For years we have been made to believe that Kinky African natural hair cannot grow which is a well-known myth that has been proven wrong over and over again as women adopt healthy hair practices. From a general standpoint, the key to length is just figuring out how our hair works and what to do to preserve our tresses as it grows.
With that said I saw a video produced and shared by Miss Sahel VLOG on youtube. The first one I saw was in French and it was fascinating even though she made me wish I paid more attention in French class.
Today I noticed that she released the English version that described her trip to Chad where she was able to interact with an African ethnic group called the “Basara Arabs”. The women are known for there very long, some time butt length naturally coarse hair.
Their hair secret lies within their ayurvedic practices and the fact that they keep their hair super moisturized using a home made mixture.
Read the notes from Sahel’s vlog below:
I went to Chad to unveil the haircare secrets of an African ethnic group called the “Basara Arabs.” The Basara Arab women are known to have very long naturally coarse hair that famously goes passed their rear ends.
They cover their hair in a home made mixture that keeps their hair super moisturized and lubricated which is the reason given for why they say their hair never breaks; even from childhood.
Ingredients:
– Shébé seeds (Croton zambesicus/Croton du Zambèze)
– “Mahllaba soubiane” seeds
– “Missic” stone to scent
– Cloves
– “Samour” resin
– Scented oil (your choice)
– Hair Grease or pomade (your choice)
The ingredients are very specific to Chad and sudan. I’m not sure if the ingredients in the powders they use can be found anywhere in the West.
Preparation:
– The Shébé seeds, mahellaba soubianne, and cloves are individually grilled and separated. Then individually ground into a fine powder in a sort of mortar and pestle set up and those ground powders are also separated.
– The Hair Grease and scented oil are mixed together in a separate container and set aside
– The powders are then combined in the same mortar and mixed together, a few spoonfuls of the oil/grease mixture are added in and the container set aside, then that is all mixed together giving the once fine powder a texture closer to soil.
– The Missic and Resin are then ground together into a powder and added to the “soil-like” mixture..
Directions:
– The first step is to get the hair wet so they do so using regular water and alternate between the scented oil/hair grease mix and the chebe powder mix until the hair is fully saturated. They then re-braid the hair and once that braid is done they wet it again with water. They repeat that routine every 3 to 5 days.
Some people may initially think that their hair length is due to genetics, after inquiring on the subject the women said that it was most definitely NOT due to genetics since they do not apply shébé powder mixture to their bangs which, in turn, stay short. However the parts of the hair which they do use the powder mixture on in their routine doesn’t break and grows very long and strong.
***Disclaimer***
This kind of routine would probably not work for someone who lives in the West, or even someone who lives in Africa with a different lifestyle. No one goes out on the daily with (what is basically) deep conditioner in their hair. It could be a great add to a weekly routine nonetheless.
The texture of the hair do not look kinky because the weight of the powder relaxes the hair and gives it a curly appearance and with this weight the hair does not shrink. On the other hand, their fringes have a kinky texture.
Watch the very informative video below:
How to Westernize this routine
After watching the video I was wondering how could we use this routine to our advantage in order to get the same results and this is my list.
1. Deep condition often used Ayurvedic powders (I will have a post on Ayurveda very soon)
2. Protective style, moisturize… repeat!
3. Use high-quality natural ingredients – Be very aware that much of what we need to care for our hair is found in nature so the more natural our ingredients the better the results we will get. I have no problems scrutinizing products these days, and you shouldn’t either!
What other practices can you take away from the women of Chad for your own routine? Comment below!
