*takes deep breath, knocks back another shot, talks fast as hell* it wasn’t my fault. What had happened was… they made me do it. Amel Larreiux uses it, Corinne and Chicoro both use Vaseline and Folake of StylePantry all but held me down… she even mailed me a jar! So I tried it and it wasn’t my fault. But now, I like it. *ducks* Don’t hit me!
For reals, y’all know me by now, and for those that don’t, know that I keep it mad real, even in the face of the natural hair police and judgey judges. I disclosed my grease usage to several people last week and surprisingly, most recommended, while clutching their pearls, that I keep it to myself. Really?! I hate controversy as much as the next diva, but I take my job here seriously. I also strive to be super authentic… so when I experiment with a product as ‘sinful’ as Dax, with all of its lanolin and petroleum greasiness, and get great results, I just have to share… no matter the backlash.
I was surprised, relieved even, at how many of y’all came out the woodwork confessing your guilt of being greasy too! Funny stuff… us coming out the closet and all. So let’s bust it wide open, shall we?
For the past year or so, I’ve been re-examining some of the natural hair no-nos. I re-introduced silicones, started washing a bit less often, using ‘suspect’ products (ones without all natural ingredients like Lacio Lacio), dry detangling and leaving in light protein conditioners. Living on the edge! I’ve revisited protective styles out of convenience and a few weeks ago realized that more than anything, my new routine most closely resembles my childhood one. My hair thrived back then in the twists and braids and ultrasheen. All this to say, my mind was already open and Momma may have been on to something.
Enter Folake.
… the gorgeous fashion blogger, with her luscious hair. She shared photos with me from her wedding and hair straightening adventures and when asked about her faves, she’s all, “Dax, Green Dax”. Shocked, I proceeded to pack up Boogie and hit every store in the city of State College, Pennsylvania. After checking the 5th store, I remembered, duh, I’m in Happy Valley. Ain’t no Black folk here. This was a Wednesday I think… and my parents were driving up on Thursday so I begged Mom to stop by the beauty supply in STL before hitting the highway. Score!
I had been looking for the perfect dry twist-out product- one that would provide hold, protection and reversion prevention- and for some reason, I felt deep in my heart, that this was it. I used it as she walked in the door on my freshly washed and twisted hair. Took them down and re-twisted with Dax for the pumpkin patch–
It’s been in heavy rotation for going on three weeks with amazing results.
Damn, I talk/write too much… that’s what happens when you feel like you’re pleading your case! Bottom line is this, I only use it on hair that has already been moisturized, I avoid my scalp and I’m light handed during the application.
The deets–
1. Dax works amazingly well. If used sparingly, on already moisturized hair, it’ll be the best sealant you’ve ever used, provide ridiculous shine and a medium firm hold, all without greasiness. I also find that it doesn’t weigh me down… at least not in a bad way. It’s heavier than other products, which prevents shrinkage. Best twist-outs of my life.
2. Yes, this product has mineral oil, lanolin and petroleum jelly. Yikes. BUT, so far, and I haven’t been using it long, it’s the best sealant I’ve come across. My hair stays moisturized for like 4 days… which is unheard of. I’ve been moisturizing and sealing Gia’s hair with all natural products and oils… virgin hair, and it’s dry as a bone after 2 days. Mine was the same. The oils, while great on day one, disappear rather quickly…
3. It provides awesome slip when dry twisting and I notice I encounter less tangles and snagging. I really feel like it creates a protective barrier around each strand. I’m curious to see how I’ll feel in 6 months.
4. I’ve washed it out, using Elucence, with no issues, even having reapplied it three times prior to the wash. Obviously, I won’t be cowashing, but, I had reintroduced regular pooing months ago. I find that my hair attracts lint more… so I may return to bi-weekly washing.
5. I don’t use it on my scalp. Although it’s been shown to be beneficial in length and moisture retention, mineral oil may clog pores, so I avoid the roots. But I can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind! Every time I’m standing in the bathroom, grease in hand (haha, it’s not what you think), applying it to my length, the smell makes me think of my childhood… which makes me think of my mom massaging my scalp and smoothing on that ultrasheen. I’ve resisted the urge… so far 🙂
There you have it. My Monday morning confession. I’ll keep you dolls posted with the good and the bad.
Mineral Oil, Has it Gotten a Bad Rap?
Silicones and Other Sealants
Mineral Oil or Coconut Oil?
Now who’s ready for a Blue Majic, Dax, and Soul Glo giveaway?!?!?!?
Thank you for this article. I went back to regular hair grease about one year ago (I'm completely natural and my hair shows no signs of having any 'mix' in it at all). I was a serious product junkie. I'd watch a review on you tube (or read a review online) and then I'd run to the beauty store to buy the reviewed product, only to find that it did nothing for my hair. I have sooooo many products in the cabinet under my sink. Throughout my natural hair journey, I found that the products with the creamier consistencies (e.g., the "butters") made my hair extremely dry. One day I purchased a jar of Softee hair grease (for one dollar!) and used it for a two-strand twist-out (on dry hair). Oh my goodness…what a pleasant surprise! My hair was sooo defined and had such a great sheen to it. I've since realized that good ol' hair grease (of any kind) is all I need (of course, I moisturize and seal my hair first). As for the more expense products, I don't need them. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this post! I'm beginning to transition(it's only been about 2 months and I was ready to give up!). My hair was dry no matter what I did & NO gel would slick my edges without them curling up again within minutes! I had DAX pomade hiding away in one of my drawers because my dad bought it and I was terrified of the mineral oil and petrolatum, but I cracked and used it to slick my edges down today and it was amazing, I just apply my moisturizer first then seal with this and I finally have a visible curl pattern. Merci 🙂
I use lard in my hair with great results. Its natural and has no smell, very similar to Shea butter
I know this is an old post but I will definitely return to hair grease. My hair is so happy today. I love how soft and shiny it is. I have soooooo many "natural" products that I have to use up, but I will rotate with them and grease every week. I love my Royal Crown. Loves it!!
just bought some Dax. i used a leave in and
put a little dax on top.my hair was moistuized in this hot in june weather. my sis did a twist out with her leave in and dax a small amount of gel.. it looks nice. i can't tell you how much money i spent on so called ntural stuff. i am not goin broke anymore.
i can now finish transitioning out of this texturizer. i bought stay fro some royal crown dax and blud magic bergamot. i also have several dominican leave ins in my stash. i did what the author did and i have soft shiny hair. i am wearing my hair in a layered twa..i might let it grow or i might keep it short..but i tell what..my hair is not dry and crunchy. thanks
So because Curlynikki does a post about going back to using grease, she instantly plagiarized Lipstickalley ? Give me a break. Using grease has never went out of style. Both Blog sites are not the first to talk about using grease. lipstick alley "inspiration" for using hair grease came from another blogger as stated in her post and I quote "Several months ago, I had read on some blog about a chick who was using Ultra Sheen grease,Well, sometime last month, I decided to pick up some Blue Magic grease for $3". So please, stop with all this nonsense of people stealing ides from other peoples blogs.
I'm in my last year studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. I recall my herbal professor informing my class that rubbing pork grease on the scalp promotes blood circulation, therefore encouraging growth.
In my humble opinion, I believe further research may help reveal a possible connection between lard and our beloved hair grease in theeir ability to nurture healthy hair.
Ohhh Dax! Maybe I need to go back too!
Would also like to say that I'm loving this site. I have been @ the point of giving up on transitioning and going back to relaxers because the main website that I visit is so militant (natural hair police) and it is downright off putting. I'm happy to see women who embrace their hair and what works not just, NO Heat, No X, No Y, No Z.
Loved the article and reading the comments. I'm transitioning and also have a toddler. I'm not really sure about everyone's reasons for not using certain products but the reason that I have "tried" to avoid petroleum based products is because of the link to cancer. That being said, it has been a super hard journey to find something that works that doesn't have the bad ingredients.
I think that's part of my reason for going natural too. Dax *clear coconut one* was one of the first items that I found that did a decent job on my daughter's hair. A mixture of regular olive oil in a spray bottle, Shea Moisture Milk, and a little Dax has her very coarse hair popping. I'm going to try it on my hair right now as I'm still looking for what works for my hair during the transition.
My hair is light weight with a slight wave. From the beginning, three weeks ago, Green DAX has actually help it retain moisture, shine, and curls all day in this crazy weather we are having here in the mid-Atlantic.
I am just seeing this post and all I can think is …I just may have to give DAX a try. I am curious if you can use it in my wash and go regime….well I must be honest. I still have yet to do a wash and go as my hair never quite does well with the wng. Ladies please weigh in, my hair is 4b. Curious if anyone knows. Thank you, Mara
I really appreciate this post. I have soft, fine, frizzy, 3c/4a hair and a bathroom full of products that do not work because of the backlash against petroleum based products. I stopped using relaxers in the summer of 2010 and no matter what a product promised I could not get control of my natural curls. This weekend after using coconut oil and a little mousse on my hair, it reminded me of the grease and water slick back from middle school. I remember tame waves and edges and thought, should I? dare I go back to Ultrasheen and Blue Magic? Today I wore my hydrated #2 pencil curls and I have to say, my hair looked and felt fantastic. I was searching Google tonight to see if anyone else out there has had success with old school tactics too and I was so happy to see that there are many people still buying grease, excuse me, hairdressing or pomade. Thank you so much for being honest. I was going to wear my hydrated curls proudly before reading your post and the comments by all the ladies who spoke up but now I do not feel the need to keep a lid on it if someone ask.
I just just a small amount on wet hair, brush the edges a couple of times and place a scarf on my edges for 10-15 minutes. After that I let my hair fly free or pin it up in some sort of style.
I hate gels, never use them, mousse leave my hair chippy and dry, and serums do absolutely nothing. Of course, this is what works best for me.
I am a Green Dax follower! I realized growing up… grease was always put on dry hair… but the key is adding moisture first. I noticed more defined twist outs and better kept moisture in my hair. I plan to wash my hair weekly to avoid build up. Im glad people are talking about using grease again.
I have found that i can use "grease" only after i base my hair with another product like a moisturizer. I like it to seal my ends. I would never grease my scalp, it irriates my scalp. I'm not gonna knock you for holding it down and keeping it real for yourself and us! My mother has been using dax and vaseline on her hair ever since i can remember. I am a B&B "GREASEGYAL" for life! But i am thinking about trying the dax(GREEN)! Hey it works, let it do what it do!… Jahsloved1
i've only been natural for a year and some change….however i love to use softee with castor and cocnut oils and when i dont have any of that i simply put a little vaseline on it pull back my fluffy goodness or twist it up and call it a day its soft its still fluffy and soft just dont use alot to all my fellow heavy handed people out there otherwise u'll be dying to go home and wash it trust me
I am so very glad that I read this…..I am new at being natural and have been so for about 6 months. The start of the cold season has not been nice to my hair and I have been trying to be consistent in only using "natural" products, but nothing seems to keep my hair from feeling like a brilo pad. A couple of weeks ago I decides to press out my hair and clips my ends. The first time I used a natural hair oil and my hair was horrible. Within a couple of days, I decided that I was going to try it again but this time I used my tried and true Blue Magic that I grew up on and had always used in my daughter's hair before she started getting relaxers. My hair came out wonderful and it was so soft and looked so healthy once the dead and fraziled ends were clipped. I felt like I had committed a sin or something because I didn't use a "natural" product. Now I see that I am not the only one and sometimes you have to use what works!!
I went and got me some hair grease (yes, that's horrible English) and my twist outs have been absolutely BEAUTIFUL! My hair stretches nicely, it's soft, the ends curl without using curlers, it hangs right, it shines, it bounces, great definition and I could go on and on. The compliments I have gotten from my "natural " friends have increased (I have not confessed to them that I'm using grease yet). *shrugs* I guess my hair likes it so, I'm sticking with it!
I am sorry. This is just plain funny. I keep an emergency container of the "contraband" under my bathroom sink=)I have just started reading your posts tonight and it is so inspiring! I have gone natural only for the second time in my adult life and I am 33.
Lovin this post!!! Want to give a shout out to momma! Been natural 4X over the course of 20 years, and each time I did the opposite of what my mother had done, with less than stellar results. Well, fast forward….have been natural again for 2 years and am IN LOVE with Sta-Sof-Fro (has a whole host of ingrediants that I must concentrate to pronounce) and/or (cause I use both depending on what's available) Dax or Blue Magic-all of which my momma used. LOL!! Y'all killin me, reading these posts has me LMBO!!
let me tell you'll something, that i know!!.. well let me start off im 1year 1/2 natural… and it aint been easy, because you see all these natural products that work for someone but dont work for u, but i watched a youtuber talk about DAX lanolin grease, so i tried. all i can say is best products a brought thus far. i use it ONLY on my hair not my scalp, best light moisturized hair you'll ever get, great for two strand or braid outs.. try it all you be amazed!!!
i put blue magic on my hair a few days ago i had the best twist out ever my i used water and grease and my hair was elongated and smooth the next day i put my shea butter on my hair and water it was even softer but i have to wash my hair soon it just really soft
Listen, whatever floats your boat! I use Dax supergro and then add extra! Avocado, olive, castor and carrot oil. Then a couple of drops of rosemary, cedar and sage essential oils. I heat it first, add my homemade mixture and then put it in the fridge to make it set.
My hair is fine, so I only use it after washing it and maybe if my scalp is very dry.
My hair loves it!
i'm so glad u posted this i almost lost my mind looking for flax seeds and what not. keep it real
I used grease for the first time in almost 2 years!! My hair still feels moisturized to my surprise!! I have been using shea butter as my sealant and I would have to moisturize and seal twice a day and sometimes more. Im going to continue using it to see how my hair likes it as far as growth and we shall see what happens. 🙂 and thanks nikki for the good post!! 🙂
Thanks Curly Nikki. I used grease for my twists and I (and my hair) absolutely loved it. I washed and deep conditioned my hair and then I did mini two strand twist on my hair (after I let it almost completely air dry). I kept my hair twisted for a week and when I took them out that Friday I truly loved the results. It also keeps better and longer too. Oh the grease i used was some blue Doo Gro grease lol
@Shoshoni: "that ALLWAYS Indian hemp grease…the one that had the bits of twigs and stuff in it."
YES!! That was my "miracle" product in the '90's when I first went natural. I stopped using it at some point, and have not revisited it as a natural this time around. Was wondering if perhaps I'd imagined the product worked better than it did, given it doesn't have all the "right" ingredients. This has inspired me to try it again, and to try DAX for the 1st time. The jar pic says it has olive and castor oils. Sounds good.
I used grease as a kid and on my relaxed hair up until I went natural. I only stopped because so many people said it was bad for the hair and I'm tryna keep my hair as healthy as possible now. I got some Africa's Best Super Gro that I'm gonna definitely go back to putting on my hair this weekend now that I see that it's still being used and it actually works quite well…I'll try to avoid my scalp tho, even tho my mom used to grease my scalp and massage it in, and it felt sooooooo great and left a nice sheen to my, at the time, relaxed hair, and seemed to help it grow. She keeps saying, with your hair all natural now, you need to grease your scalp! Lol I think I'll take her up on that!
The best twist-outs I've ever had were done for my cousin's wedding in April using Organic Roots Simulator's Hair pudding, and it contains petroleum. I applied it to damp hair, flat-twisted the roots and two strand twisted the ends, then hopped in car and "blow-dried" as I drove 80 on the highway in the desert heat. My hair was soft and frizz-free. I haven't picked up the Pudding again, but the jar is still in cabinet and I will probably need it to get me through the winter.
Ok ok….so i've been having a lot of problems with dryness since i big chopped in February. I transitioned using bantu knots and since I cut off my relaxed ends, haven't been able to do a defined knot out, even using some of the tried and true techniques. No matter how tightly i wound them, even after sealing with coconut oil, shea, evoo….my hair would frizz. No matter the size. I read this post and washed my hair as I normally do, DC'd, and then began knotting. Sealed with some DAX that had been collecting dust under my sink and prayed for the best in the morning…..
BEST KNOT OUT OF MY NATURAL LIFE….i'm sold! 🙂
OMG ….I remember blue bergamont grease and my hair was near my hip back in the day. I had 15-25 beads on one braid. My mother used to do protective styles without even knowing what they were and all she used was one cheap shampoo & conditioner, water, a comb, a brush and grease.
Now I have a TWA and two days ago I bought two grease- DAX COCOKUI Grease (yellow) very lightweight and Royal Crown. I agree that I do put it on after a leave in! Many times I do turn into a product junkie and I only have 1 inch of hair , could you imagine when I get more hair! I bought a whole heap of things and I didn't have to.
Petrolatum, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Lanolin, Sulfates….I will never discriminate, again!
Well, I recently started using sulfur 8 hair grease again. Not for its styling properties (obviously not for the delicious aroma either)but because my hair grew like weeds when I used it years ago. The tingle is amazing and I mix it with lavender oil to reduce the odor. I'm just trying to grow healthy hair at this point. I'm just happy to be past ear length to neck length in a few months. It's working so I'm happy! I have 4b/c I think? Also looking for a great moisturizing leave-in now.
So I walk into one of my beauty supply watering grounds for some conditioner…I look up..and there is the Dax lol! Had no intentions of picking up any pomades, but it was only 2.50 and nostalgia of childhood braids and greasy foreheads compelled me.
And really the more I thought about it, my hair was awesome back then! So who knows, back to basics might not be a bad idea.
I've been using 100% pure lanolin. You can find it in the baby isle in the drug store. I add my leave-in condish from Ouidad then a teeny amount of lanolin as Im twisting my hair. I think the brand is called Lansinoh. Its super thick and I like to mix it with Blue Magic w/ Coconut oil, kind of my own concoction. This helps me to retain moisture and length. And I still use Miss Jessies baby buttercream/buttercream because it seals in moisture. The trick is to add a moisture leave in before using any product with mineral oil, lanolin, etc
Why is Curly Nikki plagiarizing blog post now?
@ Linden I read the article at Lipstickalley.com and the author acknowledges that she got the idea from others! In fact the article concludes encouraging others to reasearch and read articles about other ladies who have been using grease. Perhaps you should go back and read the article yourself. Furthermore, there are numerous youtubers who have been doing videos on using hair grease for a few years now and there are a lot of articles on the web written by women who use hair grease. Moreover, most of us grew up with our mothers using hair grease and some folks on the site are in their 40s, 50s, etc. Bluemagic and Dax being in business for many many years my dear. Even with the whole natural hair revolution folks been making grease. You know why? Because folks still buying grease and never stopped. Get a grip. Really boo!!!
I am dominican and my mom used Dax on mine and my sister's hair back in the day. I remember it was green and on the lid there was a pic of a woman with half her hair down to ther chin and the other half down to her shoulders. LOL. When I started going natural I read a lot about how grease is bad for your hair. It goes to show that you should do.
… and for this reason miss jessies baby buttercreme stays in rotation. it has several 'unmentionable' ingredients but it keeps my hair soft, shiny, and locks in moisture.
I've been using Dax on my kids' hair for the past couple of years and I like it! My hubby uses it on his hair and it's always so soft and shiny. I've never used it on mine because I was afraid. But now I'm tempted 🙂
I just finished the grease challendge using Royal Crown on twist outs – thanks to jcokes7 and mrshairtoday. Now I am using LIV (the white grease). OMG! The moisture I'm getting is unbelievable. I use grease as a sealant to seal in water and my Knot Today leave in. I am amazed at how my hair has grown in 1 month! AND the softness. Please check out @jcokes7 and I did a few reviews as well @dtowndeidre on YT.
Imitating Gordon Gekko "Grease is Good"
WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
Bergamot is a sensitizer and may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals (what we used to call "bumps" back in the day).
Read the ingredient lists.
p.s. ALBA brand UnPetroleum Jelly is the bombdotcom. I use it on my FACE yall!! It has delayed the onset of crows feet, marionette lines, frown lines and keeps my lips supple!
HTH
Ummm…what is "Happy Valley"??????
There is a lot of controversy about using grease. I dont think there is a need to JUMP all over someone because they do something OLD SCHOOL or different. We have to remember, what works for one person might not work for everyone else! If that is the case, I could JUMP, all over everyone that swears by glycerin! My hair hates that stuff! lol
How did your hair FEEL Nikki?
Oooo, well part of me is quite happy because I have a stack of dax and blue magic in my bathroom which everyone has avoided for months if not years. I know you only said dax but you opened the flood gates so Ive included blue magic 🙂
When I was a girl my mom at different times would use DAX, Blue Magic, Dixie Peach, Royal Crown, Ultra Sheen, Indian Sage, Long Aid K-7, DAX pressing cream, Posner Bergamot, Pink oil moisturizer and Sulfur 8 to name a few. She would wet my hair and then add the "grease" and brush. I really like my natural products and will continue to use them, but I need to seal in the moisture more effectively. I am already using EVOO, EVCO and castor oil. I don't like the way shea butter feels in my hair, so I just picked up some Royal Crown and some Softee Bergamot to experiment with to see if it will help.
LOL!!! Well…I've never been a DAX person BUT what I HAVE been doing is using that Honey "Grease" from Carol's Daughter? Works amazing and adds AMAZING shine to my hair! I love it…It was my mom who gave me the idea too. She was like, "You need grease and a brush to get that nice sleek look!" and of course I was SO against it (hoppin on that anti-grease bandwagon again *smh* lol) but I snuck some of my honey "grease" one day and it's been AMAZING! Soft, sleek…I never use too much and I ABSOLUTELY make sure and I use a nice moisturizer before.
I've accidently gotten some that Honey stuff on my scalp though and it caused serious itching so for anyone who reads this…I probably wouldn't recommend it but it's so REALLY good sealant! amazing consistency!
my mama used DAX on me too when i was a kid – and i used the palmers pink stuff in the jar when i was relaxed – but my hair is too thin and fine for that stuff now; i use the burt bees treatment on my scalp because it reminds me of, guess what?
GOOD SMELLING GREASE!!! lol!!! Some things NEVER CHANGE!!!
Anonymous 3:15…no one is telling you to change your routine. You should be doing what's best for your hair. If the mineral oil was working for you why did you stop?
so do you HAVE to use a sulfate shampoo to wash it out? is that the drawback?
When I first started learning how to care for my natural hair and all the dos and don'ts, I threw out a whole jar of "green" Dax. Now I gotta give it a try again along with all the no-nos that worked all those years, lol
Okay I feel like I'm a chain being yanked any which way beacause most blogs talk (even yours) about mineral oil/petroleum and how its not good for the scalp ect and I bought into it and stopped. Now to be told its good again…. I just can't deal with all these can and cannots!!!!
Its not about being judgemental but a lot of people follow these blogs and its getting harder to keep up!! Obvioulsy the point of being a blogger is to give info and have people read your blogs and follow what is said so how are readers to react when told to change their routine. Again. I'm aware that some other writers might feel I'm being difficult but its my opinion and I feel that I'm being pushed and pulled in many directions when reading these blogs!!
I used grease on my hair last Saturday before seeing any posts, does that make me a "jacker" too. Yall cyber gangstas are pitiful. Log off and read a book.
Please be more original next time dollface, love your blog – but it reads like you just ripped this whole post off.
http://www.lipstickalley.com/f38/guess-what-ive-been-using-grease-my-hair-i-like-338654/
I mean really..?
Didn't we just go through some drama with mop flop idiot? you aren't immune to being dragged through that same mud trust.
I have never stopped using ointment(grease) on my hair. What I have changed is the quality of what I use. I don't use anything with petroleum or lanolin in it. At a certain point in my life when I was cleaning up my diet…my scalp would not tolerate those ingredient or any cheap fillers…
I've been using Crystal's Royal Secrets Herbal Hair Rejuvenater on my scalp to excellent results for the past 20 years …
www.crsecrets.com
I have been going to a natural stylist for about 2 months &been wearing protective styles as well & seen a significant amount of growth She also has been applying a cream to my scalp It has made a major difference in my hair growth I have been on lots of bandwagons during my journey & realized that I need to do whats best for me & Shamekia(hair name) this is whats working i will continue to do this
Love this post. My daughter's hair THRIVES on hair grease… the bad blue magic and ultrasheen variety. She doesn't like the way it feels on her hair, but with me greasing her hair she had hip length hair. Now she avoids the grease (17 year old… what are you gonna do) and she can't get her hair to grow past shoulder length. You gotta give your hair what it loves. And hers loves the grease. Mine however… DOESN'T. To each his/her own… 🙂 glad the DAX is working for you. May have to give the whole sealing thing a try though. I am definitely intrigued.
I was one of those little girls with hair down her back as a child. Ah, how I miss the days my Momma would sit me down and spend a Sunday doing my hair. She would only grease my hair up after deep conditioning it for an half an hour under the dryer and slap in some two strand twists. She used Coconut Blue Magic, never a ton (just a lil), but my hair grew quickly and THICKLY.
I'm not judging you CurlyNikki! What works for your hair may or may not work for anothers. I'm just thankful you share your experiences to help everyone else through their curly hair journey. 🙂
Hahahaha, I grew up on DAX and pomade, and you can't tell my mother no different! My mother in law always wanted to put it on my daughters hair. She has a different texture hair than mine, so it does exactly what you say, softens, moisturizes, if used sparingly on the hair, not the scalp. On another note, I love hearing about your adventures in State College, because that is the number one place on my mother in laws list to move to for the remainder of her retirement. And she said when she looked at the few retirement communities up there, there wasn't a brown person in sight. LOL. But she's determined, so hopefully when they make their move, your population will be increased by two.
I think grease my be OK to put on the hair. I noticed when I was relaxed and stop putting grease on my scalp my hair grew like weeds. ….soooo maybe grease itself is not so bad.
Seems the key is using grease as a light sealant and not on the scalp. As for blaming natural hair blogs…remember most of us who are natural where once relaxed and I don't know about you but grease and relaxed hair DOES NOT mix unless you want greasy hair with no life or movement…just a thought. As always do you, do your research…if using grease worked in the first place there would'nt be so many people online searching for hair solutions in the first place…
In the beginning of me wearing my natural hair after I let sew ins go, I would use grease but I think I was a little heavy handed with it. My hair did hold moisture very well during usage but while I was doing research on products to use for natural hair a lot of videos and bloggers said not to use grease. So I'm like how will my hair stay moisturized since that's all I'm used to since my childhood? So it went into details about the different ingredients not to use and I followed it but I still haven't gotten the moisture retention results I have been wanting. So I may go back to using grease but use it sparingly and not on my scalp.
I have always used products that had ingredients that weren't supposedly good for our heads. My hair grew still even with my locs I was past BSL5yrs after starting out with 1 inch hair getting it cut off. I have my hair still natural after cutting it off again in 09 with 2inches left on my head and now stretched out I'm APL. Hopefully the middle of the next year I will be at BSL again. So do what makes your hair happy, whether it's using grease or hair lotion moisturizers or curl activator products. We all grew up on this stuff and our hair did wonderfully with it, so if your hair is dry n needs moisture. Remember what worked best for you and go back to it, because only you know exactly how your hair works no else does. But it's always nice to inform people of a product that worked for you because you never know who is reading it, and it may actually work for them. It's not a bandwagon type of thing because you have the option to have great moisturized hair again then do it. 🙂
"This is interesting. When I was young, late 70's/80's, most of the little black girls in my neighborhood, and we lived in the hood, were natural, everybody's parents used grease and NONE of us had hair down the middle of our backs. Most black mothers today still use grease on their daughters natural hair and the majority of them don't have hair down their backs. I guess I'm not seeing all these little black girls with long hair that supposedly comes with using hair grease that everyone else is seeing."
COSIGN. Grease does NOT grow hair. If it did my sisters and I would have had several heads' worth of waist-length hair by the time we hit high school (early-mid 80s).
What kept our hair short wasn't the products (or lack of them), but the way my mom used the (fine-toothed) comb on our super-fragile strands. Only when we returned to natural as adults did we learn that our hair thrives best when left alone (physically) as much as possible. That has nothing to do with which products we use.
Re "natural hair rules": I wonder if those who've been natural all our lives or those who (like my sisters and me) have been natural since before the online community blew up are just less-concerned or less-obsessed with following arbitrary "rules" than are those who are relatively (within the last 5 years, say) "new" to natural hair and going off what's online. I don't understand what's complicated about the statement: "DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU."
The ONLY thing that works for ME when I want to minimize shrinkage in humid conditions is mineral-oil based grease. I never use a lot, and I always wash it out with a sulfate shampoo (gasp), and my hair does just fine. Right now all I have in the house is Vaseline but I'm thinking about going back to Ultra Sheen for old times' sake (ours was an Ultra Sheen household).
" really think its crazy that some naturals swear against grease, dax, vaseline, etc (when most likely their mothers used it on their hair when younger), but now all of a sudden nikki uses it and publicly says YES THIS WORKS, then it automatically works for them now too? Next yr if nikki says to dip your head in sea salt and grated cheese for an hour cause that will retain length, will these same women jump on that bandwagon too?"
YES!!! This is the point I was making earlier. LOL. Bandwagons…… Do what works for you, not because someone else is doing it!
oh…UGH! I cannot use DAX or any kind hair grease because it builds up and breaks my skin out terribly.
I will admit that up until a very short time ago, grease was a taboo product in my eyes. But, as I commented before on another post, I think it came from my dreadlock days when so many how-to start and maintain locs articles said to NEVER use grease to loc hair. So when I cut my locs off, I didn't have jars waiting to be used. I didn't have any jars at all, just some leftover Jamaican Mango and Lime. But anywho, I love this post. Why? Because Nikki, you were honest about what worked for you and very specific about how you used grease. If I ever use grease again, it will most likely be when I gain more length to ensure that it doesn't hit my scalp, attracting lint and dirt. Also, I like how you are sure to moisturize before using it. Even with all natural oils, it is important to moisturize before using a sealant. Oil, grease, and butters don't moisturize but they can work pretty darn good at sealing in the moisture. I myself am reintroducing shea butter into my hair routine. Grease, not anytime soon. I have no qualms with mineral oil, but lanolin comes from sheep's wool and I am trying to use vegan products as much as possible. (Hard as it was to say goodbye to Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner. [tear]). Again, great post! And it is making me laugh to see so many grease users coming out of the closet.
I've always used grease sparingly and have never been embarassed about it. I remember my DAX days from when I would get my hair done with the straightening comb. It's all about doing you and I am glad you had good results!
I really think its crazy that some naturals swear against grease, dax, vaseline, etc (when most likely their mothers used it on their hair when younger), but now all of a sudden nikki uses it and publicly says YES THIS WORKS, then it automatically works for them now too? Next yr if nikki says to dip your head in sea salt and grated cheese for an hour cause that will retain length, will these same women jump on that bandwagon too?
I think I will definitely go back to using grease(lol) on my girls and my hair! Thinking about trying with our mini-twists. My daughters hair gets so dry after only about 2 days of mini-twists. I had been only using natural oils and shea butter but its still so dry. Maybe grease will work. Also, I use Kimmaytube's recipe for a leave-in as my moisturizer after washing and conditioning. Does anyone know if this could be technically called a "good moisturizer" or should I be using something else to moisturize my hair?
There was a girl who did a test on youtube of different hair products and their ability to absorb moisture AFTER you seal your hair with these products. Even all natural oils and butters cannot be penetrated with water after you've already sealed your hair. I always used *gasp* grease LOL I would put it in while still in the shower right after washing my hair. You have to thoroughly wash it out of your hair and I admit all natural sealants wash out so much better. However, grease and water hold my hair just like gel without the drying effects so for me grease is a must. I do not use gel.
I love grease. May just have to return to my childhood usage of Dax, just like you!
"This is interesting. When I was young, late 70's/80's, most of the little black girls in my neighborhood, and we lived in the hood, were natural, everybody's parents used grease and NONE of us had hair down the middle of our backs. Most black mothers today still use grease on their daughters natural hair and the majority of them don't have hair down their backs. I guess I'm not seeing all these little black girls with long hair that supposedly comes with using hair grease that everyone else is seeing."
I agree completely! Where are all these black girls with long greased up hair as kids? That really doesn't exist for a lot of people. Seeing one or two girls doesn't mean using grease as the sole product in your hair makes it long! Most black parents use grease as a moisturiser, not a sealant and that is the problem.
@anon 3:56
i meant this site. are you one of the natural hair nazis?
@Anon 3:56am
Sooo… you think the members at lipstick alley are the only ones who grease their hair and have this experience? maybe you should read some of the other articles on the site where this topic is mentioned before you come here trying to start static.
Please credit Lipstick Alley when you steal ideas from the members and play them off as your own.
I grew up in an Ultra Sheen, Pink Lotion, and ORS Olive Oil spray household. I'm ashamed to say that I've never heard of Dax & Royal Crown. (Where have I been?!) But I don't think I'll be hopping on the grease bandwagon.
None of those things were "beneficial" to my hair, but it didn't hurt it either. What really damaged my hair were relaxers. I just love the idea of using all natural products in general. They work fine for me so why stop now.
An all natural product that works miracles and it seems to give the same effect as Dax is Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade. I "grease" my scalp and my hair with it. Also, I get banging twists, twist-outs, and braid-outs. =)
Explain this boo!
http://www.lipstickalley.com/f38/guess-what-ive-been-using-grease-my-hair-i-like-338654/
25 years later and I can still smell that Dax smell…oh lord! Never again for me, but glad you've rediscovered something that works. I still use the same simple techniques from childhood too.
Some of the people responding are under the impression that curlies who choose only natural products care that they don't. We don't. Also, to those that don't know, grease never went out of style. Almost every natural hair company has a pomade or a shine and define a/k/a Dax, just all-natural.
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Hey nikki i wanted to know if you think using baby oil gel will be damaging to the hair?
I use coconut grease when I pull my hair back. It helps tame my fly aways and give me a little extra shine. I say, use what works for you! Thanks for keeping it real!
You had me dying with "living on the edge " haha! I myself purchased some grease a few weeks back, after having issues with my evil patch, but only used it a few times and not on my entire head. I never subscribed to the super strict rules, though I prefer natural products no one can take me away from my fermodyl 619, nor or my biology balm. I will definitely be giving this a try on my entire head soon.
I spose there will be a grand resurrgence of those plastic covers on couches and chairs too! …with the possibility of grease marks and all! Jk y'all! I'm bout to jump on the bandwagon and see where it takes me.
I bought some blue magic from CVS a while ago because my usual products ran out, and I've been keeping it on the DL. You all have emboldened me… I grease my twists and I don't care who knows it!
@Anon 10:16 PM: Was that mink oil obtained cruelty free?????
Gonna get me some hair grease what!!!
Talk di ting dem!
::runs to bathroom, grabs Dax, smooths down baby hurrs::
This month when I did my shampoo for the month. I used my normal grape seed oil, and Cantu Shea butter for sealant.But I also used the Organics Root Stimulator Coconut Oil, it has petrolatum in it but it smells so good I could not resist. I could not believe the results my hair was moisturized for at least 3 or 4 days before I had to add more moisturizer. Normally I have to do it everyday.
Running off to get some Dax… [who knew it still existed:) ] Love and gratitude from Nairobi.
I am washing my hair tonight and will use grease as a sealant. Hope it works out. Thanks for the post CurlyNikki!!
I think I have a better alternative that will get you similar results as petroleum, but without petroleum.
I use Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Hair Treatment with Mink Oil. I can find this product in Walgreens and CVS Pharmacies or sometimes Walmart.
The list of ingredients are (in order): castor oil, mink oil, sweet almond oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), jojoba oil, paraffin oil, safflower oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, propylparaben, fragrance.
It's lightweight, smells really good, and is my preferred "grease". I think you ladies would love it.
I am also a "grease convert" thanks to jcokes7 on youtube. I tried a twistout with Curl Junkie Smoothing Leave-In and Royal Crown on top (sparingly). My hair was smooth, soft, and shiny with great curl definition- even after fluffing!! My hair is 4B, so that's not easy to come by….One thing I am nervous about is how grease would do in the summer…May have to switch back to oils when it gets hot, don't you guys think?
These posts were so funny. Grease on your ends or on your scalp. Do what works for you. I use the kimmay tube leave in recipe with my own twist, I add baby oil gel to it, and my hair feels incredible. I spray my two strand twist hair with water and then apply. No apologies necessary.
Nikki…nooooooooo! Why Miss Celie…why?
All I heard while reading this post was this song from Dream Girls..
"Step into the Bad Side…Ooh Ooh Ooh…Gonna take a mean ride…Ooh Ooh Ooh"
P.S-Slick don't you say a word about this on her or on the forum!
so funny to see this! I just started experiementing with grease secretly two days ago (Blue Magic). and i really like it!
Nikki!!!! You are hilariously honest and I love it!!!
You know I have contemplated going back to my Softee Coconut Oil simply because my hair does not hold moisture with any natural oil or butter that ihave tried so far.
When I was a kid my mom used good ol bergamot or Ultrasheen and we had the most beautiful long hair that remained in protective styles. I didn't even get a relaxer till the day before my junior prom!
It seems like the tides are definitely turning for what it means to be natural.
LOL! Nikki this post was too funny!
I've been natural a little over 2 years, and there is so much information out there as to what you should and shouldn't be doing to your hair. Like everybody else has said on this post, you have to do what works for you!
I personally haven't used grease on my hair in decades. But my hair is fine and is constantly dry, and as of late with the weather changing my scalp has been dry and itchy and using grease never even crossed my mind!
Thanks for keeping it real Nikki! LOL
WOW..lol.I have a feeling that grease stock is about to go up! Jk, but I've been natural for 2 years and tried grease for the first time 2weeks ago because I watched jcokes7 Vlog on Youtube. I tried BlueMajic Coconut oil grease and my hair was so shiny and my twistouts were so soft? I was so giddy! My hair had never been that shiny. I purchased royal crown to see if I'd like that. I'm not opposed to what works, and if it works then I"m using it!
Man I going to get my grease TODAY! I am out the front door!
I "grease" my hair after washing all the time. I have used INDIAN HEMP for the last 5 years of being natural! It gives shine and seals moisture for a week or more. The ingredients do include petroleum with other natural ingredients. I just started using the DAX brand which is divine! I swear by it after I wash my hair when its really wet because it brings out your curl pattern even more. To me this is the best time to use DAX Indian hemp with shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie! People think my curl pattern is so good, but explain to them that they can have this look too, but its how you use the products to condition your hair to do what u want it to do.
I'm a grease/vaseline/dax user— maybe it's because i've been natural my whole life but when I think back to childhood my hair always thrived as did my skin [supple, scarless, soft, shimmery]. Everyone else grew up and hopped on the natural bandwagon [yeah, yeah] and got militant and judgey about products when the cheap, beauty supply, old favorites of years past worked and still work super well– and are, again, cheap. If it works, it works– chances are if you used it when you were younger and hair was still damaged and brittle the causes lay elsewhere [routine, etc.] and no on these/those products.
ONE TIME FOR ULTRASHEEN!!!! *blushes and sits down* lol
Nik, Isoplus – yes! The oilsheen was straight magical. Instant sheen (and grease stain on the back of the sofa) – lol!
~Rhonda C
My grease stunt like someone above was with Carol's Daughters Mimosa Hair Honey. #truth! I love it. I will re up soon lol
No apologies needed!!! Lol… Our mom's were definitely on to something when they used Dax in our hair. I have been natural for 1 whole year and my hair is always dry no matter what I use. I think its time to borrow my mom's DAX grease asap!!!
Isoplus girl did they make a perm too? Remember the lady with all that hair on front it was like a side view but her hair was like flying up. It was blue box or something like that. I used to stair at the box for hours and pretend that I was her but I used a blow dryer for my hair to fly up! I thought I was doing sumthing u couldn't tell me I wasn't. When I bought my Royal Crown 2 days ago and showed my dad ya he was smiling and grinning he said that's what I'm talking about!
I grew up in an Isoplus and ultrasheen household 🙂
Let me chime in for a second I was on the "natural" bandwagon myself until my scalp was flaking and became really irritated it was not cool…I did the oil thing and it got worse so…I went and purchased some sulfur 8 and glovers mane on the SCALP! I felt guilty but at the same time I wanted some relief and I got it back then when I would have this problem it worked and it grew my hair. For now I don't used both because my scalp is now a lot healthy but I do use water royal crown mixed with glovers mane and my hair is okay plus its growing. Just think when we were all little these products grew our hair, why did we stop? The only that really broke my hair off was them damn perms, not the sulfate shampoo and etc…I just refuse to be ashamed or guilty for doing something that works for my hair, and to be honest since using grease tackling my hair doesn't feel like such a defeat I look forward to doing it.
I am 10 months post bc. In my 3rd month I remember being deathly afraid of using grease(YT and blogs) but using it anyway and loving the results. I thought back to the Sulfur 8 and Ultra Sheen used on my natural hair as a child. My hair flourished and grew even with the grease and excessive heat(straightening comb).You really have to do what's best for your hair. One size does not fit all.
Nikki, I love this site and I love what you have done for the 'Natural Hair" community. IDK if you shave your head down the middle. You would still be F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!!
OK — I may be the only one who has never heard of Dax. I grew up in a Ultra Sheen and TCB household. No matter the label — it is still ALL the same "grease". Gotta do what works for you!
Here's another little use for "grease". I use it on my girls hair to seal OUT chlorinated water. Yep, before they enter the pool, I thoroughly saturate their hair w/conditioner followed by a liberal coating of "grease". And guess what happens?! Nothing! Absolutely nothing because the grease serves as a barrier effectively repelling the chlorinated water! And that is indeed the goal!
~Rhonda C
I guess people will stop bashing Miss Jessie's products now.
I don't know why I am so amused about all these people deriding other people for jumping on bandwagons while jumping on one themselves.
Do what works for your hair with no apologies or excuses. No one can (and no one did) force you to use or not to use grease.
I'm a PROUD Dax user. Not the green one but I am currently trying the hemp & the black one with tar and coconut oil. I really didn't go natural to be bound by the rules. I wanted to be FREE…. I love oiling my scalp on wash day and twisting my lovely hairs right up with grease in tack all throughout my stands. Hey, I say "do you, and imma do Dax" lol….. It worked wonders back in the day so why hate on it now…. Dax $3.49=Ms.Jessies $50 PRICELESS I Swear.
Val S.
Hair grease has given me less tangles, more hold, softness AND length retention.. my ends don't snap off anymore. It works wonders for this Florida girl in the humidity and works well with ALL my conditioners. My hair is in the "tween" stage and extremely dense. Hey it works for ME …AND is cost effective baby! Woop woop so glad others are trying it!! I use the "softee" brand Indian hemp from the dollar store and no cream, gel, souflee or butter has worked as well as it has. It already has all the oils I would normally buy seperatelt and i use it to twist after washing my hair. Fabulous!!
LOL… as long as Curly Nikki says DAX is good then its Good, right? Let's all jump on the bandwagon……. um… no.
Dax or no DAX, if what is working for your hair is working, why change it? Like relaxers, like using flat irons, DAX may not be good for everyone's hair…
I will not be jumping on the DAX bandwagon, my hair is thriving with my current regimen.
I use hair grease. Period. lol I tried to conform a long time ago: "spray your scalp with oil sheen" then "no, just use grapeseed or jojoba oils" then "…" But in the end, grease works for me. For me the key is balance. Obviously I can't keep caking it on or everything that flies by me with adhere to the greasy scalp, plus buildup is disgusting. So, I have to time it just right and wash on time. 🙂
p.s. I even know someone who mixes Royal Crown and Shea Butter. Works for her.
Yes, I recently tried Blue Magic to seal in moisture so far so good!!!
~CocoEuro
My mother always always always used Dax on my hair but it was called Dax Hair Food plus 4. My hair loved it then. I hadn't thought to go back to it until now. I always thought…well my mom used to used it on my hair as a child so why can't I used it now but I always stopped myself because of all the things I've learned since becoming natural. I think I'll give it a shot too. Why not, what the worse that can happen *Kanye shrug*
This is interesting. When I was young, late 70's/80's, most of the little black girls in my neighborhood, and we lived in the hood, were natural, everybody's parents used grease and NONE of us had hair down the middle of our backs. Most black mothers today still use grease on their daughters natural hair and the majority of them don't have hair down their backs. I guess I'm not seeing all these little black girls with long hair that supposedly comes with using hair grease that everyone else is seeing.
Nikki, girl you might want to check out Natures Blessings, you will be hooked. I oil my scalp all the time. I have a scalp condition and it really helps. We must embrace some things from the past, because they make our todays. Everything our mothers did was not wrong ya know. I love love love Vitapoint for shine as well. Putting oil on natural hair coats it for those days when it gets dry, we just have to be lighter than or moms were. My mom damn near used a whole jar on my head as a little girl.
There is a hair grease that I use it's called nature's blessing that is just like dax and smells amazing it has mineral jelly as one of the ingredients which is probably petroleum though.
Nikki, your honesty is why we love you! You keep it all the way real. You have to do what works for you!
I too stopped using certain products after hearing all these natural hair articles stating that grease and shampoos with sulfate are bad for your hair, so I went out and brought the all natural expensive products and wasted so much money because they never worked for my hair no matter how hard I tried to make them work. YOU GOTTA JUST DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.
I love using any blue magic and but I am very light handed as well.
My mom use Royal Crown and water in my hair as a child. As I look over my childhood pics, I had banging twist…even though they had barrettes at the ends, lol! I even had the finger roll bangs! I will be using Royal Crown after my next wash!
My Mom used Dax on my hair and scalp as a child….then she started using that ALLWAYS Indian hemp grease…the one that had the bits of twigs and stuff in it. I LOVED the way that stuff smelled! Thanks Nikki….I'm gonna see if they still make that stuff!!!
Ummm since I've started transitioning, which is getting close to a year now, I use all kinds of products that most in the natural hair community would say are a no-no. I use Dax from time to time, I use hot six oil to do hot oil treatments (full of cones mineral oils and all) lol I use Pink hair lotion to moisturize between co washes (I tried to let go of the Pink hair lotion but I can't!!! lol) and my hair is growing and very healthy so it's all about what works for your hair and how it thrives. And ummm if you do a Dax giveaway I'm there lol
I use the BB double strength super grow (in the orange jar) on my twists and borrows. Love it and my hair is thriving.
Haha I was all into the 'MINERAL OIL is the DEVIL's PRODUCT' hype when I first thought about going natural…but secretly I could never let go of my amazing little jar of Nature's Blessings Pomade! The stuff is just toooo good! So I just told myself that mineral jelly was okay when I used it sparingly. (Well that didn't last long at ALL! I just couldn't fade the dryness. To this day I use my greasy faithfully for sealing and it's never let me down!! 🙂
An alternative that is a staple for me is Carol's daughter's Mimosa honey hair dress. All of the goodness without being sticky!
I don't think it was the grease, shampoos or conditioners that did my hair in when I was relaxed. It was a lack of knowledge and moisture – I was clueless about using sulfate-free shampoos and how to put moisture back into my hair. Oh well, "a lesson lived is a lesson learned."
I strayed from grease once I became natural because that's what blogs were telling me to do. Recently I've come to the conclusion; it's just hair product. If it works, use it. If it doesn't, don't. That simple. It's been working for me lately, and my favorite is Blue Magic Coconut Grease.
Many a black women can look back at pictures pre-perm, when mom's would use grease on our hair, and see thick, glorious hair. My mom would wash/blow dry every two weeks, and then grease/ twist every other day.
I must inquire about how often those who use grease wash their hair? My hair gets dry by the end of day 2, and grease seems logical.
oops forgot to add: Many of the people I know where the grease didn't work for them used TOO MUCH and they didn't use water first.
It works for me. And my hair doesn't smell, and is not greasy.
Only a LITTLE though and with WATER.
Well back in the late 80s/early 90s before I stopped using grease all together, after I washed and conditioned my hair I would put a little grease on the ends of my hair and then roll w/magnetic roller. I had a full head of fluffy hair.
Two words: Sulfur 8
It is a throwback to my days growing up when mom would scratch my scalp and then apply Sulfur 8. I have always had problems with dandruff and when I learned that petroleum and mineral oil were alleged enemies of our hair, I banned the use of it in my house. But, alas, when tea tree oil, olive oil and all the other "natural" treatments for my troubled scalp failed, Sulfur 8 remained, as always, a trusted success. I know the smell is not at all pleasant and yes it contains petroleum and mineral oil, but it gets the job done and done well! I have tweeked my usage of it a bit. I now only apply right after I've washed and conditioned my hair and only to the troubled areas of my scalp. And I use SPARINGLY!
Mrs. Nikki you know that you are the reason I threw my hair grease away. Now you're telling me it MIGHT be ok if I clarify. Shame on you! lol it's a good thing hair grease is cheap!
I just bought some Dax for me and my daughter today. My daughter's hair is super dry too so I'm going to use this on her hair to preserve moisture. I definitely won't be using it on our scalps though because it used to make my hair itch like crazy growing up…only the length and ends.
You know Nikki, this has me thinking. Before I even "embraced" my natural hair I would wash, condition, grease with Sulfur 8, braid it and but my wigs back on. My hair flourished. I am tempted to go back to that.
Hey Curly Nikki and everybody ..Even when I had put grease on my scalp, it made my hair grow, I used softee herbal grow,blue magic, parnevu hair grease, BB bronner brothers grease, well basically I used a lot of greases that made your hair grow and it did grow..Now that I am using natural products, my hair is not growing like it use too when I was using grease, I think I may go back to grease..It also made my hair soft but really when I used grease on my scalp, it made my hair grow. It probably does clog pores but I always washed my hair every week or every two weeks and that was when I had a relaxer and my hair was nice and my hair was shoulder length, I was kept it cut like that, I also tired grease on natural hair too and my hair felt like it was growing and it felt softer, Ms. Curly Nikki and everybody else, do what works for you…and on goodguide.com, I believe they have on there that petroleum is not really bad for your hair.
My hair hates grease, but my scalp loves it. That's right, I said it! I lightly grease my scalp 1-2x/week, especially in the winter, and I dare the Natural Hair Police to come knocking at my door. I (and MY hair) ain't scurred of no po-po!
I will stay away from the grease. Grease makes my hair itch. I was always looking like a crackhead scratching my scalp when I was little and when I got older I realzied it was from the grease! Crazy, I know!
Wow Nikki, see what the truth does for you. lol You've have set alot of naturals free.
I've been eyeing a bottle of Moisture Max at the BSS for a minute now… 🙂
This may be a GREAT way to get that ever elusive SHINE I am after…
My name is Essense and I am a sulphur 8 user. The thought of the tingle I get when applied to my scalp is awesome! I can't imagine not using this as a staple, my scalp does not play that grease free stuff!
Great post! No need to feel guilty at all; do you boo! The only reason why I do not use grease in my hair is because i have extremely oily skin and it absorbs my hair products like no other…so i hae to be very careful what I put it in my hair especially bc I have a heavy hand. However I have been thinking about using grease for a long time bc my hairsis so thick, dry and frizzy; so maybe if I use it it in moderation and not go crazy with it I can go back to using it again…I do have an alternative which is the Cantu shea butter pomade; I think I will use that when I do my twist outs (dry and wet)….also wantto try the Mizani hair pomade as well..
Eta that's suppose to be @ Quite my bad..lol..
@ Bridget for 1:45pm
This is a good video by Curlychronicles who does the "Tension Blowdrying Method" and it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAB-XC4m4YA&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL3CD62271609EF6E5
I use grease on my natural hair, currently have half a cup of the blue magic castor oil with sheabutter and aloe grease. But I just recently tried out Royal Crown Hair Dressing and it worked wonders for me. Just using oils on my hair even with spraying my bottle of water/condish mix wasn't keeping the moisture in my hair. I just needed something heavier for my thick hair, and I find that this has really made a difference, shot even my roots feels softer.. lol… Since the weather is going to be getting a tad bitter cooler, I'm going to put this in my hair when I do my mini twists. Hopefully I can keep them in for a whole month :).
But "Jcokes7" fellow Youtuber has a good video titled Let's Talk About Hair Grease Rant and it's good. Also black definitely don't crack for her because she is gorgeous :). You would never know that she was in her 40ish age range because she has an 24,20,16,and 10yr old children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkuYIq1BKis&feature=channel_video_title
LOL! Love the post! I wish I would let someone that doesn't even know me or my hair intimidate me into something! Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great suggestions and knowledge on these boards but a lot of bad rumors get passed along as fact also.
Mishie
Oh, and my mom regrew hair on bald spots that my sister and i had as children with Sulfur 8! They gave her medicine, she was like, "bump that" and got us some sulfur 8. It stunk but it worked. Someone above talked about a light version, without the smell … I may have to investigate!!
Shelli
Funny you posted this Nikki. I was thinking while doing my hair yesterday that my mom was onto something when she was doing me and my little sister's hair. She used Dax to grease our scalps after shampooing and conditioning every weekend. Our hair length before relaxers was to our waists. So what did I do yesterday… GREASE MY SCALP!!! I am going to see how this goes, but I do know mommy never steered up wrong! Thanks for this post Nikki!!!
My name is Miss Moon, and I am a closet greasehead, too!
While my scalp is not a fan, my dry hair goes GaGa for Kuza's Coconut Oil Grease!!!
OMG, I love this post… I haven't applied grease to my natural either but I will be tryin it on my twist out this week for an event on Friday. I too have mositure problems and co wash my hair almost every other day because oil and a leave in only gives me that shine and mositure I need for maybe 1 day. Reintroduceing grease may just be the trick for my coarse mane!! Thanks Nikki
man, this post really made me think back to when i was a child and my mom used TCB and would pop open some vit e capsules to mix in and grease my scalp and hair and braid me up. and as so many here have said, my hair was also long and healthy (until i begged for a relaxer at 12). and after reading all the posts, i had stopped using grease while now in my natural state once again…i have been longing to get that same type of length back and health to my hair, and maybe my mom was onto something. i think imma go out tomorrow and rekindle my relationship of products from the past and intro them to my new products and see how well they get along!
thanks Niki for this post!!!
Nikki do whatever you think helps your hair.The natural hair community have so many rules sometimes it's hard not to make it take a hold of you. When I first went natural it seemed like everyone was talking about using all natural products. I figured out my hair HATES butters(I need water in my moisturizers)and certain natural shampoos(I'm looking at you giovanni 50 50 shampoo). Some of the best products for my hair are not natural and my hair is growing and thriving.
Gurl please,
I'm all about Blue Magic! I've been natural for six years and I've tried every expensive product on the market. After I lost a lot of hair with the Mirena IUD, I went old school with great results. Momma knew exactly what she was doing!
LOOKS LIKE WE BACK TO GREASE LADIES!!!!!!!!! *runs out to buy some GREASE*
LMFAO @ "Now who's ready for a Blue Majic, Dax, and Soul Glo giveaway?!?!?!?". My mom used to use Dax on me as a child and I recall trying it again years ago after seeing how nice and luscious my male cousins' hair was and when I asked, hey what do you use and he pointed to Dax. When I tried it, I hated it but I realize now that it was probably because I was using it incorrectly: I would apply my watery leave in and then Dax which was not enough. At this time I'm using unpetroleum jelly which doesn't have any of the bad stuff in it but if I were in a pinch, I would definitely try some Nature's Blessing or Vaseline now that I know what steps need to come beforehand.
No, no ma'am! Not for me. I won't be going to the Grease Promiseland with you, as even a bit weighs my hair down way too much. Lol! I always, say and firmly believe that one should do what works best fo you. So, thanks for sharing what works for you. I'm sure many folk will benefit for that.
My family used Ultrasheen pomade while I was growing up, but it was used mostly for smoothing fly-aways on ponytail hairstyles. I think my Dad may still use it.
My adult life, as-close-to-grease-as-you-can get experience:
Two yrs into my being natural (12 yrs a go), I used Carol's Daughter Hair Mimosa Honey Pomade (it has corn oil in it) and I loved it for slicked back updos, and moisturizing effects. Even though I didn't use much of it, I got tired of the grease marks and staining of hair accessories like hats, so I found other ways to get desired results without leaving streak marks on stuff and avoiding the lint dilemma.
I really like being able to touch very well moisturized hair and not feel any sort of residue.
Thanks! my YT channel name is jcokes7
I used Dax back in the day and had hair down my back! I ain't mad at ya! I think it's a great product and obviously it is still around so someone's buying it! I agree that you don't need alot of it and I would wash my hair every week without any problems! After reading this post I may dust mine off and start putting a little on my ends! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Funny…on You Tube many hair vloggers have been excoriated for using hair grease. Yes. They were attacked. Jcokes did a wonderful video on the subject. It might be suiting now to give some of these hair vloggers some love. Show their videos. Its interesting that you're getting positive feedback but they received lots of negative comments. I wonder what that's about. mmmm
Nikki I commend you for being bold lol makes me admire you even more.. At least I know no matter what you wont lie to us to look good….now off to try some of that dax if it dont work I know who to blame lol lol j/k
whisper29
Honestly, I think this is great. I've often wondered if the bad rap for mineral oil & petroleum was a bunch of propaganda. If it worked when we were kids why wouldn't it work now? Thanks for sharing! NaturallEgood
I know when my daughter was little I used grease without fail. Her hair was the healthiest and grew like weeds then. I still keep a bottle around and it is my go to when I notice moisture issues going on even now.
Just before your confession, I was toying with the "grease/pomade" idea myself. I wanted something to "truly" lay down my edges and provide a lot of shine. Went to Youtube and saw vids about Murray's Superior pomade. Then I saw your confession, ran to the store and bought both. My plan is to bun my hair for most of the winter with no gel and no frizzies. Girl, that water/grease and scarf tie down scenario is
da truth!. I even dry twisted (chunky) the moisturized length with great results for the textured bun portion. I'm sure some grease will get on my scalp since I'm slicking back the perimeter. So what…it was laid on thick when I was a kid! 🙂
wow..i am definitely going to try this on wash day..Im a new natural and, a couple of months ago, i purchased cantu shea butter's hair dressing pomade. I didn't read the ingredients until i became more educated on hair care. when I discovered that petrolatum is the first ingredient, I immediately stuck it in the back of my products drawer, never to be used again. This post has made me reconsider this product. I really hope it gives me satisfactory results!
I have started to use grease too! My scalp gets EXTREMELY dry and I've tried oiling it everyday but nothing works like old fashioned grease 🙂
My mom has been natural all her life, and so was I until I turned 18 and rebellious…LOL…32 now and back on the natural bandwagon. She laughs at me every time I tell her something I read, she calls my bathroom the kitchen because of the oils. She has a lovely head of hair, uses dax and a comb. LOL.
::clears throat:: When I first went natural (2 yrs or so) I went thru hair blog and youtube vids like my life depended on it. I came across a post about Sulfur 8. Even though it has petroleum in it, I went and bought the light version to avoid that smell I hated as a child. I also picked up some Glover's. Yes, you read correctly. My mom used it on me when I developed reoccurring dandruff as a child. I remembered that although I hated the smell, my hair was long & healthy. So in the beginning, I went back to my roots. Glover's before washing, greased my scalp (lightly) with Sulfur8 and kept my ends moisturized as best I could. My hair grew, my scalp wasn't suffocated and is dandruff free. Don't sleep on what mama taught you!
Shoot, before I boo'd up Qhemet…..
My Blue Magic Coconut grease stayed on deck. Shoot, that's why my flat ironed wedding day hair was so fabulous!
**runs in shame…**
Oh, who am I kidding. If this Qhemet runs out before winter (which I doubt) that blue and white jar is still close. Shoot, I've been know to throw my blue magic on my skin after applying my jojoba oil.
#Whoyoufinnatry?
I was a bald baby until I was about 2 y.o. My mom mixed mineral oil and vaseline and put it on my hair after washing. When I was younger my hair grew to my butt. I think it is all about keeping your hair clean and healthy. I used to worry about using "no cones" and "all-natural" hair products, but then I remembered what worked best for me in the past and I just stuck to it :-)! Thanks for the post Nikki!
-Clarise
I had never let go of my grease! LOL Been natural 2 years, and I had always used "grease"…lol oh well, I always was super moisturized with it, so why stop?
Nikki,
I'm new to your site, and currently RE-transitioning out of a relaxer after damaging my 2 inches of new growth wcolor & mild relaxer.
There are so many "guidelines" to be found online for natural hair care, but back when we (my sisters and I) were rockin' the big 'fros – all we did was shampoo, condition, apply hair oil (not necessarily lite oil), and braid while hair was wet. Or hair grew like crazy, and looked good.
Thanks for the full disclosure 🙂 !!!
Like I've always said, and I've said on your FB post about this….my aunt rocked a fro in the 70's and just went back natural 3 years ago. She was miffed by all of the natural hair "rules" (no pun intended) that came about. DO THIS, DON'T DO THAT…USE THIS, STOP USING THAT. Part of which may be true, but she says that all they had back then was grease and an afro pick and her hair grew just fine. I take all of the research with a grain of salt and make my own conscious decisions as Nikki stated. Furthermore, everyone's hair texture is different, thus it will respond differently to different styles/products/regimens. I too remember my mom pressing my hair with Dax, Pro-Line grease, and the one that smelled like coconuts (can't remember the name) but every time she washed my hair she did a acv pre-wash and my hair was down my back growing up, but that's just me. So people shouldn't judge someone for them using what works for their hair. That is all….
I have always gone back and forth from natural to straight since I was about 16. When I went natural for good 11 years ago I tried most of the products that were talked about on the different natural sites; I always came back to shampooing weekly and using Blue Magic grease on my hair. I found that my scalp does not like any products so I only use it on the hair. I like the softness and it makes my thin hair look fuller. I agree that everyone should do what works for them and be happy.
@coilyheadchick, right! It's real out here in these natural head streets!
I'll check out your channel.
Hello, My name is Tamica, and…I… I use grease….LOL, Yeah "some" naturals just take the whole grease thing waaay too far, when we was little all of our mama's used grease and water, we all had nice long pretty pony tails right?? So who was the person that turned there back on a tried and true method??? I agree with the young lady before me, I think more naturals use grease then they are willing to admit!!!
LOL! Thanks for the comments ladies!
OMGosh, this was one of the hardest posts to write… *looking outside making sure no one's egging my car*
I know I don't 'have' to apologize, but I still feel so much responsibility when I say things… which is why I always reiterate being your own expert. Grease may make your hair a HAM, but it works for me, and that's what matters.
Thanks again for all the comments!
LMBO the Natural Hair NAZI's are coming to get you!!! Lol I have entire YouTube Twist HairGrease series.. glad you tried it and Love it!
Yay Nikki, welcome to the 'grease side' LOL!!!
Im called 'Slick' in the forums because of my love of vaseline to seal my hair and I also use Africa's Best Castor Oil Hair & Scalp conditioner which I use to grease my scalp occasionally but mostly to seal and for my braidouts; gives great hold, sheen and fabulous definition. LOVE IT, whatever works I use and you should do the same with no apologies :o)
I too use mineral/petroleum greases..the one I love is Palmers' coconut moisturizing oil "i think is the full name"…I too stopped using grease because of what I read on different forums and boards and when I was using with a lil of conditioner I would have a white flaky mess in the front of my hair, so I stopped, but my gut kept telling me to go back to what my hair loved and that was the grease. I only use a little bit because I don't like oily hair, but everytime I get the perfect results and it lasts for days without re-twisting, I just pineapple…I got the grease from my moms stash that she said she hadn't tried yet…Now the only thing i do to my hair after washing n conditioning (deep or regular) i keep as much moisture in and don't towel dry and then put the Palmer's on with homemade flaxseed gel and it is BOOOYAAAA!! So don't be embarrassed or ashamed cuz the so say "devil" aka mineral oil is "not a liar"…lol..I know some may disagree…
Happy Growing ladies and don't forget to feed your BODY just as much as u feed your HAIR!!!
@alwys1athletics
I'm using Pure Lanolin (Now Solutions) on two strand twist and i absolutely love it. Although its not for Vegans, i dont see the problem with using it because no animals are hurt. And my ends feel like butter. And this is Lanolin and Water only, and the twist are holding and no shrinking. Good Post I'm going to try this brand that your using soon.
Before you know it, everybody is going to run out and pick up hair grease. I am scared of hair grease but I slick want to try it! BTW, what is tension blow drying?
It has been about four or so years since I used grease on my hair. I do still use it on my daughters though. I only do her hair once a week for school so I need something that can last, so I put Softee Indian hemp in her hair. Love it. I actully thought I was in the minority with using old school methods. I get mine from Dollar tree, they actually have good hair items that I use and I don't have to worry about going broke.
I read that post on Mineral Oil vs. Coconut Oil about a year ago and, ever since, have believed that mineral oil in products has it's purposes. As I indicated on your first confession post, I used grease mixed with gels on my WnGs for years!!! And, it worked just fine except for the Soul Glo halo left on my leather car seat!! LOL! Oooh, it would get all dusty too! I had to wipe it down once a week! LOL!!! I can't remember which grease I originally used, but it was definitely grease. Then, I moved to the TCB Lite, which had a gel like consistency. Next, I started experimenting with Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey (which I turned my sister onto for my niece … it smelled great and had a consistency heaving than the TCB Lite, but a lot lighter than grease) and finally landed on CD's Healthy Hair Butter. I don't think I'll be trying the Dax for the simple fact of that God awful color (LOL!), but I'm definitely not opposed to using old school grease on the hair. As someone stated above, my mom greased our scalp and hair regularly and it flourished. Also, I say, do what works for you!! What I am interested in trying is Un Petroleum Jelly. I don't know if that has mineral oil in it or not though and I do think that is the key ingredient to sealing in the moisture!
Shelli
I use Royal Crown hair grease on my twist outs and they come out fabulous. If it works then use it.
Sorry about the poor spelling! I meant to say forbidden. LOL
Im transitioning & used grease on my relax and new growth and probably always will when Im 100% natural. Nothing adds shine, and protection from the wind and cold like grease.
This is a good article, but I have to say, I get so tired of people apologizing for what they do to their own personal hair. If this had been an article about the benefits of using grass fed cow poop on our heads, it would have been a few paragraphs and not a single tomato duck would have to be made. But since this is a post about a so called probidden product, there is a lot of 'splainin going on! Girl do you! You don't need permission nor do you need to explain your personal hair choices. I would still read your blog even if you chose to relax without asking me!
I haven't used grease since I was a little girl because even then, it always seemed to do the exact opposite of what it intended to do – seal in moisture. My hair would just suck it right up, look as dry as the sahara, but feel like an oil slick…yuck! I do, however, LOVE CD Mimosa Hair Honey with an unrivaled passion. You are not the first natural I've heard rave about "the grease" though…I'm starting to wonder if its all in the technique. Hmmmm…*rifles through my stash for the DAX*
My mom used grease on my hair when I was young and because I didn't know what else to use I continued using it up until high school. Then I started going to the salons and they used oils to give my shine and moisture. I liked this a lot better!
While I woundln't go back to using "grease" I'll admit that my hair stayed moisturized a lot long. But the stuff is just way to greasy for me! lol but to each it's own…no judgement here.
My mom use to use it on my hair also. I use it on my niece's hair from time to time and her hair always stays moisterized, but never on my natural hair. I will def look for it and give it a try…hopefully I can find it here in Miami…. Lol If not, like the previous vomment stated Blue Magic works…. I know I can find that here.
lol @ who gone check me boo?!
y'all are hilarious.
I just revisted hair grease on a whim about two weeks ago. I use Softee hemp hair dressing and I love it! I bought into all the hype when I first went natural and now that I'm more sure about myself and my routine, I've started doing what works best for me.
It's true, though, that you should moisturize before you put it on. I two-strand twist my hair with Shea Moisture Smoothie, then I spray an aloe based leave in on my twists, then I take a dime sized amount of the Softee and rub it all over my twists, concentrating more on my ends. Hair shines like nobody's business and stays soft and moisturized for days-who gone check me, boo?
Lovely hair…how do you avoid knots and tangles on a dry twistout? I wear my hair in an updo all week and only untwist it on weekends. When I twist it back up @ night, I encounter several knots and tangles…I moisturize with shea butter, coconut oil and castor oil.
…think I'm gonna try using either Vaseline or Dax this week! Thanks Nikki for the truth in your experience! Everything doesn't work for everyone, but I vividly remember using Dax as a child! Good stuff then, maybe good stuff now??
Hmm, well I don't use Dax but I figured out last year that CD's Mimosa Hair Honey was greatness on my WnG (wash 'n go), twists or just about anything. Never applied to the scalp but applied to twists after conditioner and applied to WnG after it set (just lotion it up on my hands and rubbed it on) SERIOUSLY best moisture and softness for days. I couldn't get past a 1 day WnG without it. I heard the rumors about there being mineral oil in it and said "whatev!".
I haven't used grease in years due to all of the articles stating it's no good for natural hair but with your confession I'm starting to wonder… My hair gets dry very quickly and now I am wondering if grease as a sealant will make a difference. Hmmmm…
ditto the ladies on NB pomade.. I haven't used it to dry twist my hair but I just might tho:-) what is "tension blowdrying?"
Love the post! Youtuber jcokes7 just finished a 30 day challenge using hair grease (mostly royal crown) for her twist-outs and she had amazing results. Initially, she got some heat from the natural hair community, but many natural hair ladies quickly came to her defense confessing that they too used hair grease. You should definitely check out her videos. If it works, it works.
My hair couldn't stand hair grease when I was a child with natural and I won't even visit hair grease now! LOL. If it works for you, more power to you. I will stick to my all natural hair products, my hair thrives in it and that's what counts. Happy Monday!
I have used Natures Blessing pomade, which is essentially grease. Prior I had been using unrefined shea butter. I must say that it was lighter than the shea butter but I wasn't crazy about how oily it made my hair feel, but to each their own. If it works stick with it, ultimately you're the one who has to care for your hair.
I used to use Dax every single week when I was younger and getting my hair cornrowed… but then when I was older and started using it..I hated it..it really weighed down my hair and made my scalp so itchy!! Not using it has benefited my hair immensely!!
@UKnaturals
I use Natures Blessings as my grease of choice. When I need to get my grease fix. lol
I don't think anyone should have to apologize for what makes their hair happy. When I first became natural, I looked at the "natural hair no-nos" and had a thought. Most people's hair THRIVE when they're younger and their mom used to do their hair. You see little girls with healthy hair all the way down their backs and past their waists. Most of those mothers use pretty much all of the "hair no-no" products with wonderful results. This is how I figured that all this yipyap about this and that is just that…yipyap. IMO, find what works for you and your hair and use it. No matter what ANYONE says.
my mom always used dax on my hair. was a winner then. wonder if it would be a winner now. i relaxed my hair when i was 20, with REGRETS. but i am back to my natural state 🙂 might have to give dax the old college try.
I used to use Dax grease when I was a kid…well my mother and aunts used it on my hair. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago I recently started straightening my hair now that its cooler and I've been rocking a ponytail. One day while smoothing down my hair I looked at the jar of vaseline in my bathroom and decided to take a tiny scoop, rubbed my hands together, and smooth it on my hair. It gave me a nice sheen. I even rub some on the end of my ponytail.
I don't know what it is but I like vaseline and may continue using it. I'm even thinking about about getting some of that Dax to see if it will slick down my edges a little bit.
I'm a big believer and doing whats best for your hair. I'm glad you keep it honest with us Nikki. I appreciate honesty and at the end of the day its not like its a crime to use what you like and works on your hair.
Jas
lol Love your post, and your hair. Who care's what he natural hair police have to say about what YOU do with YOUR hair. Like the previous poster said whatever works for you.
But to answer your question I haven't used grease in years, way before I came across the info for not using it. I've been using the shea butter/oil mix for almost 10 years and it works pretty good. I tend to stick to what works, but…you have me curious. 😉
I love hair grease for twist outs. Now I'm on the Terressentials bandwagon (and loving it) so I'm using Carol's daughter Honey Mimosa pomade. If I wasn't using the TE I'd be rocking Blue Magic twistouts. Sue me!
Hahah…funny thing about this whole thing is- my hair grew the fastest & longest when I washed, then used baby oil gel on wet hair & let it be. That…and before I knew what wng's were, I would simply leave some extra regular conditioner on my hair for my "wet,curly look" as I called it. Hmph…if it works, it works.
I think a lot of naturals use hair grease but are afraid to admit it publicly. I still have some jars and I use them as needed. Sometimes that hair grease comes in handy. Hair grease, like many things, can be bad for your if your misuse it.
yep, when I did my hair for the event I
-shampooed, conditioned and rinsed
-applied an oil to soaking wet hair
-twisted with Lacio Lacio leave in
-allowed to air dry to 85% dry, applied dax to damp hair
-tension blow dried each section and retwisted with a little dax
that was it!
I'm guilty too Nikki! This hair journey is truly about doing you. You have to do what works for you, real talk – LOL! I've had the same experience with grease = Amazing results!
My mom sneaks vaseline on my daughter's hair when she spends the night. I didn't make too much of a fuss because I noticed that her hair stays moisturized a little longer. When I asked my mom what was the exact routine she told me that she wet her hair, put the shea moisture which I told her to use and then the vaseline. Maybe mama ain't crazy after all lol.