Ah...so there’s another natural hair myth that’s been floating around.

We see your questions, CurlMixers: 

• “Are oils and butters safe to use on my natural hair?”
• “Will oils and butters help my natural hair grow?”
• “Can I moisturize my natural hair with oils and butters?”

We also see many naturalistas and hair influencers approach these questions in a classic DIY and self-discovery fashion: the infamous “30 Days w/ No Oils or Butters” challenge.

This recent trend has formed a narrative that oils and butters don’t play a role in your natural hair journey.

Instead, it’s being suggested that oils and butters actually cause damage to your strands by drying out your hair. 

Let’s clear the air and dig into the curl hard truth about oils and butters:

Oils and butters are safe to use on your natural hair. As long as you’re using it moderately and properly, your curls aren’t facing any harm.

How NOT to Use Oils and Butters on Your Natural Hair 

Moisturize

This is a big misconception that sneaks its way into the strands and spirals of the natural hair community.

Oils and butters, themselves, cannot and will not moisturize your curls.

If you have dry hair and you slather shea butter or coconut oil on top of  it, you now have dry hair that’s coated with products that will only block any moisture. 

Not only will the extra product add to its dryness, but it’ll also create a product build-up that will take extra cleansing to manage. This is a bad cycle for your curls to be a part of.

When it comes to moisturizing your hair, you first must do one of these two things: 

• Hop in the shower
• Pick up a spray bottle

Whatever you do, water is the first step. Without water, your hair can’t even begin to receive the moisture that it needs.

Once your curls are drenched and ready to receive a nourishing product, the next step is to apply an actual moisturizer or leave-in conditioner.

If you are looking to include oils or butters in your hair care routine, you cannot skip these first two steps. 

How to Use Oils and Butters on Your Natural Hair

Seal in Moisture 

Now that your curls are moisturized (thanks to your hydration and moisture combo), you can take it to the next level and use an oil or butter to seal in that moisture.

As sealants, oils and butters help to keep moisture locked in your luscious curls. While this isn’t always necessary, it is pretty beneficial to use while wearing twists or braids.

Taking Down Twists or Braids 

Using an oil to help take down your twists or braids is a great way to add a little extra flare to your twist-out. 

Plus, the oil often leaves your defined strands looking shiny and stunning!

Scalp Massages 

A clean scalp is a happy and healthy scalp. By keeping your scalp in tip-top condition, you have a better chance at seeing significant hair growth.

In addition to cleansing, giving yourself scalp massages with an oil or serum is essential to increase your scalp’s circulation.

This stimulation can also aid with improving your scalp’s health.

Additionally, you can also give yourself a hot oil treatment. 

Benefits of hot oil treatments include: 

• Strengthening your hair strands
• Reducing dandruff
• Increasing blood circulation to your scalp 

DIY Deep Conditioning 

If you ever wanted to create a homemade deep conditioner, oils and butters are essential ingredients that can make the deep conditioning treatment even more nourishing. 

Visit our old blog to learn how to make your own DIY deep conditioner.

To conclude, don’t always believe every hair trend or opinion out there. Whenever there’s a new natural hair trend, people tend to overreact a little! 

Don’t give in to the drama. In a lot of cases, it’s not the actual product or ingredient that’s messing with your curls: you just need to know how to implement them properly! 

That’s why it’s essential to build a hair care routine that works best for you and your curls. 

Additionally, make sure this routine includes products that help to bring the best of your natural hair.

How do you like to use oils and butters for your natural hair? Let us know in the comments below!