Can shea butter protect textured hair from air pollutants?
Shea butter, a heritage balm, forms a protective barrier on textured hair, aiding moisture retention and defending against air pollutants through its antioxidants and fatty acids.
Meaning ❉ Air Pollutants refer to microscopic atmospheric constituents, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, that gently descend upon our hair and scalp from the surrounding environment. For textured hair, particularly Black and mixed-race curls, these external elements can subtly disrupt the scalp’s delicate balance and compromise strand integrity over time. Acknowledging their influence forms a grounding principle in understanding hair health. Systematized care, therefore, includes thoughtful, gentle cleansing to lift away these environmental deposits, preventing potential dryness and brittleness. Applying lightweight protective emollients or employing traditional head coverings offers a practical layer of defense, ensuring the enduring vibrancy and resilience of each coil and strand.