Grey Hair Hack : 4 Oils To Help Maintain Your Greytness

Grey Hair Hack : 4 Oils To Help Maintain Your Greytness

By Manhattan Grey

Choosing a hair care product and sticking with it can be daunting, not to mention expensive. Especially with grey hair which is sensitive and unique on its own. Factor in the reality that Black Hair is versatile and ever-evolving. This leaves most of us forever seeking new ways and new products to improve how we care for our crowns.

The Black Haircare market is a 1.2 trillion dollar industry built of hundreds of thousands of products on the market that come with hundreds of thousands of claims to make your hair more manageable, healthier, thicker, longer, free from breakage, etc. but what do all of the oils, waxes, extracts, serums and compounds do and how do you know what ingredients are best for you?

Don’t worry, we took notes while creating Manhattan Grey so we could let you know exactly what you’re putting in your hair and why.

Here’s an all-new list of 4 ingredients designed to help you maintain your greytness!

Castor Oil 

In the natural hair care community when setting out to grow your hair, everyone's first go-to is Castor Oil, more specifically raw, Castor oil. In its purest form, Castor oil is a thick, dark brown oil that looks similar to maple syrup. It has a distinct scent and is best paired with fragrant essential oils (like lavender or peppermint)

Pros - Increases blood flow to the scalp, stimulates hair growth, has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which can prevent and reduce dandruff.

Cons - Can coat the shaft of the hair and leave residue on the scalp. Must use a clarifying shampoo to fully remove castor oil from the hair.

Horsetail Extract

It’s no secret that people admire the thick and healthy manes of horses. In fact, one way to determine the health of a horse is by looking at its tail. But contrary to its name. Horsetail does not come from stallions nor is it used on horses. Horsetail extract is taken from the extract of a plant that is in the fern family. As an oil horsetail is yellow in color and has a faint almost non-existent smell. So why do we call it horsetail? The long tail-like appearance of the plant it derives from.

Pros - Horsetail has antioxidant properties which naturally ward off bacteria preventing inflammation and infection in the scalp. Horsetail strengthens the hair shaft which prevents breakage and increases collagen production which improves the overall look and health of your hair.

Cons - Horsetail is not as desirable in texture and smell when externally used on its own, it should be used in conjunction with another essential oil as it is in our serum ****. Also, although no research has been found for adverse reactions through external use, horsetail should not be used internally by pregnant or
nursing women.

Candelilla Wax

For many of us, Candelilla wax is a new one. In the natural hair care community, candelilla is known for holding locs and braided styles together. Candelilla is a yellowish-brown, odorless, lightweight wax-like substance that derives from the Candelilla plant. This ingredient is a natural alternative to hair “grease”. Many use candelilla wax as a substitute for beeswax or in our case petroleum oil as found in the petroleum-free option of our hair pomade.

Pros - Its texture is good for holding protective styles together and giving styles an extra layer of gloss. The nutrients in Candelilia are also easily absorbed which contributes to the overall health of your hair and produces growth and strength results faster than some of its counterparts. Additionally, Candelilia coats hair and protects it from dust, dirt, and debris which is a plus for those who work or spend a lot of time outside and for children’s hair.

Cons - Anything that is grease or wax-like can be difficult to remove completely from hair. It is recommended that a clarifying shampoo be used to be sure there is no residue left between uses. Additionally, Candelilla has a low melting point which can be damaging when used on styles that require high heat.

Frankincense + Sandalwood

Now usually we would highlight each oil separately but these two are a
package deal. Frankincense and Sandalwood are mainly used for their fragrance. The combination which comes off as an earthy, musky scent with a sweet after bite is used in high-end perfumes, colognes, and body care items like scrubs and body butter. Combined, the two have a luxurious vibe that layers well with other scents. Their versatility and the way the two oils play off of each other make it a classic duo.

Pros - Sandalwood oil has ancient healing properties that date back to the 18th century, it was commonly used in christening ceremonies and to bless new homes. The aroma of sandalwood is known to alleviate stress and calm the nervous system. Another plus is its astringent properties which cleanse the scalp and fight bacteria. Frankincense on the other hand has been known to have a euphoric, aphrodisiac effect when paired with Sandalwood. It also prevents hair loss while boosting the immune system and protecting from viral infections, bacteria, and other harmful free radicals.

Cons - Both Sandalwood and Frankincense are best used with a carrier oil like Jojoba or Shea Butter. Another precaution to consider when using Sandalwood and frankincense is applying it directly on skin or hair without a carrier oil. The potency of both oils has been known to burn skin, and strip hair of natural oils.
Another con, they are known to stain fabric so be mindful of where and when you use them.

Manhattan Grey has a full line of products that range from lightweight serum to styling pomade.