Over the last several years, people's awareness has been shifting when it comes to taking care of hair, especially curly and African hair. We no longer want chemical treatment as we realized the damage that chemical hair products can exert on our hair. I'm one of those who suffered with unhealthy and fragile hair for years just because I used a chemical relaxer a couple of times.
DIY natural hair masks, natural moisturizer, protective hairstyles, and organic hair treatment and oils such as Karkar oil are now overtaking the place of chemical hair care products. And one of the natural alternatives is chebe powder. In this article, we will explore Chebe powder—what it is? What does it do to your hair? And how to use it.
What Is Chebe Powder?
Chebe powder is African in its origin; it comes from Chad, where women used it for hundreds of years as a natural hair care treatment. If you take a look at the hair of women in the Basara Arab tribe, you will see that their hair is long (very, very, long) and strong, despite the harsh weather conditions. So, looking at what the women in this tribe use for their hair is definitely worth it, and as you guessed, they use chebe powder.
Chebe powder is made of the seeds of Croton zambesicus. The seeds are finely ground into fine powder, then they are mixed with other natural ingredients like cherry kernels, cloves, and herbs.
Can Chebe Powder Make Your Hair Stronger?
As someone who is on the lookout for natural ingredients that can strengthen hair, when I heard about chebe powder, I was intrigued to answer this question and get to the bottom of it. So, I dug in and did my research looking into the components of chebe powder, and here is your answer.
Chebe Powder Contains Protein
One of the main constituents of Croton zambesicus is protein. Protein is important for hair strength and health; that's why we have masks like eggs, yogurt, and wheat.
A study on the effects of recombinant keratin (a type of protein produced from the bacteria E. coli through recombinant DNA technology) found that this protein can increase the diameter of chemically treated hair up to 49%, the mechanical strength of bleached hair increased by two folds, and it increased smoothness (1).
Another study on different protein masks found that protein masks increased smoothness, hair strength, and the morphology of damaged hair (2).
This suggests that maybe the protein content in chebe powder is responsible for the hair strength of the women of the Basara Arab tribe.
Chebe Powder for Hair Growth
Regarding hair growth, we cannot pinpoint exact nutrients that for sure promote hair growth; there are speculations and theories, but we need more evidence in that area. However, there are a few things that we know for sure: that fragile, unhealthy, and dry hair has a lesser shot of growing to the desired length.
If you have 4C, 3A, 4A, or curly or kinky hair in general, then you probably have some idea about what I'm talking about. Weak hair and dry hair are prone to breakage; hence, it feels as if your hair doesn't grow and that you have issues with hair growth when it is actually growing just fine. The secret is (it is not really a secret) on how to retain length.
Here comes the role of moisture.
Chebe Powder and Moisture
As I mentioned, if you want to retain length, then you need to keep your hair moisturized most of the time, and chebe powder might help with that. Chebe powder is mixed with one or more oils; some of those oils can have a moisturizing effect on your hair. This effect is enhanced more when you use a leave-in conditioner first, then apply chebe powder oil right after. The oil will work as a protective barrier that will lock the moisture in your hair for a longer duration, thus preventing or reducing dryness, split ends, and breakage.
Types of Hair on Which Chebe Powder Work
All types of hair can benefit from chebe powder. However, those with curly, kinky, dry, or fragile hair might find in it a solution to most of their hair problems, as it may strengthen their hair and moisturize it in a way that would make the hair less prone to breakage and more likely to grow in a healthy way.
4C-type hair, and those with African hair in general (like me) might benefit from adding Chebe powder to their daily hair care routine.
Can You Prepare Chebe Powder At Home?
Look, I won't lie to you and tell you that this is exactly how the women of the Basara Arab tribe make chebe powder, but I can give you the basics, and you can use it to make your own customized chebe powder.
Ingredients:
Chebe Seeds (Croton zambesicus)
Mahllaba soubiane seeds
Missic stone (musk ambrette)
Clove seeds
Gum Arabic
Oil (beef fat or tallow is what's used traditionally, but other oils are also used more commonly now).
Method:
Roast all the seeds in a pan.
Ground the seeds and mix them together.
Ground the gum and missic stone and add them to the mixture.
Add the oil or the tallow.
Leave the mixture in the dark for a week.
Finally, you can use your homemade Chebe powder oil.
Common Uses of Chebe Powder
(The video below shows how chebe powder is used by the women of the Basara tribe).
Use chebe powder to moisturize your hair.
LOC method to retain moisture.
A weekly or monthly hair mask for nourishing hair.
For daily hair care routine after mixing it or diluting with other hair products.
Using it the traditional way. Use the powder to make a paste, apply the paste to damp hair, then braid your hair. Apply it again after a week, then rinse your hair and wash it.
Precautions
Be careful not to apply chebe powder on the scalp, as it can cause irritation and buildups. Also, do not use it if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients mentioned.
Takeaway
Chebe powder, a traditional hair treatment from Africa and specifically from Chad, is said to be the secret behind the very long and strong hair of the women of the Basara Arab tribe. Chebe powder is made of the seeds of Croton zambesicus mixed with a few other seeds and ingredients. It contains protein and minerals that might help strengthen your hair and allow it to retain length. You can try making chebe powder at home and then incorporate it into your daily hair care routine and observe the results. We would love to hear about your experience with Chebe powder.
FAQ for Chebe Powder: Can It Make Your Hair Stronger and Longer?
Q1: What is chebe powder made of?
Chebe powder is primarily made from the seeds of the Croton zambesicus plant, ground into a fine powder. It is often mixed with other natural ingredients like cherry kernels, cloves, and herbs.
Q2: What is the origin of chebe powder?
Chebe powder originates from Chad, Africa. It has been used for centuries by the women of the Basara Arab tribe, known for their long and strong hair despite harsh desert conditions.
Q3: Does chebe powder make hair grow faster?
Chebe powder itself does not directly stimulate hair growth. Instead, it helps retain length by moisturizing and strengthening the hair, reducing breakage, which in turn allows hair to grow longer.
Q4: How does Chebe powder moisturize hair?
When mixed with oils like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil, Chebe powder forms a thick paste that locks in moisture. It creates a protective barrier over the hair, helping to prevent water loss and maintain hydration.
Q5: Can Chebe powder be applied to the scalp?
No, it’s best to avoid applying chebe powder to the scalp, as it can cause buildup and irritation. Chebe powder is meant for use along the hair shaft.
Q6: How often should I use Chebe powder?
Many people use chebe powder once a week or every few days, depending on their hair needs. The powder can be applied as a paste or mixed with oil and left on for several days before reapplication.
Q7: Can chebe powder help prevent hair breakage?
Yes, chebe powder helps prevent breakage by keeping hair well-moisturized and strong. This is particularly beneficial for people with curly, coily, or textured hair prone to dryness and fragility.
Q8: Is Chebe powder suitable for all hair types?
Chebe powder is most beneficial for dry, curly, or kinky hair types, as these are more prone to breakage and need additional moisture. However, anyone looking for a natural solution to improve hair strength and moisture can use it.
Q9: Can I make chebe powder at home?
Yes, you can make a DIY version of chebe powder using ingredients like Croton zambesicus seeds, cloves, and gum Arabic. These ingredients are roasted, ground, and mixed with oils to create a homemade hair treatment.
Q10: How do I incorporate chebe powder into my routine?
You can use chebe powder in various ways, including as a leave-in treatment, a hair mask, or a LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method to retain moisture. The traditional method involves applying it to damp hair, braiding, and reapplying every few days.
Q11: Can Chebe powder cause any side effects?
Chebe powder is generally safe for most people but can cause scalp irritation or buildup if used incorrectly. If you’re allergic to any of its ingredients, avoid using it. Always perform a patch test before incorporating it into your routine.
Q12: Is there scientific evidence supporting the benefits of chebe powder?
While scientific studies specifically on chebe powder are limited, it contains protein and nutrients that help strengthen hair. Anecdotal evidence and traditional use show that it helps reduce breakage and retain length.
Q13: How long will it take to see results from using Chebe powder?
Results may vary, but with consistent use, many people report seeing stronger, more moisturized hair within a few weeks. For length retention, it may take several months to notice significant changes.
Q14: Can I combine chebe powder with other natural hair care products?
Yes, chebe powder can be combined with other natural hair care products like leave-in conditioners or oils for enhanced moisture and protection.
Q15: What’s the best way to remove chebe powder from my hair?
You can wash out chebe powder with a gentle shampoo or co-wash after leaving it in for several days. Make sure to cleanse thoroughly to avoid buildup.
References and Citations
Basit, A., Asghar, F., Sadaf, S., & Akhtar, M. W. (2018). Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31. Biotechnology reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 20, e00288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2018.e00288
Helen, Ivony & Hadinoto, Idajani & Hadisoewignyo, Lannie & Soegianto, Lisa. (2011). Effect of Various Concentration of Vegetable Protein in Hair Mask on The Hair Texture. Indonesian Journal of Cancer Chemoprevention. 2. 159. 10.14499/indonesianjcanchemoprev2iss1pp159-168.
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