By Mary Wolff

A question many naturalistas ask is should I really use grease on my hair? When we think of grease, we think of thick gunk that belongs in cars and not curls. Let’s a closer look at whether or not you should use it for your hair.

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Grease is usually a combination of petroleum (cleaned up sludge from the earth) and mineral oil (even cleaner, liquefied sludge from the earth). Petroleum-based products come from the same Earth that we pollute every day with factory run off, pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, etc. Questions about the safety of mineral oil and petroleum in cosmetic products come from concern that they may not be clean enough after coming from such a dirty place. The petroleum and mineral oil used in medicinal creams (Neosporin, for example) gets cleaned much more thoroughly than the stuff used in hair products.

That being said, it’s important to remember that hair is dead – meaning it’s not connected to your blood supply after it emerges from the hair follicle. If you’re concerned about the safety of petroleum-based products, start by not using any on your lips. Most lip balms and glosses are petroleum-based and you end up swallowing the majority of what you put on. That’s much worse than putting petroleum on your (dead) hair!

There are a few great benefits of using hair grease that make it worth trying. It is a sealant which makes it ideal for treating frizz. It’s also good for getting a light hold minus the crunch factor of hairsprays. When looking for a way to get sleek edges in your latest style, hair grease might be just the trick you are looking for. Regardless of the reason you use hair grease, it is best to pay attention to the health of your hair and know what it needs to stay looking its best. No two heads of curls are the same so try it out for yourself before you make a final verdict on hair grease.

You should use whatever works to keep your hair from breaking and help you achieve the styles you like. While some curlies will swear off hair grease because of the petroleum part and the fact that it isn’t an all-natural based product, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its uses. If grease makes your hair look and feel good, you should use it, but keep a few things in mind:

Be Careful with Build Up

Be careful about the grease you choose, especially if you have fine hair. It’s not just the ingredients that matter, it’s the recipe too. You’ll know the grease is too heavy if you have to work to create volume/fullness on your finished style. Anything that leads to more manipulation should be avoided. Fine hair also doesn’t do well when you put a lot of weight on the strands. If you notice your hair breaking even when you know it’s moisturized (e.g. within 24 hours of a fresh wash), it could be the extra weight from the grease.

Shampoo Frequently

You need to shampoo your hair once a week (more if you work out). The best long term routine includes washing with a gentle shampoo once a week. Momma did have some things right back in the day. The routine was shampoo, condition, water, grease, repeat. Grease attracts more dirt than other products and it can easily build up and clog the cuticle layer. Clogged cuticles prevent the hair from reaching its optimal moisture level which will make it more breakage prone than ever. Make sure you don’t apply the grease to your scalp since it will only make this problem worse.

It Does Not Moisturize

The other big thing to know about how to use hair grease is that it has no moisturizing properties whatsoever. If you are going to use it, make sure you apply water to your hair first to avoid it making your strands dry. Using it as a sealant with water can create a better retention of the natural moisture your hair needs to stay healthy. You need to make sure you are hydrating your hair after every use of hair grease to replenish any lost moisture.
The decision to use hair grease is ultimately up to you based on your personal needs and individual hair. It is worth noting that serums were created to give us a better alternative to grease. Although grease works very well as a sealant, it’s heavier than other products and it attracts more dirt. If you have very fine hair or acne prone skin, you should choose a silicone serum instead.

Cover photo: Derbycitynaturals.com

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The Pros of Using Hair Grease for Natural Hair

Sealing in Moisture: One of the main benefits of hair grease is its ability to lock in moisture. It forms a barrier on your hair, preventing moisture from escaping. This can be especially helpful for those with dry, porous hair.
Shine and Luster: Hair grease can give your locks a beautiful, healthy-looking shine. It’s an excellent choice if you want your hair to dazzle and catch the light.
Manageability: Hair grease can help with detangling and styling. It can make it easier to work through knots and tangles, reducing breakage during the styling process.
Protective Styles: When you’re rocking protective styles like braids or twists, applying a bit of hair grease to your scalp can help soothe dryness and prevent itching.

The Cons and Considerations

Now, let’s get real about the potential downsides and things to consider when it comes to hair grease:

Product Buildup: Hair grease is heavy and can lead to product buildup on your scalp and hair. This can make your hair feel greasy, weighed down, and difficult to cleanse thoroughly.
Clogging Pores: Petroleum-based hair greases can clog your hair follicles and lead to scalp issues, including breakouts and potential hair loss.
Not Ideal for All Hair Types: Hair grease might not be the best choice for those with naturally oily or fine hair. It can make your hair look and feel greasier.
Potential Health Concerns: Some people are concerned about the health risks associated with certain ingredients found in hair grease, such as mineral oil and petrolatum.

What’s the Alternative?

If you’re looking for alternatives to hair grease, you’re in luck! There are plenty of natural oils and products that can offer similar benefits without the potential drawbacks.

Natural Oils: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and argan oil are fantastic alternatives. They provide moisture, shine, and nourishment without the heaviness or product buildup of hair grease.
Water-Based Products: Look for water-based moisturizers and leave-in conditioners that hydrate your hair without the greasy feel.
Creams and Butters: Hair creams and butters, like shea butter or mango butter, can offer moisture and shine while being lighter than traditional hair grease.
Beeswax! Check out this article for the sweet deets!