Butters, Waxes and Gels - What's Best and Why

When it comes to re-twisting your locs there are many different products that can get the job done.  The product used in your hair depends on the type of locs you have, their maturity, your method of re-tightening and or just your personal preference. Locticians use a variety of products including hair gels, bees wax, butters and a hybrid product called a creme wax. 

Creme waxes and butters are relatively new products when it comes to locking.  Butters are great moisturizers and if all natural are rich in vitamins and nutrients.  They are best used with interlocking as they provide a very mild hold.  Creme waxes can also be used with interlocking for added moisture and palm rolling for a medium hold.  They combine the soft smooth texture of a butter and the firm hold of a wax. Another beautiful thing about using a creme wax or butter is that they can be also used as a conditioner for the hair and to tame frizzy hair and or flyaways.  When choosing a creme wax or butter make sure you select one that is made from all natural butters and oils like shea and 100% beeswax.  Some companies market products with mineral oil and petrolatum which are products that coat the hair shaft and are overall not good for your health.

Like creme waxes, bees wax is used when re-tightening or starting your locs.  Wax is used mainly when palm rolling locs.  They are quite popular and are also the original products used to loc hair.  Unfortunately waxes are getting a bad rap in todays market.  Most people have made the switch to gels because waxes are rumored to be too heavy, clammy, hard to wash out and bad for the hair.  The truth of the matter is waxes are far better for your hair than gels.  Gels are typically made of alcohol and synthetic ingredients like plastics, fragrances, coloring, plasticizers and more, all of which are poor for your hair and health.  Unless you are using a natural gel or a homemade gel you will be better off going with a wax.  When choosing a hair wax or any other hair product read your ingredients carefully.  Try your best to avoid products made from mineral oil, petrolatum, plasticizers and other synthetic ingredients like color and fragrances.  Use products made with essential oils and other natural ingredients as much as possible.  If you need to use a gel make sure you are moisturizing and deep conditioning your hair whenever possible to avoid excessive drying and eventually breakage of your locs.
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