Butters and oils have long been the foundation of natural hair care, serving as essential ingredients in maintaining strong, hydrated, and resilient hair.
Despite the rise of the “no butters, no oils” movement, the enduring success of traditional practices demonstrates the powerful benefits these natural emollients provide.
From sealing in moisture to promoting scalp health, butters and oils are time-tested staples that deserve to remain central in our hair care routines.
Over the past few years, the “no butters, no oils” movement has gained momentum in the natural hair community.
Advocates of this method argue that eliminating heavy oils and butters from our routines can lead to lighter, healthier hair.
While this method may work for some, it would be a mistake to dismiss the time-honored value of butters and oils in natural hair care.
For many of us, these rich emollients are not just optional accessories; they are vital tools for maintaining healthy, thriving hair.
Butters and Oils Are a Legacy Rooted in Tradition
For centuries, communities from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora have relied on natural oils and butters to nourish, protect, and heal their hair and scalp.
In West Africa, shea butter and palm oil have been used for generations to moisturize and strengthen hair. In Tanzania, baobab oil is used to treat dry hair.
Caribbean communities have long utilized castor oil, particularly Jamaican black castor oil, to promote hair growth and scalp health.
Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil were prized for their moisturizing, strengthening, and protective properties.
Similarly, Indian communities have long used coconut oil as a staple in hair care, contributing to the long, strong, and healthy hair often admired in their culture.
Indigenous communities in South America have traditionally used oils such as babassu and pracaxi for promoting hair health.
In Morocco, argan oil, often referred to as “liquid gold,” has been treasured for its ability to deeply nourish hair, enhance shine, and protect against environmental damage.
These practices were not chosen out of convenience, but stem from a deep understanding of how to care for highly textured and diverse types of hair in sometimes harsh environments.
Resources such as Natural Butters for Hair provide valuable insights into the centuries-old benefits of using butters to maintain and enhance hair health, highlighting the enduring wisdom of these traditions.
One reader of Natural Butters for Hair shared, “My friend recommended this. Can’t wait to try out some of these recipes for high porosity hair. Thanks!”
Moisture Versus Sealing: The Science We Can’t Ignore
It’s true that moisture comes from water. However, the job of oils and butters is to seal that moisture into the hair shaft, preventing it from evaporating too quickly.
Certain oils, like coconut and avocado oil, even penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep nourishment from within.
Others, like castor oil, create a protective barrier around the hair, shielding it from external aggressors and retaining precious hydration.
Without this protective layer, many naturals find that their hair dries out more quickly, leading to increased breakage, frizz, and overall brittleness.
The “no oils, no butters” regimen can inadvertently deprive hair of essential protection, especially in dry or cold climates.
Hair Type and Porosity Matter for Butters and Oils
Not all hair is created equal. High-porosity hair, often caused by chemical damage or genetics, tends to have gaps and holes in the cuticle layer.
This hair type benefits immensely from heavier products that can fill in those gaps and reinforce the hair’s natural defenses.
Similarly, dense, tightly coiled textures require more robust moisturization to combat chronic dryness and maintain manageability.
By eliminating butters and oils across the board, we risk erasing the individualized care that textured hair truly needs.
Smart Usage is the Key
It is not the presence of oils and butters that causes problems; it is usually the overuse and misuse of them.
When used thoughtfully and in moderation, these ingredients can be part of a balanced, effective hair care routine.
Techniques like the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method have helped countless naturals retain length, enhance curl definition, and reduce breakage over time.
Choosing high-quality, minimally processed products and learning to layer them correctly can make all the difference.
Resources like How to Grow Your Hair Healthy & Long with Natural Oils offer a wealth of strategies, empowering readers to integrate oils into their routines for optimal hair health.
As one satisfied reader notes, “If you’re looking for the benefits of natural botanical oils for the hair, this is the book for you. The author does an excellent job of including commonly known oils and a variety of lesser-known oils, as well as recipes for DIY hair products. If your goal is to avoid toxic chemicals in your hair care products and learn to incorporate natural oils into your hair care regimen, you won’t be disappointed.”
Personal Testimonies Speak Volumes
Many naturals have shared stories of remarkable hair growth, improved scalp health, and restored curl patterns thanks to consistent, mindful use of oils and butters.
From the grandmother’s kitchen remedies to modern-day naturalistas documenting their journeys online, the evidence is clear: for many, oils and butters are indispensable allies in the pursuit of healthy hair.
Personally, I have experienced the transformative power of these natural ingredients firsthand.
Oils helped me regrow bald spots and edges after a bad experience with braids.
Meanwhile, using butters was excellent for creating long-lasting, moisturized twists that retained their softness and definition for days.
These experiences have solidified my belief in the enduring value of oils and butters in natural hair care.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Having said all that, natural hair care is not a monolith. What works for one head of curls may not work for another.
Rather than prescribing rigid rules, we should celebrate the freedom to choose methods that cater to our individual hair needs.
Butters and oils have nourished our hair for generations across many cultures, and they deserve their rightful place in our modern hair care routines.
Healthy hair is about listening to your hair, respecting its needs, and honoring the practices that have stood the test of time.
Abi is an avid researcher and an expert in curly hair care. She founded Ade Ori Hair Care, Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, and Healthy Natural Hair Products, premier destinations for the best information, support, tools, and resources for your natural hair care and healthy hair journey! Learn more here.
