According to an article by Shirea L. Caroll, “Extracts come from the actual extraction of the nutrients and essential elements of the ingredient. The extraction process can vary greatly, depending on the botanical and which part of the botanical contains the essential nutrients.”
Starting your natural hair or curly hair journey can be both overwhelming and expensive, but these botanical extracts will add multiple benefits to your regimen and give you the best curls possible after regular use. Get these in bulk, powder, or capsule form at your local natural foods grocer. If you would rather BUY than DIY, we have suggestions for you, too.
MORE: Why Do Brands Put Extracts In Your Products?
1. Bamboo
Bamboo is rich in organic proteins, which strengthen the hair follicle and retain moisture. It is also known to promote natural shine in dry hair. Bamboo contains a rich source of silica, an essential nutrient that helps our bodies absorb and retain potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It also keeps our ducts clear, promoting speedier hair growth. Read more about bamboo extract here.
- If you would rather BUY than DIY: Alterna Hair Care Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil, $25 at Sephora
2. Oat kernel
This vegetable protein, which is also called Avena Sativa, is found in numerous bath, body, and hair products. According to Cosmetics Info, It is used to temporarily protect and relieve minor skin irritations and burns. If you experience a chemical burn from hair bleaching or relaxing, oat kernel extract will soothe your scalp, neck, and face. For those with particularly sensitive scalp, excessive dandruff, or eczema, will find nourishment in this ingredient.
- If you would rather BUY than DIY: Innersence Quiet Calm Curl Control, $20 on innersencebeauty.com
3. Rhatany Root
This naturally derived root extract provides conditioning properties to dry, parched hair. It is a natural astringent and can be used in place of apple cider vinegar to clarify the scalp. Rhatany root, also called Krameria Triandra Root Extract, has a shelf life longer than most (2 years”> and is water soluble for any amount of water. It is typically added to water and glycerin hair styling products as a natural emollient.
- If you would rather BUY than DIY: Workable Finishing Mist, $16.95 on onestahaircare.com
4. Ginseng Root
Invigorates the scalp and hair follicle to add volume at the root. It has been proven to slow down the hair loss process, and is used by those with thinning hair and alopecia. This nutritious herb belongs to the 11 species of slow growing perennial plants. Its fleshy roots and leaves carry potent medicinal properties derive. Read about the 5 beauty uses of ginseng root here.
- If you would rather BUY than DIY: Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock Ginseng Biotin Shampoo, $9.95 on Amazon
5. Lotus Flower
The sacred lotus flower or Nelumbo Nucifera, is a short-living plant that provides a number of medicinal benefits with its seeds and bark. The bark contains polysaccharides which are anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic when applied to the skin and hair. It elasticizes as is used for promoting bouncier curls. Read about what the seeds can do here.
- If you would rather BUY than DIY: Wen By Chaz Dean Six Thirteen Cleansing Treatment, $61 on qvc.com
6. Chamomile
If you want to lighten your hair naturally, chamomile extract is effective. It is also used as a natural leave-in because of its follicle conditioning properties. Chamomile nourishes and strengthens the hair and stimulates the scalp for fullness. Read 9 uses of chamomile extract here.
- If you would rather BUY than DIY: Blended Beauty Curl Styling Butter, $21 on Shop.NaturallyCurly.com
