Moisturizing has become more of a significant marketing approach as opposed to anything else.
It is critical to differentiate between true moisture and oils masquerading as moisture sources.
Multiple black hair products on the market are loaded with cheap oils such as petroleum,
petrolatum and mineral oil to give the illusion that they moisturize textured fibers. When
there is an absence of true moisturizing ingredients, the best that oil-rich products can do
is temporarily give black hair the appearance or “look” of healthy hair. Regular use of these
oily products, will lead to problematic issues such as chronic dryness. Although the
products coat black hair and provide a temporary shine and sheen, it is simply a
manufactured” shine and is cosmetic in nature. Products of this nature provides no actual
moisture benefit to the hair shaft as the mere appearance of moisturized hair is not enough
to support and grow textured tresses.
Moisturizers and oils should never be confused or used interchangeably to prevent
dryness. Oils work to form an impenetrable barrier so that the moisture contained
within a strand remains there. The major problem with oils is that any moisture that might
attempt to enter the strand is kept out after they are applied. When the hair already feels
dry, you want to do is create a barrier to moisture! Oils often mix with other oils but will
never form important hydrogen bonds within the hair. Facts states that oils by their nature
will repel water. When water is not being cross-linked and bounded within the hair shaft,
then the process of retaining moisture is simply not taking place. You must ensure that you
are truly moisturizing your hair and not simply coating it with an artificial shine.