If you’ve watched or read anything natural hair related on social media lately, then you’ve probably run into the “No Oils and Butters” movement everyone has been trying out as of late. If not, then take the name for what it is: a movement, or trend, that encourages the discontinued use of oils and butters on natural hair.
Pretty simple, right? It’s not innovative or new by any means, but it’s definitely a revisiting of the idea that oils and butters may not even be necessary to keep natural hair healthy. Some people have used this trend to completely demonize oils and butter—we won’t be doing that here.
In fact, the whole idea that “no oils and butters” means we should ditch them altogether is wrong. There’s actually a really specific way to carry this out and get some incredible benefits. So let me break it down for you.
Why is “no oils and butters” even a thing?
So there’s a few different reasons why this trend floated to the front of “things we’re curious about” list. The main reason, however, is the idea that butters and oils coat your hair so well that water doesn’t penetrate your hair strands as much as it should.
While there’s a chance that this may not be completely true, a lot of us do know that there’s some basis to the claim because trying to adequately hydrate your hair after loading it up with coconut oil, shea butter, and the like is definitely difficult to do.
Additionally, some naturals—especially us 4B and 4C girls—have noticed that a lot of oils and butters aren’t really doing too much for our hair. At the very least, they aren’t doing for some of us what they may be doing for others. So the “no oils and butters” route is a good way to see if we really need to rely on them as much as we think we do.
So, what do I do instead?
The answer for what products you should use instead varies, depending on who you ask. A lot of people seem to believe that you should just use water and creams formulated with no butters and oils.
This isn’t exactly smart or realistic considering that your hair still needs the nutrients and most products for natural hair will likely have some of these ingredients. Honestly the movement really should be called some butters and oils.
The best option is to refrain from using oils and butters directly on your hair, as well as limit the amount of styling products you use that contain those same ingredients. However, you should still use:
- Shampoos and conditioners that are formulated with natural humectants and emollients like honey, aloe, glycerin, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil.
- Switch to botanical hair gel. Unlike your regular run-of-the-mill hair gels, botanical gels aren’t made with any alcohols or chemicals that’ll dry you out or cause buildup. Instead, they’re made with familiar, all natural ingredients that’ll nourish your hair.
- Say yes to water and water-based ingredients. If hydration is the name of the game for this movement, then water should be your bestie at this point.
Where should I start?
Aside from going no butters and oils (have I said it enough?), all your focus should be on clarifying your hair. You need to get back to understanding what your hair looks and feels like when it’s not loaded with a million different products that weigh it down all the time.
So start there. Do a ACV and bentonite clay mask or use a really good clarifying shampoo to remove all the dirt, oil, and buildup on your scalp and hair so you can start anew. There should be no oils and butters leftover if you’re really going to go all the way.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to throw your things out! In fact, start small with a two week challenge and then stretch it to a month. After 30 days, check in with yourself and your hair—how is it going? The answer will let you know what your next step should be.
All in all, if you don’t think it’s something you could stick with for the long-term, consider adopting is a hair detox to do twice a year.
But I like using oils and butters! Does this mean I shouldn’t go back?
Of course not! Only you know what is right for you and your hair, and if oils and butters been holding you down? Girl, continue using them! At the end of the day, hair care is all about preference. I mean, there are still people who swear by hair grease and hot combs all these years later!
The final say is yours, and as long as your decision is one that leads to healthy, happy, and fly hair, use as many oils and butters as much as you’d like and as often as you’d like.
