Ingredient Cheat Sheet: Breakdown of the 10 Most Popular Ingredients in Natural Hair Products

1. Shea Butter
💛 Moisturizes + seals in hydration

Perfect for dry curls and coils. Rich in fatty acids, it helps reduce breakage and softens strands.

2. Coconut Oil
🥥 Penetrates the hair shaft + reduces protein loss

Great for deep conditioning and promoting shine. Works well for low-porosity hair in small amounts.

3. Aloe Vera
🌿 Soothes scalp + adds slip

A go-to for hydration and detangling. Also helps calm itchy, flaky scalps.

4. Castor Oil
🖤 Thickens + strengthens

Rich in ricinoleic acid, this oil helps promote growth, especially around thinning edges.

5. Jojoba Oil
💧 Balances scalp oils + adds shine

Closest to your scalp’s natural sebum. Lightweight and great for sealing in moisture without buildup.

6. Glycerin
🌬️ Humectant = draws in moisture

Keeps hair soft and hydrated — especially in humid climates. Use wisely in dry climates as it can have the opposite effect.

7. Argan Oil
💎 Adds shine + tames frizz

Vitamin E-rich and lightweight, it's a fan favorite for softening and smoothing curls without weighing them down.

8. Tea Tree Oil
🌿 Fights flakes + unclogs follicles

Antimicrobial properties make it great for scalp care. Usually used in small amounts or diluted.

9. Honey
🍯 Natural humectant + softens

Used in deep conditioners to help draw in and retain moisture for extra juicy curls.

10. Avocado Oil
🥑 Strengthens + adds shine

Packed with nutrients like biotin, amino acids, and magnesium. Great for damaged or color-treated hair

Keep in Mind: Not every ingredient works the same for every texture or porosity — it's all about experimenting and learning what your hair loves. Also, what you hair needs more at any given season is also a factor in  choosing the right ingredients. Hope this helps!