# What Traditional Ingredients Have Modern Scientific Backing for Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-12
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

_
![Hands extract aloe vera pulp for a traditional hair treatment, connecting generations through natural haircare rituals. This image represents a tangible link to ancestral heritage and the enduring beauty of holistic textured hair care practices promoting optimal scalp health and resilient hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/extracting-aloe-vera-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-preparation-method.jpg)

## Roots

Consider the countless hands that have, for generations, known the profound secret of hair. It is not a recent discovery, this wisdom, but a living memory passed down through familial lines, held within the very fibers of our being. Textured hair, with its coils and curls, its bends and kinks, carries the stories of ancestry, resilience, and identity.

We speak of ingredients, yes, but first, we speak of a sacred inheritance, a deep connection to the earth and its offerings. What we now term “modern scientific backing” is often a validation, a gentle nod, to what our foremothers understood through observation, practice, and an intuitive dialogue with the natural world.

The journey into understanding the [traditional ingredients](/area/traditional-ingredients/) that find favor in today’s scientific explanations for [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) begins with its very structure. A single strand of textured hair, viewed through a microscope, is a marvel. Its elliptical cross-section, its varying cuticle layers, and its distinct protein distribution contribute to its unique strength and, at times, its propensity for dryness or breakage. These are not flaws, but characteristics that call for specific care, precisely the kind of care ancestral traditions have long provided. 

![This evocative monochrome study honors ancestral braiding artistry, showcasing a woman adorned with a braided crown that beautifully celebrates her afro textured hair and cultural heritage, while demonstrating masterful hair manipulation techniques that have been passed down through generations, for expressive styling.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-crown-hairstyle-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## The Ancestral Understanding of Hair’s Inner Structure

Before the advent of electron microscopes, our ancestors recognized hair’s vitality through its feel, its response to moisture, and its ability to hold styles. They knew, without naming them, that elements like protein and moisture played a role in hair’s integrity. The ingredients they chose ❉ butters, oils, and plant extracts ❉ were selected for their observable effects on hair health, mimicking or supporting hair’s natural properties. 

A significant characteristic of many textured hair types involves the uneven distribution of sebum along the hair shaft. Due to the twists and turns of the hair strand, the scalp’s natural oils do not travel down the strand with the same ease as they might on straighter hair. This leads to dryness, a common challenge in [textured hair care](/area/textured-hair-care/) that traditional ingredients were, and remain, adept at addressing. 

![The textured surface of the shea butter block, captured in monochrome, speaks to the rich heritage of natural hair care. Its emollient properties, a staple in ancestral African and Black hair traditions, offer deep hydration and coil strengthening, essential for healthy, resilient hair textures](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-close-up-of-shea-butter-block-for-textured-hair-care.jpg)

## How Did Ancient Practices Inform Hair Classification?

Formal hair classification systems, like those seen today, are modern constructs. However, ancestral communities possessed their own nuanced ways of describing hair, often tied to appearance, texture, and how hair reacted to different treatments. These observations were practical, rooted in the daily experience of care. The language used, while informal, was precise in its intent, guiding the selection of remedies and styling techniques. 

> Generational wisdom, deeply connected to the earth, provides a foundational lexicon for understanding textured hair’s innate requirements.
The very concept of a “good hair day” for our ancestors likely hinged on hair that was soft, pliable, and responsive to styling, reflecting health and careful attention. Such qualities were achieved through consistent, hands-on application of natural substances, a practice that continues to resonate today. 

![This textural display of rice, a staple ingredient, invokes notions of purity, mirroring the search for natural and authentic ingredients suitable for the health and vitality of textured hair, honoring ancestral practices and nurturing holistic well-being for future generations.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/basmati-rice-grains-textural-portrait-symbolizing-purity-and-textured-hair.jpg)

![Embracing ancestral wisdom, the hands prepare a rice water rinse, a treasured holistic practice for enhancing textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-washing-rice-for-textured-hair-rinse-holistic-ancestral-practice.jpg)

## Ritual

The daily, weekly, and seasonal care of textured hair was, for many, a ritual, an act imbued with meaning beyond mere beautification. It was a time for connection, for stories shared between generations, for the rhythmic sounds of combs and fingers working through strands. These rituals, often performed in communal spaces or within the quiet sanctuary of the home, employed ingredients gathered from the landscape, their properties known through centuries of trial and shared wisdom. The very act of care strengthened communal ties, becoming a silent language of affection and belonging. 

Today, we witness the validation of these age-old practices through scientific inquiry. The “why” behind the “how” of traditional methods is slowly being illuminated, revealing the sophisticated understanding that lay beneath seemingly simple applications. We stand at a unique intersection where ancestral wisdom and contemporary research walk hand in hand, each enriching the other. 

![Monochrome resilience shines through helical textured hair, each strand adorned with droplets, reflecting heritage and cultural traditions. The precise styling embodies both ancestral strength and modern expression, deeply weaving narrative of identity with natural beauty and holistic care, celebrating the power of textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-resilience-textured-hair-helix-water-droplets-illuminating-deep.jpg)

## How Do Ancestral Hair Rituals Define Community?

Consider the Basara Arab women of Chad, whose long, healthy hair has become a testament to their traditional use of **Chebe powder**. For generations, they have maintained this practice, not simply for length, but as a cultural marker and a shared heritage (Chebeauty, 2023). This powder, a mixture of elements like croton gratissimus seeds, mahleb, missic resin, and cloves, is applied as a paste to hair. The tradition speaks to collective identity and a profound connection to their land.

Science now points to the powder’s ability to seal moisture within the hair shaft, reducing breakage and thereby aiding in length retention. The fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants within its components fortify the cuticle layer, making strands resistant to environmental harm. This is not magic, but a deeply practical, ancestrally honed science.

The shared experience of hair care, whether it was braiding hair before dawn on plantations as a covert form of communication (University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024), or the collective styling sessions in communal spaces, shaped a sense of shared identity and belonging. These were moments of intimacy, trust, and the transfer of invaluable knowledge. 

![Through the ritualistic application of smoking herbs to the textured hair, the photograph profoundly narrates ancestral resilience, embracing holistic hair care, connecting wellness and historical practice symbolizing a bridge between heritage and contemporary Black hair identity while creating the perfect expert-like SEO image mark up.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ritual-purification-with-smoldering-herbs-for-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## What Traditional Ingredients Supported Hair Resilience?

- **Shea Butter** ❉ Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, or <i>Vitellaria paradoxa_, shea butter has been a cornerstone of hair and skin care across West Africa for centuries. Its richness in fatty acids, particularly oleic and stearic acids, provides exceptional emollient properties. These fatty acids mimic the natural lipids found in hair, forming a protective barrier that seals in moisture and reduces dryness. For textured hair, prone to moisture loss, shea butter’s ability to coat the hair shaft helps to reduce friction and minimize breakage, thereby preserving length and overall hair integrity. Modern analysis confirms its hydrating and protective qualities, validating its long history of use for maintaining pliable, strong hair.

- **Aloe Vera** ❉ This succulent plant, recognized across continents for its healing properties, has a long history in hair care, particularly for scalp health. The gel, abundant in mucopolysaccharides, amino acids, and vitamins (A, C, E, B12), binds moisture to hair and scalp, offering deep hydration. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities address common scalp concerns like dryness and irritation, fostering a healthy environment for hair to thrive. The calming effect of aloe vera on an itchy scalp, often a companion to textured hair, aligns perfectly with ancestral desires for comfort and well-being.

- **Castor Oil** ❉ Particularly **Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)**, prepared through a traditional roasting process, has been a cherished element in Caribbean and diasporic hair care. Its primary component, **ricinoleic acid**, accounts for a significant portion of its fatty acid profile and holds distinctive properties. This unique acid is believed to possess anti-inflammatory qualities and can aid in improving blood circulation to the scalp. This enhanced circulation provides hair follicles with better access to nutrients and oxygen, conditions that support stronger, healthier hair growth. The thick consistency of castor oil also acts as a powerful occlusive, sealing in moisture and adding a protective layer to strands.
The tools that accompanied these ingredients were equally essential. From hand-carved wooden combs that gently navigated coily patterns, to simple bowls used for mixing concoctions, these instruments were extensions of the hands that wielded them. They represent a tangible link to heritage, a reminder that ingenuity and resourcefulness guided every step of the care process. 

> The communal practices surrounding hair care, rooted in shared ingredients and wisdom, fostered not just hair health but also deep cultural bonds.

_
![Drawing from ancient sources, the individual with coiled hair evokes ancestral ties to natural elements, reflecting a holistic approach to self-care deeply rooted in heritage, celebrating the enduring connection between water, wellness, and textured hair traditions through gentle replenishing rituals.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-with-coiled-hair-draws-water-ancient-fountain-black-and-white.jpg)

## Relay

The continuation of ancestral [hair care](/area/hair-care/) practices into contemporary times speaks to their enduring power, a testament to results that transcended generations. What was once observed and applied through intuition, passed down through spoken word and gentle touch, now finds its corroboration in the laboratories of modern science. The relay of this wisdom, from ancient hearths to today’s scientific journals, solidifies the profound ingenuity embedded within textured hair heritage. 

Consider the intricate biochemistry of hair, a complex [protein structure](/area/protein-structure/) prone to damage from environmental stressors and manipulation. [Ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) instinctively addressed these vulnerabilities. The act of applying oils and butters created a protective shield, while gentle styling techniques minimized stress on the hair shaft. Contemporary research provides the molecular blueprint for these observations. 

![Handcrafted shea butter, infused with ancestral techniques, offers deep moisturization for 4c high porosity hair, promoting sebaceous balance care within black hair traditions, reinforcing connection between heritage and holistic care for natural hair, preserving ancestral wisdom for future generations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/grinding-shea-butter-ritual-for-4c-high-porosity-heritage-moisturizing.jpg)

## How Do Ancient Hair Treatments Relate to Hair’s Protein Structure?

The use of **rice water**, particularly [fermented rice](/area/fermented-rice/) water, offers a compelling instance of ancient wisdom meeting modern scientific understanding. For nearly two millennia, the Red Yao women of Huangluo, China, have used fermented rice water, known for their remarkable hair length and vitality that endures into old age. This traditional practice, initially passed down through families, is now recognized for its profound biochemical impact. Fermentation increases the concentration of **inositol** (vitamin B8), which penetrates damaged cuticles and remains on the hair fibers even after rinsing, offering ongoing protection.

This process also boosts vitamin B5 (panthenol) and amino acids, vital building blocks that strengthen hair’s protein structure at a molecular level. Hydrolyzed rice protein, a derivative found in modern formulations, has been shown to increase total [hair volume](/area/hair-volume/) by up to 32% and improve tensile strength, directly addressing the need for reinforced protein integrity in textured hair. This exemplifies how a seemingly simple traditional ritual holds deep, scientifically validated benefits for hair strength and elasticity.

The efficacy of [fermented rice water](/area/fermented-rice-water/) extends to its pH balancing properties. Traditional fermentation naturally adjusts [rice water](/area/rice-water/) to a slightly acidic pH (4.5-5.5), aligning with hair’s natural pH and promoting smoother, shinier strands while reducing surface friction. This scientific detail explains why communities observed better hair manageability and appearance. 

![Hands deftly blend earthen clay with water, invoking time-honored methods, nurturing textured hair with the vitality of the land. This ancestral preparation is a testament to traditional knowledge, offering deep hydration and fortifying coils with natural micronutrients](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-soaking-clay-and-natural-ingredients-for-textured-hair-mask-ritual.jpg)

## What Scientific Data Validates Traditional Hair Care?

Research on [fenugreek seeds](/area/fenugreek-seeds/) (<i>Trigonella foenum-graecum_), used historically in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various ailments, provides another compelling example. These seeds are a source of protein and iron, both vital for hair growth, and contain plant compounds like saponins and flavonoids known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest fenugreek can bolster hair follicles, improve scalp vitality, and help reduce scalp irritation due to its antimicrobial attributes (Kumar et al. 2018; Singh et al.

2020). A study cited by Healthline indicated that over 80% of participants receiving a fenugreek supplement reported improvements in hair volume and thickness. This data gives credence to the long-held belief in fenugreek’s ability to promote [hair growth](/area/hair-growth/) and scalp health, reflecting a deeper understanding of traditional healing systems.

> The rich composition of traditional ingredients validates their efficacy, bridging the gap between ancestral remedies and modern scientific understanding.
The conversation surrounding textured [hair health](/area/hair-health/) transcends mere cosmetic concerns; it encompasses cultural identity, self-acceptance, and a connection to ancestral practices. The [scientific validation](/area/scientific-validation/) of these traditional ingredients serves to empower individuals, offering informed choices that honor heritage while benefiting from contemporary understanding. The wisdom passed down through generations was not anecdotal; it was often empirical science in its earliest, purest form. 

_
![In a mindful ritual, water cascades onto botanicals, creating a remedy for sebaceous balance care, deep hydration of coily hair, and scalp revitalization, embodying ancestral heritage in holistic hair practices enhanced helix definition achieved by optimal spring hydration is vital for strong, healthy hair.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ancestral-herbal-infusion-sebaceous-balance-for-defined-coily-hair-texture.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through traditional ingredients with modern [scientific backing](/area/scientific-backing/) for textured hair reveals more than just chemical compositions and cellular reactions. It unveils a continuous lineage, a conversation across time where the whispers of our ancestors are affirmed by the pronouncements of today’s laboratories. This profound intersection, this ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos, speaks to the enduring legacy held within textured hair. It reminds us that care for our crowns is a sacred act, a continuation of practices born from necessity, artistry, and an intimate relationship with the earth’s bounty. 

The understanding of these ingredients, from shea’s ancient balm to rice water’s timeless rinse, deepens our appreciation for the communities that preserved this knowledge. It affirms the authority of ancestral practices, demonstrating that sophisticated solutions existed long before clinical trials and peer-reviewed journals. This narrative is one of reclamation, of celebrating a heritage that is not only beautiful but also demonstrably wise. 

As we step forward, armed with both ancestral wisdom and scientific clarity, the future of textured hair care takes on a resonant glow. It is a future where knowledge is shared, where cultural practices are honored, and where every strand is recognized as a living archive of identity and resilience. The circle of knowledge completes itself, leaving us with a renewed sense of pride and a profound gratitude for the traditions that shaped our beauty. 

![This intimate black and white composition highlights the cultural significance of hair care for Black women, as the woman holds a handcrafted wooden comb, visually linking the tangible object to broader narratives of identity, heritage, self-esteem, and embracing unique hair textures and patterns as a celebration of ancestral strength.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-holds-ornate-wooden-comb-textured-hair-care-heritage-portrait-black-and.jpg)

![The monochrome study shows hands united, shaping heritage through generations of ancestral traditions, communal preparation and holistic wellness. Each coil, each strand, symbolizes the strength and resilient beauty passed down, a testament to the enduring spirit woven through every coil](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-prepare-rice-in-traditional-african-setting-textured-hair-present.jpg)

## References

- Kumar, S. et al. (2018). Antimicrobial Properties of Fenugreek Seeds. <i>Journal of Applied Microbiology_, 64(3), pp. 187-192.

- Rani, S. & Sharma, M. (2021). Synergistic Effects of Fenugreek with Other Herbal Oils in Hair Care. _International Journal of Herbal Medicine_, 9(2), pp. 45-50.

- Singh, A. K. et al. (2020). Bioactive Compounds in Fenugreek Seeds and Their Health Applications. _Phytochemistry Reviews_, 19(4), pp. 901-918.

- University of Salford Students’ Union. (2024). The Remarkable History Behind Black Hairstyles. Retrieved from.

- Chebeauty. (2023). Chebe Powder Chronicles: Transforming Hair Care Traditions. Retrieved from.

## Glossary

### [Textured Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/)

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Care refers to the considered practice of attending to the unique structure of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Fenugreek Seeds](https://roothea.co/area/fenugreek-seeds/)

Meaning ❉ Fenugreek seeds, derived from Trigonella foenum-graecum, offer a delicate support for textured hair, serving as a quiet aid in its routine care.

### [Hair Ph Balance](https://roothea.co/area/hair-ph-balance/)

Meaning ❉ Hair pH Balance is the delicate measure of acidity or alkalinity across the hair strands and scalp, operating on a scale from zero to fourteen.

### [Protective Hairstyles](https://roothea.co/area/protective-hairstyles/)

Meaning ❉ Protective Hairstyles represent a deliberate styling approach for textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race hair, engineered to safeguard delicate strands from daily manipulation and external elements.

### [Hair Antioxidants](https://roothea.co/area/hair-antioxidants/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Antioxidants are gentle molecular protectors, acting as a soft shield against environmental stressors that challenge the vitality of textured hair.

### [Hair Care Legacy](https://roothea.co/area/hair-care-legacy/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Care Legacy speaks to the accumulated wisdom and inherited practices concerning textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race communities.

### [Fermented Rice](https://roothea.co/area/fermented-rice/)

Meaning ❉ Fermented rice, a gentle preparation drawing from ancestral traditions, presents a thoughtful addition to textured hair understanding.

### [Black Hair](https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Black Hair describes the spectrum of hair textures primarily found within communities of African heritage, recognized by its distinct curl patterns ❉ from expansive waves to tightly coiled formations ❉ and an often elliptical follicle shape, which fundamentally shapes its unique growth trajectory.

### [Traditional Hair Ingredients](https://roothea.co/area/traditional-hair-ingredients/)

Meaning ❉ Traditional Hair Ingredients are the botanical and mineral resources, often plant-derived, passed through generations, serving as foundational elements for hair wellness practices.

### [Rice Water](https://roothea.co/area/rice-water/)

Meaning ❉ Rice Water, a gentle liquid derived from the steeping or boiling of rice grains, stands as a historically cherished elixir, its practical application extending deeply into the care practices for textured hair.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Have Cultural Traditions Shaped Textured Hair Care across Different Eras?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-cultural-traditions-shaped-textured-hair-care-across-different-eras/)
![This stark visual of monochrome wood end grain symbolizes enduring Black hair traditions, where each spiral represents generations of resilience and care the wood](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-end-grain-wood-texture-rings-ancestral-growth-patterns.jpg)

### [How Have Ancestral Practices Shaped Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-ancestral-practices-shaped-textured-hair-care/)
![Heritage intertwines with haircare rituals as grandmother and child collaborate on herbal remedies, a testament to holistic wellness. Transmitting ancestral knowledge enhances the child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-wisdom-black-hair-ancestral-roots-holistic-ingredient-preparation.jpg)

### [How Have African Oils Supported Textured Hair Identity through History?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-african-oils-supported-textured-hair-identity-through-history/)
![Sunlight catches the halo of textured hair as a mother gently tends to her mixed-race child’s hair this nurturing act honors ancestral heritage and a commitment to the specialized care routines vital for strong, healthy, type 3C/4A curl formation, reflecting deep cultural and familial connection.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-natural-textured-hair-of-mixed-race-child-outdoors-sunlight.jpg)

### [What Historical Impact Did Colonization Have on Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-impact-did-colonization-have-on-textured-hair-practices/)
![This monochromatic portrait exudes timeless elegance, showcasing the beauty of structured hair juxtaposed with soft, coiled patterns. Her poised expression and the satin shirt](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-elegant-woman-with-coiled-hairstyle-and-satin-shirt.jpg)

### [How Have Historical Laws Impacted Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-historical-laws-impacted-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This evocative portrait captures the essence of natural Black hair traditions through its textured coils, expressive styling, and confident gaze. It honors cultural heritage and celebrates modern beauty with its interplay of shadows, fostering dialogue on textured hair forms and identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-natural-coiled-hair-and-confident-gaze-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Have Cultural Movements Changed Scientific Understanding of Textured Hair Health?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-cultural-movements-changed-scientific-understanding-of-textured-hair-health/)
![This evocative monochrome study honors ancestral braiding artistry, showcasing a woman adorned with a braided crown that beautifully celebrates her afro textured hair and cultural heritage, while demonstrating masterful hair manipulation techniques that have been passed down through generations, for expressive styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-crown-hairstyle-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

### [Which States Have Adopted CROWN Legislation to Protect Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/which-states-have-adopted-crown-legislation-to-protect-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This evocative portrait celebrates textured hair through a complex crown braid. It symbolizes cultural artistry, embracing heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-crown-braid-hairstyle-textured-hair-cultural-heritage.jpg)

### [How Have Ancestral Hair Practices Influenced Modern Textured Hair Understanding?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-ancestral-hair-practices-influenced-modern-textured-hair-understanding/)
![The monochrome image evokes timeless beauty, showcasing the intricate coiled hair style and radiant skin. This portrait emphasizes the richness of Black hair traditions, promoting natural hair expression and holistic hair wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-elegant-black-woman-with-coiled-natural-hair.jpg)

### [How Have Cultural Perceptions and Legal Frameworks Shaped Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-cultural-perceptions-and-legal-frameworks-shaped-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This monochrome portrait encapsulates a mindful moment as the woman applies her holistic treatment, promoting the health and definition of her coils. The photograph celebrates her connection to ancestral self-care practices, highlighting the beauty and strength found in textured hair and its unique spiral patterns.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-applies-holistic-hair-mask-for-natural-coil-definition-black-and.jpg)

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            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Research on fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum), used historically in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various ailments, provides another compelling example. These seeds are a source of protein and iron, both vital for hair growth, and contain plant compounds like saponins and flavonoids known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest fenugreek can bolster hair follicles, improve scalp vitality, and help reduce scalp irritation due to its antimicrobial attributes (Kumar et al. 2018; Singh et al. 2020). A study cited by Healthline indicated that over 80% of participants receiving a fenugreek supplement reported improvements in hair volume and thickness. This data gives credence to the long-held belief in fenugreek's ability to promote hair growth and scalp health, reflecting a deeper understanding of traditional healing systems.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-traditional-ingredients-have-modern-scientific-backing-for-textured-hair/
