One thing that most naturals can agree on is the do-it-yourself spirit that permeates throughout the natural hair community. From whipping up deep conditioning treatments to complex updos, many ladies aren’t afraid of rolling up their sleeves and digging deep into the trenches of experimentation.
I love it, I really do. I just can’t do it myself. So if you’re like me, check out these oil and butter blends that you could probably whip up yourself, but you’re probably better off buying:
6 Oils & Butters For the NON-DIYer
Every time I get the itch to whip up some fluffy shea cream or flaxseed gel, I dig deep into my storage and start making preparations. Everything goes well until I turn on the hand mixer. Or when I’m making flaxseed gel, I always end up melting something and burning my fingers. And generally making a mess. Deep conditioners? Yeah, I don’t even bother trying. Some of us just aren’t built for the DIY life, and that’s okay.
Note: All oils and butters are silicone, petroleum, mineral oil, and paraben-free.
Deepthi Organics Shine and Control Hair Oil
If you’re looking for a lightweight pick-me-up for your hair with an ayurvedic twist, Deepthi’s Organic Shine and Control Hair Oil is the one. It has a smooth, serum-like feel without any of the icky stuff. It is all natural, and contains no silicones. Coconut, sunflower, and argan oils penetrate the hair, nourishing and providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Brahmi, gotu kola, lavender, and rosehip heal, revitalize, stimulate and protect the hair. As an added bonus, this oil is Certified Organic by Eco Cert!
Available online at www.organicverdana.com, $19 for 4oz.
Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil
Pre-poo for the ages! If you’re in to ayurvedic haircare, Darshana’s Natural Indian Hair Oil is a must. Sunflower seed, coconut, olive, and apricot oils are enriched with arnica, Indian Penywort, henna, hibiscus, Indian Gooseberry, Saw Palmetto and other extracts to provide scalp stimulation, nourishment, inflammatory relief, and growth stimulations. Darshana’s oil is nutrient packed, rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, and chock full of antioxidants. It works great as a pre shampoo treatment left on the hair anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. It can also be used to seal as a part of a regular moisturizing routine. And the bright citrus fragrance is amazing!
Available online at www.darshanabeauty.com, $38.00 for 6oz.
Hydratherma Naturals Hair Growth Oil
Based in olive and castor oils, this warm vanilla coconut fragranced hair and scalp oil is full of omegas, ceramides, and other scalp and hair nourishing vitamins. Hydratherma’s Hair Growth Oil also contains Emu Oil, which assists in the stimulation of hair growth by increasing circulation and moisture in the scalp. It has anti-inflammatory and anti- aging properties, soothes the scalp, contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The oil is a little thick, but certainly not heavy, so a little goes a long way.
Available online and at these retailers, $13.99 for 4oz.
Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Bath, Body & Massage Oil
I know, I know. It says bath, body, and massage — not hair. But trust me on this one. Not only does the fruity slightly floral fragrance smell ah-may-zing, it’s packed with oils and extracts that are great for your hair and scalp. Safflower oil is packed with ceramides, and shea, sweet almond, jojoba, and more are packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants and emollients that nourish and soften the hair…and skin. Nothing wrong with a product you can use from head to toe!
Available at: Ulta Beauty, $9.99 for 8oz.
Koils By Nature Nourishing Hair & Body Butter
Although this creamy butter blend comes in many fragrances, I am forever a fan of Marvelous Mango. On more than one occasion, I’ve been tempted to take a little taste. It smells like mango candy, but not in an overly sweet chemical sort of way. This super smooth blend of shea, coconut, kokum, mango, and aloe butters works wonders for rough and dry feeling tresses. Unlike most shea-based whips, this butter is lightweight and not at all tacky. It melts right into the hands, and is easily spread on both hair and skin. I’m warning you now — if you grab this butter, people will be sniffing and following you around all day (in a good way”>!Available online at www.koilsbynature.com, $23 for 8oz.
Kyra’s Shea Medleys Original Butter Cream
Kyra’s Shea Medleys offers a number of butter cream blends with various properties, but Original Butter Cream is my hands down favorite. It has a warm vanilla fragrance that reminds me of sugar cookies. This super luxe blend of aloe vera juice, avocado butter, coconut oil, jojoba, and shea will truly give your hair life. Aloe soothes the scalp and helps adjust hair pH while the blend of oils and butters soften, nourish, seal, and improve elasticity. It can be used from head to toe– a little bit goes a long way.
Available online at www.kyrasheamedleys.com, $20 for 8oz.
