From curly to coily strands, the black communities pay extra attention to their hair. The phrase "No you cannot touch my hair," popularly said all around the world by black people shows the importance of their hair culture.

Every hair texture and pattern is different. Our hair patterns including wavy (type 2)curly (type 3) to coily (type 4) are all different because of our unique hair follicles. And each hair type is defined by its porosity- ability to retain moisture.

Our hair follicles regulate the growth of our hair through a complex interaction between hormones, neuropeptides, and immune cells.

For thousands of years, black communities have passed on secret hair care recipes and routines. The latest addition to this long generational list of hair growth secrets has come to limelight.

All the way from volcanic eruptions to Indian soils, black hair care is fast becoming an art around the world.

BENTONITE CLAY

What does an ash gathered after a volcanic activity have to do with black hair care? The truth lies within the chemical properties of this ash.

Bentonite clay extracted from volcanic ash is an alkaline mudlike powder containing inorganic compounds like sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and potassium.

This clay, often used in pottery, has healing and protective properties. It is now used in adding shine and strengthening the curls of many African Americans.

With strong anionic properties (negative electric charges) because of its inorganic compounds like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Bentonite clay attracts negatively charged hair products like strong oils that leave behind dirts and dandruffs after use.

This allows the clay to act as a detoxifier and clarifier for your hair as you wash it off.

Alongside it's detoxification abilities, it cleanses the scalp of bacteria and encourages hair growth.

HOW TO ACTIVATE BENTONITE CLAY

Because of its alkaline properties, bentonite clay is activated by adding acidic mediums like apple cider vinegar or lemon/like juice.

Ingredients

●     1 cup of bentonite clay

●     1 cup of water

●     ½ cup of lemon/lime juice

●     ½ tablespoon of coconut/ castor oil

Steps

1. Add the bentonite clay, coconut/ castor oil, water, and lemon/lime juice
2. Mix together generously till the paste is smooth

HOW TO APPLY BENTONITE CLAY HAIRMASK

1. Rinse your hair with water to make it wet.
2. Partition your hair into smaller sections using a styling comb.
3. Scoop the paste into your palm and apply to each section of your hair.
4. Massage the bentonite clay hair masque into your hair
5. Twist your hair after generously applying the masque into your hair.
6. Roll up your twists into a hair cap or shower cap and leave it on for 20-30 minutes to allow the clay settle in.
7. Rinse your hair with shampoo and deep condition afterwards.
8. Rinse again with water and dry. Add essential oils and moisturize.
9. Style hair as preferred

The use of Bentonite clay is fast growing as African American communities are telling the stories of their culture and heritage through their voluminous and thick curls.

As this volcanic ash becomes more popular concerns are rising as well because of its chemical properties.

But researchers and hair scientists have made studies showing that this anionic volcanic clay is safe to use with little to no side effects on the hair.

The only truth you need to know is that Bentonite clay leaves your hair feeling safe, well moisturized, and shining after every use.

AMLA POWDER

Extracted from dried ground up Indian gooseberry leaves. Amla powder is an ayurvedic powder that promotes and preserves good health and wellness.

The powder has become one of the important hair care ingredients in African American communities, keeping our hair strong throughout generations.

With many functions including conditioning your scalp, promoting healthy hair growth, boosting hair volume, reducing dandruff, and treatment of head lice.

Studies have tied Amla powder's role in hair growth to its vitamin E component that promotes blood circulation to the hair follicles and scalp.

Asides vitamin E, the ayurvedic powder contains vitamin C, tannins, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

These vitamins and inorganic compounds help to thicken and strengthen your hair strand thereby reducing breakage, shedding and hair loss.

Amla powder provides treatment for falling hair strands by increasing blood flow to each hair follicle to promote growth and supply nutrients and oxygen your hair requires.

The Indian gooseberry powder is packed with antifungal and antiviral properties.  Which gives it its ability to help reduce and prevent dandruff and other fungal infections thereby improving scalp health.

Because of its vitamin C component, Amla powder plays an antibacterial role. It cleanses our scalp of dandruff and other hair plaques that prevents our hair care from providing essential nourishment.

HOW TO APPLY AMLA POWDER TO FOR HAIR GROWTH

"This is a breakthrough ingredient in my haircare routine/regimen because I was able to retain length when I started using it." -Jesutofunmi, Hair enthusiast

For effective results, Alma power is applied through different methods.

From adding oils to mixing it with Shea butter, to deep conditioning, the powder has been proven to work wonders on black coils.

Amla powder with oils

1. Adding a cup of Amla powder and a cup of coconut or olive oil into a mixing bowl.
2. Mix generously till the paste is smooth and consistent.
3. Partition your hair into smaller sections using a styling comb.
4. Apply the paste to your hair and massage to allow it to settle in
5. Twists your hair and roll up into a hair cap or shower cap
6. Leave in for 20-30 minutes for best results
7. Rinse with shampoo and dry. Add your favourite oils and leave in conditioners to style.

Amla powder with Shea butter

1. Mix a generous portion of Amla powder and Shea butter into a smooth paste
2. Partition your hair into smaller sections using a styling comb
3. Apply the Amla paste to your hair and massage to allow it settle in
4. Twist your hair into smaller portions and roll up into a hair cap or shower cap for 20-30 minutes
5. Rinse with shampoo and deep condition afterwards

Amla powder with eggs

1. In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs and add amla powder.
2. Partition your hair into smaller sections using a styling comb
3. Apply hair mask evenly and leave it for about an hour to allow the mixture to settle in.
4. Wash your hair with cold water and shampoo
5. Deep condition afterwards and rinse again with water

Amla powder when used for the first time may cause mild irritation and discomfort. Studies show that the powder has no lethal side effects and it's benefits weigh more, making it essential in hair care.

Hair care has been practiced for generations. Africans cherish the voluminous and thickness of their curls.

They have now added bentonite clay and Alma power to their secret routine that promotes the richness of their hair follicle they use to tell the stories of their experiences