Natural Hair Care Guide

Natural hair care is often not – natural. Leaving people who have recently transitioned to natural or have been natural for years, struggling to care for their hair without harsh chemicals. And to solve all their natural hair problems once and for all.

Luckily, this is the mission for Four Naturals Hair. Below is a list of natural hair ingredients and oils to help you solve some longstanding hair problems like dryness, breakage and shedding.

Adding all or a few of these ingredients to your hair care regimen can reduce the hours in your wash days, improve shedding, accelerate hair growth, and dramatically improve health, moisture, shedding, and shine.

For Strength and Color

1. HENNA
Henna is an ancient medicinal plant that’s been used as a natural dye for over 4,000 years. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties may be beneficial for the hair and scalp, particularly for premature graying and reducing dandruff. The nutrients in henna help nourish your hair while also repairing the damage on the strand. Research shows that henna reduces split ends, hair loss, and hair shaft damage. It also helps prevent scabies and scalp acne, keeping the scalp clean. Another important benefit for naturals is the added curl definition and curl clumping. Henna is cumulative meaning every treatment builds on the last, ensuring those with a henna regimen enjoy strong flexible shiny strands.

2. CASSIA OBOVATA
Cassia obovata powder looks very much like henna powder but generally does not stain hair or hands. It is an excellent conditioner that makes hair glossy and thick, with a healthy scalp. Cassia’s true power is in its moisture and strength infusion. Using a cassia treatment will leave your hair shiny, thick, soft, and strong days after treatment.

3. FENUGREEK
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of iron and protein — two essential nutrients for hair growth. They also contain a unique composition of plant compounds, including flavonoids and saponins. These compounds are presumed to induce hair growth due to their anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects Fenugreek may slow down the ability of DHT to attach to your hair follicles. ‌An animal study has also shown that a herbal oil mixed with fenugreek seed extract can increase hair thickness and growth.

4. INDIGO
A natural hair dye, indigo powder can be used to replace artificial hair dyes. The plant-based nature of indigo powder is gentle on your tresses and does not contain any of harmful chemicals – like ammonia and peroxide. Using pure indigo would dye the hair jet black. Indigo is often added to at-home henna treatments to make the red henna dye turn dark brown to black (depending on the amount of indigo added).

For Moisture

5. SLIPPERY ELM
The amino acids in slippery elm bark will encourage circulation to the roots of the hair and the hair follicles. It can encourage new and healthy growth while adding shine and sheen to lackluster hair. The iodine can help prevent excess hair loss and will encourage softer curls and coils.

6. ALOE VERA
Aloe vera can strengthen your hair and help you manage an itchy scalp or greasy strands. Aloe vera has many active ingredients and minerals that can help strengthen your hair. It has fatty acids and amino acids and is rich in vitamins A, B12, C, and E. These play a part in healthy hair follicles. Some people say aloe vera helps with hair growth, but there’s no scientific proof. However, researchers believe that aloenin, a chemical compound in the plant, is a primary factor in promoting hair growth, as found in people with a hair-loss condition called alopecia. It has been used to improve hair health and lessen breakage, which contributes to hair growth.

7. OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is most beneficial for dry, thick hair. Advocates say it can keep hair moist and strong. Olive oil contains oleic acid which makes olive oil so nourishing to thirsty strands and scalps, moisturizing tresses and restoring its integrity. Olive Oil is a key ingredient in the Four Naturals patent-pending detangling method. The olive oil provides fragile type 4 strands the ‘slip’ and protection needed during the detangling process.

8. CASTOR OIL
Castor oil has been claimed to have a slew of benefits including strengthening strands, promoting hair growth, and nourishing dry scalp. And while the oil itself likely can’t make the hair grow, it’s loved for its ability to create a healthier environment on the scalp that makes for way better hair growth. Castor oil is a ‘sealing’ oil meaning it has the power to seal moisture to the hair. The rule for sealing oils is simple: Whatever was added to the hair before the oil gets sealed. We suggest following your leave-in conditioner with a sealing oil like castor oil. If you put castor oil on dry hair, it will not moisturize the hair, it’ll just seal the dryness. Always use a moisturizing ingredient on the hair before applying castor oil.

Hair/Scalp Stimulants

9. COFFEE
Ever heard of a coffee rinse? Advocates say rinsing your hair with coffee may improve dullness because it contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that promote hair regeneration. Your hair shaft can become smoother. This can relieve frizziness, resulting in hair that’s softer and easier to detangle. Coffee gives your hair a natural shine without damaging it. It helps in darkening your hair color and enhancing its texture. You can add coffee to almost any product to increase its effectiveness.

10. PEPPERMINT OIL
Promotes hair growth, balances oil, can increase hair thickness, and calms inflammation. In general, peppermint oil is best for people with oily hair and scalps. can help to stimulate the scalp thus potentially helping with a better hair growth cycle.”

Try one or all of these natural ingredients and solve all your hair care problems – naturally!