I was talking to an herbalist recently. She said something that really resonated with me. “The great thing about plants is that they all do more than one thing.” I agree with that sentiment. That’s why Mello’s product line is full of plants.
The world of natural hair can be overwhelming. What’s Jojoba oil? And why do all the top products have it in their ingredients list? Aside from the smell, what are the benefits of Shea Butter? What is the difference between an oil and a butter anyway?
There are certain things that we all want. Stronger, healthier hair. But we all have different goals and ideas of what that means. Some of us want thicker hair, others want their hair to shine. Some of us need extra sun protection while others need to soothe their scalp.
I’ve come up with a cheat sheet that will help you navigate the world of natural natural hair products. Mello’s ingredients are 100% natural, so there are too many to even explain on this list. But here are the superstars, some of which you might have heard of.
About the Process:
Some of these ingredients are made up of seeds that are pressed while their fatty oils are extracted. The resulting products, like Avocado Oil or Castor Oil, are called “carrier oils.” They are filled with omega 3 fatty acids and can lubricate the hair shaft.
Other oils, like Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree Leaf Oil are made through a different process. The resulting oils are called “essential oils” and they need to be used with a carrier oil in order to properly and safely support your hair.
Natural ingredients support many different functions at the same time. Many of these ingredients have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. So they are literally making your hair and scalp healthier while helping you reach your hair goals.
Natural Hair Care Ingredients:
- Shea Butter:
Scientific Name: Butyrospermum parkii
Where it comes from: Shea Nuts (which come from a tree in West Africa)
What it does for your hair:
- Prevents breakage
- Moisturizes
- Reduces Scalp Irritation
Shea Butter has many different uses. As you’ll notice with all of these ingredients, it has positive effects on more than just your hair. Many people use it on their skin either to combat dryness or to soothe eczema or inflammation. Since it’s a natural moisturizer, you’ll see Shea Butter in our Moisture Retention Butter, and our Soften and Nourish Conditioner. And our Moisture Retention Butter can be used for hair or skin.
- Mango Butter
Scientific Name: Mangifera Indica
Where it comes from: The Mango Seed
What it does for your hair:
- Prevents against sun rays
- Helps the scalp regenerate
- Restores elasticity to help hair grow
Mango butter is much lighter than Shea Butter. It’s often used for skin on it’s own. It is great for regenerating skin, from chapped lips, to a flaky scalp. It also protects against the sun, (which can cause damage to your hair). And oh yeah, it’s moisturizing too. This is just one of three butters in our Moisture Retention Butter.
- Avocado Butter
Scientific Name: Persea Americana
Where it comes from: The Avocado Seed
What it does for your hair:
- Adds Moisture
- Conditions
- Stimulates Hair Growth
- Supports Hair Loss Prevention
- Protects from Elements
- Increases Shine
- Reduces Scalp Irritation
Our final butter in the Moisture Retention Butter does a ton of things. Because Avocado is a good source of Biotin, it also supports hair growth. It also helps seal cuticle cells, which promotes growth. That’s why we use Avocado oil in our Scalp Stimulating Growth Serum.
- Castor Seed Oil
Scientific Name: Ricinus Communis
Where it comes from: The Castor Bean
What it does for your hair:
- Helps hair follicles
- Eases dandruff
- Keeps hair shiny
- Promotes growth
Castor oil is known for boosting hair growth, but it does so much more. Castor oil itself can be a little tricker to work with, although you can apply it directly to your scalp. For an easier and more effective use, try it in our Scalp Stimulating Growth Serum, our Soften and Nourish Leave-In Conditioner and Detangling Shampoo, or Moisture Retention Butter.
- Jojoba Oil
Scientific Name: Persea Americana
Where it comes from: Jojoba Seeds
What it does for your hair:
- Adds Moisture
- Conditions
- Stimulates Hair Growth
- Supports Hair Loss Prevention
- Protects from Elements
- Increases Shine
- Reduces Scalp Irritation
The Jojoba shrub is a plant native to the North American Desert. Jojoba oil has a similar composition to your own skin, and it naturally calibrates to your hair or skin. It knows what you need! It’s also full of vitamins that coat the hair and keep it protected. You’ll find it in Mello’s Revitalizing Hydration Spray and Soften & Nourish 2 in 1 Conditioner.
- Safflower Seed Oil
Scientific Name: Carthamus Tinctorius
Where it comes from: Safflower Seeds
What it does for your hair:
- Hydrates Damaged Hair
- Adds Shine
- Adds Moisture
All of these plants are full of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients. The Safflower Seed is no different. Safflowers were around in ancient Egypt and Greece. It’s oil has been used on hair for centuries in China. It’s very easily absorbed into the hair and it’s really good for super dry, damaged hair.
- Peppermint Leaf Oil
Scientific Name: Mentha arvensis
Where it comes from: Peppermint Leaf
What it does for your hair:
- Stimulates hair growth
Peppermint makes your hair smell fresh and clean. The menthol in the oil is what gives it so many of its benefits (and the tingling sensation). It’s really potent so it must be used with other carrier oils and highly diluted for safe use on the skin. It can stimulate hair growth in follicles that need more blood flow. It’s in our Soften and Nourish Shampoo.
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil
Scientific Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Where it comes from: Tea Tree Leaf (Australia)
What it does for your hair:
- Reduces Dandruff
- Supports Hair Growth
Tea Tree Leaf Oil is a great antimicrobial and antifungal. That’s why it helps get rid of dandruff and cleanse the scalp. It’s powerful enough that you can use it as a cleanser on surfaces too, and you may have used it on a mat in yoga class. It also stimulates the hair follicles, which you know by now, supports hair growth. This is another essential oil that needs to be diluted and used with a carrier oil.
How Natural is Your Natural?
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably gone back to your natural hair texture which is a journey many of us have taken. There are a ton of products out there that will have a tiny bit of these ingredients in them, while shouting “Jojoba” all over the packaging.
But many of these products have a small amount of natural ingredients, with a bunch of harmful chemicals. Make sure you check the ingredients. (Remember, the closer to the bottom, the less of it there is).
Or just use our products, which are full of 100% great stuff.
Natural Hair Queen The Benefits of Mango Butter for Your Natural Hair
Prevention11 Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin and Hair
Health Root Safflower Oil Benefits
Curly Nikki Tea Tree Oil for Natural Hair Care
Very Well HealthUsing Castor Oil For Hair Growth
Healthline How Can Shea Butter Be Used on My Skin and Hair?
HealthlineWhat Are the Benefits of Using Avocado Oil on Hair?
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