Beeswax…A Black Hair No No!
Written by Samara on May 23, 2009
I was outraged today after doing some more research on ingredients used in black hair care products when I found that this ingredient, beeswax also known as paraffin is a common ingredient in black hair products. Why does the hair care industry insist on making sure black women don’t have hair on their heads?!
Answer this question for me if you would:
Would you put melted candle wax in your hair?
Heck no, would be your answer right? Wax wouldn’t absorb into the hair, neither will it moisturize the hair or be beneficial in anyway. Instead it would do nothing but cause buildup, breakage and seal the hair preventing any absorption of moisture. Beeswax is just as bad as using products with mineral oil and/or petroleum.
Ladies please stir clear of any product containing this ingredient. If you are a natural sister there are other alternatives to holding your twists and locks. Beeswax will be harmful in the long run if you decide to use it. If you are currently using this product or products containing this ingredient, stop now and find a good clarifying shampoo to try to remove the beeswax from your hair which is also going to be struggle. This stuff is very difficult to remove from the hair when it’s applied. It’s almost like glue!
Beeswax A.K.A Paraffin is bad and it’s an absolute no no for black hair! Do not use products containing this ingredient.
Credits: photo from www.timeinc.net
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9 Responses to Beeswax…A Black Hair No No!
This is the reason why I don’t use “black” hair products, I always wondered why when I try to use them my hair makes a turn for the worst. But when I use the products aimed at “the others” then my hair flourishes in with health and shine.
So now I know what paraffin is, good article.
Yes, the so-called products “geared” for black hair that are widely available are never good for our hair. If you want to use black hair products that are actually black owned, my suggestion is to try looking online. Karen’s Body Beautiful, Kinky-Curly, and Curls.biz are actually good black owned hair companies that are actually owned by black women.
What are your thoughts on Afroveda products?
I am not shore where you did your research but beeswax and paraffin whilst similar in empirical formula are definitely distinctly different
Paraffin wax (C25H52) beeswax is C15H31COOC30H61
whilst I can see your point as to the possible detrimental effects on hair I believe you need to check your facts before claiming that they are the same thing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parafin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beeswax
Yup, paraffin and beeswax are definitely not the same thing. Beeswax is a natural product made by bees while paraffin is, if I’m not mistaken, a petroleum product.
I don’t know what benefits beeswax would have in a hair care product (though I know it was traditionally used in pomades), but I’ve made salves and used hand lotions that had it in them and there were no adverse effects to my skin.
Beeswax smells really nice, whereas paraffin doesn’t really have a smell. I think paraffin would be harder to get out of the hair than beeswax.
@concerned
I still don’t see why you would want to put wax in your hair.
Beeswax and parafin wax ARE NOT the same thing. Someone asked if you would use wax in your hair? Well, if you use jojoba oil in your hair, you are in fact, using a wax. Same thing with lanolin. People need to research things before jumping to conclusions.
What about beeswax milk. It is an ingredient in the curls curly q milkshake
I actually researched this ingredient and did not find any info on it. I do not believe it is the same thing as beeswax though because I have not experienced any buildup from using this product