I'm not one to believe in hair products making hair grow blah blah. Like, if you want to put me off your hair products, tell me it will make my hair grow, you lose a customer in me in a heartbeat, however, I came across a video which I found very intriguing.
The video was shared by a vlogger named Miss Sahel, who says she went to Chad to unveil the hair care secrets of an African ethnic group called the Basara Arabs. The Basara Arab women are known to have very long naturally coarse hair that famously goes passed their rear ends. They cover their hair in a home made mixture that keeps their hair super moisturised and lubricated which is the reason given for why they say their hair never breaks; even from childhood.
The hair vlogger also shared the ingredients which include, Shébé seeds (Croton zambesicus/Croton du Zambèze), Mahllaba soubiane" seeds, "Missic" stone to scent, cloves, "samour" resin, scented oil (your choice) and hair grease or pomade (your choice).
Two things stood out for me from the video; consistency and moisturise. I learned that as much as I'm not one to believe in hair growth products, I appreciated their routine, which I find to be more realistic. If you moisturise your hair consistently, it is a healthy regimen therefore keeping your hair hydrated which prevents it from breakage. This is fair enough; it makes sense as opposed to brands that keep shoving their products all in the name of "it will make your hair grow in a blink of an eye". These women's routine is intense but realistic.
As good as this secret may sound, my biggest worry or what came to mind after watching this video was, capitalism and all its cousins. Just wait and see your fave beauty brand that could care less about Black Women's hair, but since capitalism lives amongst us, I can't help but picture some beauty brand ready to exploit and milk this "secret" for all it's worth. Lord knows whatever the concoction will include that has nothing to do with hair growth. Reason being, because they never loved y'all anyway, so a quick buck by all means necessary is all that is in it for them. #Shameless.
Anyway watch the video below. If you're in Chad, can you please check them out and let us know, because sharing is caring :)
As good as this secret may sound, my biggest worry or what came to mind after watching this video was, capitalism and all its cousins. Just wait and see your fave beauty brand that could care less about Black Women's hair, but since capitalism lives amongst us, I can't help but picture some beauty brand ready to exploit and milk this "secret" for all it's worth. Lord knows whatever the concoction will include that has nothing to do with hair growth. Reason being, because they never loved y'all anyway, so a quick buck by all means necessary is all that is in it for them. #Shameless.
Anyway watch the video below. If you're in Chad, can you please check them out and let us know, because sharing is caring :)
NB: That said, it is crucial to note that how our hair looks has more to do with our genes than external factors.
Follow Miss Sahel on Instagram @MissSahel and Twitter @Miss_Sahel_.
Credit: Miss Sahel/YouTube