It never ceases to amaze me how chemicals and their derivatives have found their way into health and beauty products. One such example is petrolatum, from which petroleum products are derived. Examples are: vaseline, hair grease and pomades, and beauty cosmetics.
Let's take a look at what petroleum is and how it crept into health and beauty products.
Where does it come from?
Petroleum, the principal ingredient in hair oil and beauty products, is made from the distilling of oil. This process was developed in 1858 on an oil rig. From there, the use of the oil crept into first aid use wherein injured workers applied it to cuts and bruises. (They didn't like what it did to the machinery! So they slowly began to use it on cuts and bruises). It underwent further processing until it developed into the light colored grease that we are familiar with today.
Petroleum and your health
What's disturbing is the fact that there is a possible link between the use of petroleum and various cancers. Now, just think about the numbers of women who have used this product on their hair and bodies. And, as black women, we have particular concern because it is in all hair oils that we use on the scalp and hair.
How good is petroleum for your hair?
In addition to the health concerns already cited, petroleum containing hair oils do just the oposite of what they are used for-to moisturize the hair and scalp. How so?
Petroleum coats the hair follicle thereby blocking the sebaceous glands from secreting sebum, the scalp's natural moisturizer. This results in dry, flaky scalp and hair which is a major contributing factor to dryness and breakage. Simply put, it stops growth because the hair is not receiving nourishment. Further, it holds dirt in the hair. Now, add to this the fact that most women are using chemicals, relaxers, color and heat on the hair. It's no wonder that black women have a problem with hair growth. Stop the abuse.
Alternatives
Instead of using petroleum hair products, it would be good to consider using natural oils such as almond oil, olive oil, tea tree oil and shea butter. Best bet is to blend the oils yourself. This has several benefits:
1. You can add vitamins and nutrients that your hair needs at a fraction of the cost.
2. The preservatives and chemicals are eliminated and the end result is a truly natural product.
So, enjoy, be adventurous and mix up your own hair pomades. Feel free to write comments and suggestions on your results.
Let's take a look at what petroleum is and how it crept into health and beauty products.
Where does it come from?
Petroleum, the principal ingredient in hair oil and beauty products, is made from the distilling of oil. This process was developed in 1858 on an oil rig. From there, the use of the oil crept into first aid use wherein injured workers applied it to cuts and bruises. (They didn't like what it did to the machinery! So they slowly began to use it on cuts and bruises). It underwent further processing until it developed into the light colored grease that we are familiar with today.
Petroleum and your health
What's disturbing is the fact that there is a possible link between the use of petroleum and various cancers. Now, just think about the numbers of women who have used this product on their hair and bodies. And, as black women, we have particular concern because it is in all hair oils that we use on the scalp and hair.
How good is petroleum for your hair?
In addition to the health concerns already cited, petroleum containing hair oils do just the oposite of what they are used for-to moisturize the hair and scalp. How so?
Alternatives
Instead of using petroleum hair products, it would be good to consider using natural oils such as almond oil, olive oil, tea tree oil and shea butter. Best bet is to blend the oils yourself. This has several benefits:
1. You can add vitamins and nutrients that your hair needs at a fraction of the cost.
2. The preservatives and chemicals are eliminated and the end result is a truly natural product.
So, enjoy, be adventurous and mix up your own hair pomades. Feel free to write comments and suggestions on your results.
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