Is hair grease really bad for your hair?
We all remember the infamous blue hair grease that had our manes slick and shiny back in the day! Blue magic, Ultra Sheen, and Royal Crown have been around for decades and used for many generations. Though there are many hair brands out there, when I think about hair grease, Blue Magic is the first brand that comes to mind. It was first created by J. Strickland & Co. in Memphis, Tennessee. Blue Magic Pressing Oil was the first product to debut in 1968 followed by Blue Magic Conditioner Hair Dress in 1974.
Now that the Black hair movement has shifted from press and curls and relaxers to the natural hair movement, the benefits of the old time favorite (Blue Magic) are up for debate!
What is in Blue Magic?
The first ingredient in Blue Magic is usually petrolatum (petroleum jelly, like Vaseline). Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It's an odorless, colorless product that creates a barrier against evaporation of the skin's natural moisture. And here's where the debate starts!
"The first ingredient is usually petrolatum."
The Great Debate!
The natural hair community is completely divided on whether or not hair grease is beneficial to the health and growth of our hair. Some believe, because petrolatum is a moisture barrier, it suffocates or clogs the hair follicles, preventing healthy hair growth. Others believe it does the exact opposite. If the hair is properly moisturized, this protective barrier helps the hair and scalp retain moisture, thus preventing dryness, breakage and promoting hair growth.
"Petrolatum is a moisture barrier."
To grease or not to grease?
So, who's right and who's wrong? I believe they're both right! Let me explain: hair grease (petrolatum, petroleum) is NOT a moisturizer on it's own. Hair grease (alone) only aids in the temporary appearance of moisturized shiny hair but doesn't actually moisturize the hair. If you apply grease to a dry scalp (or dry hair), you're creating a barrier preventing moisture from going in or out. This adds no health benefits to your hair whatsoever. However, hair grease can be an effective sealant when used on top of properly moisturized hair. It can help with moisture retention and help prevent breakage.
"Hair grease is NOT a moisturizer on it's own."
My personal experience
I've never really used hair grease on my hair as an adult. However, God has blessed me with 4 beautiful children, of which 2 of them are gorgeous little girls with two very different hair types. Maiah, my 5-year-old, has very fine type 3B/3C hair. I'm able to keep her hair pretty moisturized using the L.O.C. (liquid, oil, cream) method. My other daughter, Journey (3 years old), has very thick type 4B/4C hair (and a lot of it). The longer and thicker her hair became, the harder it was for me to find products that worked for her. Her hair started to become dry and brittle. The L.O.C. method wasn't enough. I would moisturize her hair and an hour later it would be dry like I never touched it. As I was browsing the aisles at my local beauty supply store, I came across a display of Blue Magic Products. I stood there for several minutes contemplating whether or not I should go back to "old faithful." The whole time, I hear echos of people telling me that hair grease is bad for the hair and it will do more harm than good. I ignored the ominous voices, took a deep breath and grabbed the Blue Magic Organics Castor Oil Grease off the shelf and paid for it. I immediately went home and tried it out on Journey's beautiful coils. I moisturized her hair using the L.O.C. method first. Then I applied Blue Magic to her hair and scalp. I was blown away! I had never seen her hair so shiny and sleek. Not only was her hair shiny and moisturized but, it lasted DAYS! Blue Magic has now become a staple product in my household. Nothing else works the way Blue Magic does.
"I was blown away!"
So, what should you do?
As with any product, do what works for you! Our hair is unique and will respond in it's own way to different products used. What works for me may not work for you. It's up to you to find products that work and stick to a regimen that best suits your own unique beautiful hair.
