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Nappturality has been online since 2002. Dedicated to all the women in the diaspora who proudly wear their highly textured hair naturally. Nappturality.com is the place to find photographs,, forums, information and links about the care, maintenance and politics of natural hair. Natural napptural hair. Here you will find photos of all natural styles, comb coils, two-strand twists, afro puffs, afros dredlocks (dreadlocks), locs and many other natural styles. Styled by natural napptural haired women on their own hair.
Chebe for Growth and Protection
There are lots of nuts that you can grind to create healthy oils and butters, from walnuts to shea nuts to apricot kernels.
Nappturality has tried and recommends this rich, all around hair nut butter/oil for hair growth retention and protection: Chebe.
I was having so much trouble with dry, thinning hair due to medication and hyperthyroid issues (probably also age) and nothing seemed to work to fix it. My once thick and long hair was getting shorter and thinner fast, no matter what care I took. I tried many of oils and combinations over a 2 year period and the one that has worked the absolute best for me is Chebe. My hair is fast returning to health.
What is it?
Chebe powder comes from the seeds of the Croton zambesicus plant, which is also known as Lavender Croton. This plant is native to certain regions of Africa, including Chad and other parts of Central Africa. The seeds of the Croton zambesicus plant are harvested and ground into a fine powder to create Chebe powder, which is then mixed with herbs and spices to form a paste for application to the hair. The powder is mixed with fatty oils or butters to make a paste to apply to the hair, or infused to make rich oils.
When using Chebe butter or oil for natural hair care, you can use it directly on your scalp as well as your hair as a leave-in treatment or incorporated into hair masks or conditioners for rinse-out. Applying it to damp hair will lock in moisture, applying to dry hair will improve your hair's softness and sheen.
Start with a small amount and adjust based on your natural hair's needs and thickness.
I use both the butter and oil as a leave-in on loose hair, the butter before brush and oil after styling. Use on either damp or dry hair (not on dripping wet hair) and massage well into hair and scalp. I did try using the powder and mixing, with some good results and some not-so good. Look around and find a Chebe combination you like.
Here are some reasons why you need to add Chebe to your natural hair routine:
It's Moisturizing
Chebe oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, which helps to moisturize and hydrate both hair and scalp. It can be especially beneficial if your hair is dry and brittle or damaged. It also benefits hair that is thinning, as it coats and absorbs to help to protect the hair shaft. On the scalp it acts as a moisture lock, but still allows the scalp to breathe, unlike other substances that coat and smother the scalp - such as petrolatum.
Full of Nutrients
It contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth. Chebe oil contains several beneficial nutrients for hair and scalp health. Here are some of the key nutrients found in Chebe oil:
Beneficial Fatty Acids
Chebe oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6). These fatty acids help to nourish and moisturize the hair and scalp. Oleic acid is known for its emollient properties, which soften and condition the hair, while linoleic acid helps to maintain the hair's natural barrier.
Vitamins
Chebe contains vitamins A and E. Vitamin A is essential for healthy cell growth and helps to maintain the scalp's natural oils. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that promotes scalp circulation and helps to repair damaged hair follicles.
Phytosterols
These plant-derived compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe scalp conditions such as itchiness and irritation. They also contribute to the overall health of the scalp.
Proteins
Chebe contains proteins that can strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends. These proteins help to improve the elasticity and resilience of the hair.
Minerals
Chebe may also contain minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining scalp health and supporting hair growth.
So, what does all of this do for your hair?
Strengthens - The proteins and nutrients in Chebe can strengthen natural hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends.
Conditions - It acts as a natural conditioner, leaving hair softer and more manageable without weighing it down. You can use Chebe as a leave-in or rinse out.
Aids Length Retention - The emollient properties of Chebe create a protective barrier on natural hair shaft, shielding it from manipulation damage and breakage.
Adds Shine - Regular use of Chebe can impart a healthy shine to natural hair, making it look more vibrant and lustrous.
Nappturality does not recommend a specific brand, we encourage you to find reputable, sustainable sources for your hair products.
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