for twists and braids. I recommend all black women to introduce shea butter to part of their hair care routine whether you are all natural or relaxed. Your hair will benefit from it no matter what!
For the above regimen, any moisturizer can be used. You can also purchase a bottle of Pure Aloe Vera Juice and Vegetable Glycerin. Next measure 1 cup each of pure water, aloe vera, and the vegetable glycerin into a spray bottle. This is a great alternative to the Quenched Curls Moisturizer. Make sure you refrigerate this mixture, and use it in about a week because it contains no preservatives.
The Benefits of Raw Shea Butter in Natural Hair