In the heart of Africa, nature has bestowed a treasure trove of natural ingredients, each with its own unique properties to nourish and rejuvenate skin and hair. For centuries, African women have harnessed the power of these ingredients, crafting traditional remedies passed down through generations.
SheaMoisture, a family brand, understands what a curl wants and what a curl needs! SheaMoisture makes it easy to care for natural hair with four lines of products for different hair textures and needs, full of naturally nourishing ingredients.
By now you’ve probably heard all about Shea Moisture, or seen the brand of natural hair products prominently displayed at your nearby Target or Walgreens. I was lucky enough to try out most of the haircare products in the buzzed-about natural hair brand’s lineup and in summary, here’s my verdict. Is Shea Moisture for you? Odds point to yes.
With four different main haircare product types there’s probably something in there to meet your specific natural hair needs, and the products are of amazing quality for stuff that’s being sold in mainstream drugstores! Here's a quick guide to the different lines:
- Coral/Pink/Salmon colored label - Organic Coconut and Hibiscus, meant for enhancing curls for thick, curly hair.
- Black label - made with organic African black soap for balancing and cleansing dry, itchy scalps.
In the past I had found myself gazing in wonderment at the Target endcap and trying to figure out just WHICH Shea Moisture product to try first. I got lucky when Shea Moisture sent me products to review. Now that I’ve tried almost all of them, if I could go back in time to myself standing at the Target display wondering which thing to buy first I’d say…go for the African Black Soap Balancing Conditioner. As I explain in this video, it’s in the top 10 drugstore conditioners I’ve ever tried.
Read also: African Black Soap Ingredients
Not every Shea Moisture product was a hit outta the park for me - the Shea Butter Masque didn’t do much but weigh down my hair, and didn’t give me the comb through slip I craved. Like I said in the video, it’s SO important to use the products as directed with this brand - click here for a breakdown on them all including ingredients and usage. So in general, two thumbs up for Shea Moisture’s hair products!
I love that this brand is making inroads into such mainstream stores, with ingredients that are so good for natural hair. It makes quite a statement about how far it’s all come. Don’t wanna sound like a grandma, but back when I started this blog, the idea of finding products of this quality in Walgreens? Unheard of. And look at how far we’ve come! I think it’s great.
Curly Hair Routine 2024
We know you love your naturally curly hair, but how do you show it that you care? By giving it the special moisturizing attention it needs to stay healthy and grow strong.
Ingredients to Avoid
While we all want safe ingredients in our products, the standard for what’s safe isn’t always agreed upon, which is why you should be knowledgeable about what’s in your hair products and determine for yourself what ingredients you are comfortable with. Some ingredients may be safe but can irritate people with sensitivities and generally don’t work well over time.
Here are some ingredients to watch out for:
Read also: Shea Butter for Skin and Hair
- Sulfates: The most commonly used harsh sulfates found in most shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS).
- Phthalates: The main phthalates used in cosmetic products are dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP) and diethylphthalate (DEP). They might also be listed as “butyl ester” or “plasticizer.” Studies reveal phthalates as reproductive and developmental toxins.
- Paraffins: These are usually listed as “liquid paraffin.” Paraffins are petroleum distillates, which means that they are derived from petroleum or crude oil.
- Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is a clear liquid used in antifreeze and cosmetic products.
- Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is another byproduct of the refinement process of crude oil into its refined forms such as gasoline. It is used in hair products as a moisturizer, but it’s actually a lubricant that sits on top of the hair.
- PABA: PABA is an abbreviation for para-aminobenzoic acid. It’s use as an active ingredient in sun-screens has been discontinued due to the allergic reactions it tends to cause when applied to the skin.
- Synthetic Color: The most common synthetic colors used in cosmetics are derived from coal tar, which is another by-product of petroleum. Some coal tar dyes are known to cause cancer and so are strictly regulated by the FDA. Other synthetic colors like chromium oxide and aluminum powder can be irritating.
- DEA: DEA, or diethanolamine, among other things is used to provide a heavy lather in shampoos.
- Parabens: Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetic products.
- Synthetic Fragrance: Unfortunately, when “fragrance” is listed in the ingredients of a product, it is considered a trade secret, meaning that the make up of that fragrance can remain undisclosed.
With the exception of a few specific ingredients, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not approve cosmetic ingredients. Cosmetic companies are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients. As a result, the cosmetics industry is the least regulated industry under the jurisdiction of the FDA.
Key Ingredients in SheaMoisture Collections
Once you know what should not be in nourishing natural hair products, what should you be looking for?
Here are some key ingredients found in various SheaMoisture collections:
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil provides a host of wonderful natural benefits for the hair and scalp. The antimicrobial action of lauric and caprice acid in coconut oil help to prevent hair loss. It also contains Vitamin E, which keeps the scalp conditioned, healthy and renewed.
- Argan Oil: For incredible shine and frizz control, Argan oil is the answer.
- Shea Butter: Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids making it effective in shielding and restoring the hair and scalp from damage.
- Tea Tree: Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can be used as a treatment for scalp infections and problems like dandruff.
- Willow Bark Extract: Does your dry scalp cause you discomfort?
- Yucca: Are you struggling with thinning hair or hair loss?
- Biotin: Biotin is a B-vitamin that can help to strengthen the hair follicle.
- Baobab Oil: Our hair and scalp needs to be nourished just like the rest of our body and needs a daily dose of vitamins and nutrients.
The African Black Soap Collection from SheaMoisture strategically includes three ingredients in their Deep Cleansing Shampoo, Balancing Conditioner and Dandruff & Dry Scalp Elixir.
Use the Deep Cleansing Shampoo to sooth your scalp while helping to regulate the production of the natural oils in your hair and scalp. It removes unwanted buildup, while relieving dry, itchy, flaky scalp creating a fresh start. The Balancing Conditioner also soothes dry itchy scalp. It conditions and moisturizes your hair, while restoring your hair’s natural pH balance.
Read also: Shea Body Butter Review: Tree Hut Moroccan Rose
Every Baraka product is a testament to the dedication and skill of Ghanaian women. Each butter and oil is handcrafted with care, ensuring the highest quality and purity. By choosing Baraka, you're not only investing in your own beauty but also supporting the livelihoods of these hardworking women. Every order contributes to their income, empowering them to provide for their families and children.
