Should You Consider Hair Grease For Natural Hair?

Learn the pros, cons, and the correct way of using this greasy product for your curls.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Ramona Sinha, Certified Skin Care Coach

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, Certified Skin Care Coach • Nov 14, 2023

Should You Consider Hair Grease For Natural Hair?

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Hair grease for natural hair is again gaining popularity. It acts as a special hair care product for natural curls. Many popular YouTubers and beauty vloggers are using it and going gaga over its exceptional hair benefits. Hair grease can help seal moisture and protect your hair from heat styling.

If you think this hair care product can make your hair greasy, you need to read this post. Here, we explore the pros and cons of using hair grease, ways of using it, how to remove it from your hair.

In This Article

What Is Hair Grease?

Woman applying hair grease on natural hair

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Hair grease is nothing but a petroleum jelly and mineral oil-based product often used on natural hair to seal the hair strands and prevent moisture loss. It is especially beneficial for high porosity type 4 hair as it can lose moisture faster than other curl types. However, several naturalists remain skeptical about greasing hair.

Trivia

High porosity hair attracts and loses moisture quickly. This is because the cuticles on the hair shaft are placed far apart.

Is Hair Grease Bad For Natural Hair?

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It depends. Hair grease may work for some curl types and not for others. While it may make your hair appear shiny, it is also notorious for clogging hair follicles, slowing down growth, and affecting hair health.

Moreover, hair grease does not moisturize the hair. It just coats the strands to prevent moisture loss. It does not promote hair growth. However, if you have been trying to grow your natural hair, greasing may help retain the length.

So, is hair grease worth using? Let’s evaluate the pros and cons before deciding.

Advantages Of Using Hair Grease

1. Moisture Sealant

Type 4 hair is highly porous and cannot retain moisture. As a result, it is prone to breakage. Applying hair grease after thorough conditioning can help seal the moisture, improving hair health, softness, and strength. This may also help retain the hair length.

2. Acts Like A Barrier

Hair grease shields the strands from environmental damage and other chemicals that may come in contact with your hair. For instance, applying hair grease before swimming can protect your locks from the damaging effect of chlorine in the pool water.

3. Scalp Protection

If your scalp is dry, applying a little bit of grease on a wet scalp can lock in the moisture and prevent skin flaking and itchiness.

4. Ease Of Use

Hair grease is easy to apply and makes a good base for various wash-and-go hair products. Apply a bit of hair grease on wet hair before braiding it and allow it to air dry. This will define your curls, minimize frizz, and make them shiny, sleek, and soft.

5. Budget-Friendly Hair Care

Hair grease is easy on your wallet. Most hair care products made to improve hair nourishment and aid frizz control are on the pricier end. Hair grease is much cheaper and readily available in most stores.

Disadvantages Of Using Hair Grease

Woman experiencing breakage due to hair grease

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1. May Clog The Hair Follicles

Hair grease contains petrolatum and mineral oil. Unlike hair oils that lightly coat strands, this grease may cause scalp buildup, choke the hair follicles, and lead to hair fall. When you sweat, the grease may further suffocate the scalp and make it smelly and itchy. The scalp needs to breathe and stay clean for proper hair growth.

2. May Cause Hair Breakage

The grease on the strands may attract dirt and dust. It may prevent the penetration of other natural hair products that you may layer on it. As a result, the strands cannot get enough moisture and may become fragile and breakage-prone.

3. It May Weigh The Hair Down

Grease is heavy. If you have low porosity and fine hair, it will quickly build up on your strands and weigh them down. You will end up with flat and dull hair.

The success of hair greasing depends on the type of hair and the way you apply it. Hair grease works best on type 4 hair. Here are a few tips for using it properly.

How To Use Hair Grease

Woman oiling hair before applying hair grease

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Hair grease should be the last product to go on your locks. Remember, it is not a moisturizer. Apply conditioning products or oils and then finish off with hair grease.
Always use grease in moderation. Rub a pea-sized amount of the grease between your palms and spread it evenly.
After greasing, style your hair with a blow dryer or heat styling tools on the lowest heat setting.

Razor, a YouTuber, conducted an experiment by moisturizing one side of their hair with water and grease only. She emphasizes the importance of using a leave-in conditioner or a moisturizer in conjunction with grease for optimal results. She says, “But grease just seals the deal for me; my hair can stay moisturized for days, weeks, maybe even months if I neglect my hair, which I usually don’t do (i).”

Avoid leaving hair styling products, especially this grease, on your hair for weeks or months. Wash it off once a week to keep your strands healthy. Here are a few tips for washing off grease from hair.

Quick Tip

Hair grease can be used as edge control. However, limit your use to once or twice a week.

How To Remove Grease From Hair

Woman applying clarifying shampoo to remove hair grease

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Massage your scalp and hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo.
Apply a deep hair conditioner and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.
Squeeze the excess water and apply hair moisturizer or oil on the damp strands.

A mild or gentle shampoo cannot remove heavy grease from natural hair. That is why you need a clarifying shampoo. However, ensure that you are not overdoing it. Also, use it once in two weeks, and after each application, follow up with a deep conditioner and hair moisturizers. This will prevent dryness and hair damage.

Infographic: 5 Advantages Of Using Hair Grease

Hair grease might be that one-stop solution to tame your curly and unruly mane with minimal damage. Although it might feel heavy and greasy, this product has plenty of benefits when used in the right quantities. In the infographic below, we have listed the major benefits of hair grease. Take a look.

5 advantages of using hair grease (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

If you have used grease as a hair treatment product for natural hair and wondered why it did not work for you, understand that it’s unsuitable for your curl type. Hair grease works only for high porosity type 4 hair. Hair grease moisturizes the rough and fragile hair, prevents frizz, and keeps the hair shiny. However, avoid using it excessively as improper usage may lead to residue buildup, dryness, and hair fall. If you are a beginner, you can follow the steps discussed in the article to use hair grease without any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grease good for black hair?

You may grease your black hair if it has low porosity. The ingredients in the grease can moisturize the hair shafts and make them appear healthy.

Should I put grease in my hair after washing?

Yes, you may put grease in your hair after washing to reduce moisture depletion. However, make sure that you are doing it in moderation.

Is hair oil better than hair grease?

Both products have their own uses and benefits. However, hair grease is made of petroleum and mineral oil, and while it can give shine to your hair, its frequent use can lead to product buildup and clogging of hair follicles. Hair oil is much lighter and is made from natural oils that get easily absorbed into the scalp and keep your hair moisturized.

Can too much hair grease cause hair loss?

Hair grease can cause product build-up and clog the hair pores, which prevents hair growth and ultimately leads to hair loss.

Is hair grease bad for dandruff?

Excess hair grease makes your scalp a thriving ground for dandruff. It could also lead to scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis or eczema.

What are some tips for choosing the right hair grease for natural hair?

It is necessary to know the hair type, hair porosity level, and hair texture to choose the right hair grease for natural hair.

Key Takeaways

Hair grease is a special hair care product used to seal moisture from natural hair.
However, it may only work for some curl types and doesn’t mean to moisturize the locks.
Also, remember that you should use this product moderately and last on your mane. You also must style your hair with a blow dryer after greasing on low heat.

Watch this natural hair twist-out tutorial video featuring the use of hair grease on type 4 hair. Explore techniques for achieving a beautiful hairstyle and enhancing natural texture.