Hair Greasing Practices
Meaning ❉ The intentional application of emollients to textured hair and scalp, deeply rooted in ancestral practices for protection and cultural identity.
Meaning ❉ Hair greasing, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, refers to the deliberate application of an occlusive substance, often a balm or heavy oil, to the scalp and/or hair strands. This practice, deeply rooted in ancestral care rituals for Black and mixed-race hair, traditionally aimed to impart a perceived moisture and shine, offering a comforting shield against environmental dryness. However, contemporary insights guide us to a more nuanced approach. While the scalp, a self-regulating biome, naturally produces its own protective sebum, direct and heavy greasing can sometimes impede this delicate balance or lead to buildup. Conversely, when applied thoughtfully to the hair strands themselves, particularly after hydration, these substantive products