The first time I heard of Chebe powder was at a hair salon. The stylists were discussing the fantastic results it has on hair. I got curious. The first thing I wanted to know was what is Chebe powder? Does Chebe powder grow hair? I was also keen to learn how to use Chebe powder on my hair.
If you’re a hair care enthusiast, you’ll know how easy it is to get caught up in trendy and innovative treatments, from laser packages to gummy vitamins that claim to make your hair grow super long. But sometimes, the thing your hair actually needs are centuries-old botanicals to nourish and strengthen it.
Chebe powder, a blend of finely ground seeds that originates from Chad, is one of these natural products that your hair might be craving. It’s been used since time immemorial in the African region, but it’s been gaining popularity worldwide.
Not sure what this powder is for? We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about chebe powder – from where it comes from, how to use it, what you must use it with, and the benefits it can provide to your lovely mane.
Table of Contents
What Is Chebe Powder Made From?
Chebe powder is an old powder that originates from the African country of Chad.
Although it originates from Chad (central Africa), it’s also available in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Nigeria.
It’s a traditional powder used as a hair treatment by the women of the Basara tribe, who were known to have incredibly long hair that would reach their waists even when tied up in braids.
The powder is made of ground and crushed-up cherry seeds, cloves, shébé seeds, and other aromatics.
You can either make your own chebe powder at home or buy it from stores near you.
It will likely come in a big tub that will last a long time.
When mixed with oils or water, it turns into a smooth clay-like paste that was slathered all over the hair to use as a conditioning mask.
This weekly mask is known to reduce breakage, keeping every strand of hair strong and long.
The ground shébé seeds in the powder boost moisture retention in the hair to prevent dehydration.
Meanwhile, cloves – another staple in chebe powder – help make the hair feel thick and strong.
They also add a spicy fragrance to the powder.
Since chebe powder is made from only a few ingredients, all of which are organic, it’s a great product to try out if you’re looking to switch over to a clean and green hair routine.
It doesn’t have all those unnecessary chemicals and preservatives store-bought masks are packed with.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Chebe Powder?
You might wonder what all the fuss is about when it comes to Chebe powder.
What are its benefits to hair?
It Helps Maintain A Healthy Scalp
A balanced pH at the scalp level is crucial for the health of your hair.
The scalp is critical to hair growth and requires a stable pH.
The best pH level is from 4.5 to 5.0, and any alteration from this causes severe issues on the scalp.
An excellent example of this is when you have a higher pH level.
You’ll notice that is when your scalp is dry and itchy.
You even end up with dandruff that occurs at levels above 7.
That is where Chebe powder comes in – to help balance the levels and restore order.
What it does is act as an alkaline since it contains alkaloids.
The astringent ingredients in the powder (like cloves) also balance out your scalp’s sebum production, leaving it less prone to greasiness and itching.
Moisturizes Hair
Chebe powder is known to moisturize the hair deeply, leaving it softer, thicker, and healthier.
That might sound strange since it’s a powder, but chebe oil has unique lubricating properties that make it possible.
It also improves curl definition too, which is helpful for the women of Chad who had anywhere between 3A-4C curls.
Even with regular conditioning, some hair types still experience perpetual dryness.
People who fall under this category try to incorporate new moisturizing products in their hair care regimen, but after a few days, their hair ends up dry and brittle.
If you’re one of these people, worry not.
You can use Chebe powder to moisturize your hair by using it to make hair butter that can be used to seal in moisture in your hair.
In a previous post, I looked at the difference between butters and creams, keeping in mind that they are both used to moisturize hair by sealing in moisture.
The advantage of using hair butter made from Chebe powder is that it moisturizes hair without resulting in greasiness.
A great bonus for using Chebe powder to moisturize hair is the fact that it protects the ends from splitting, which is common in dry hair.
When mixed together with a carrier oil, chebe powder helps lock in moisture from previous products you’ve used in your hair, like your leave-in conditioner.
And it’s not just from the carrier oil – the emollient oils left in the seeds also condition the hair to make it smoother and more manageable.
Recommended Post: What Are Emollients In Hair Care?
If you have colored hair, you’ll also find chebe powder useful for keeping your shade vibrant and vivid.
After all, properly moisturized and nourished hair will be able to retain color for longer.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Anti-inflammatory properties play a significant role in maintaining a healthy scalp.
In case of any scalp infections or irritation, a soothing product is required.
Chebe powder contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and protect the scalp.
You can use it to moisturize the hair as well as soothe sores caused by constant itching as a result of a dry scalp.
Apart from soothing the scalp, it protects it from any further attacks from fungus and many other hair issues.
These anti-inflammatory properties have a ripple effect when it comes to the general health of your hair.
This is because your scalp environment needs to be healthy if you want to grow healthy hair.
Helps Promote Hair Growth
When you search for Chebe powder online, you come across a lot of reviews on its effect on hair growth.
Chebe powder is a 100% natural product that contains beneficial ingredients.
When you prepare it correctly and use it often, it results in healthier hair that grows long over time.
It’s in no way a magical product that gives you instant length.
What it does is nourish the hair, protect the scalp, and prevent breakage.
In this healthy environment, the hair can grow.
You end up with healthy, growing, and fuller hair.
If the skin on your scalp isn’t so sensitive, you can also use chebe powder to mildly exfoliate it.
The powder mixed with some oil is quite grainy in texture, so you can use it as a scrub.
This purifies and unclogs the hair follicles, encouraging healthier hair growth.
Does Chebe Powder Grow Hair?
Here’s the thing: Chebe powder DOES NOT grow hair.
However, its ability to retain your hair’s length by reducing breakage, thus making hair growth seem faster.
The best way to test it out is by using it on your hair. I tried it out two months ago.
For one, Chebe powder reduced the amount of hair breakage I’ve been experiencing as a result of heat damage.
That is a big win for me in terms of enhancing growth because the brittleness in my strands was affecting my hair length tremendously.
I tried getting the powder from a former college classmate who was in Ghana, but the logistics were a little complicated.
I ended up buying the chebe powder online after I made sure that the quality was as good as the Chadian chebe powder.
Why Chebe Powder Is Touted As A Hair Growth Product
Chebe powder is applied as a paste to the mid-lengths of the hair, not the scalp.
So technically, it’s not really a “hair growth” product.
However, even if it doesn’t boost growth from the root, its moisturizing power helps boost elasticity, reduce breakage, and retain length, making hair growth seem faster.
The strongest case of chebe powder being an effective hair-growing product is that it moisturizes and fortifies the hair.
The fine grounds of fruit and plant seeds also fill in some of the spaces in the hair shaft, making it thicker and more resilient against the elements.
This also means less friction between hair strands, since each one will be lubricated and hydrated properly.
That means your hair strands won’t snag on each other and snap off.
They’ll be less likely to break and thin out, making hair growth more noticeable.
Because your hair becomes stronger after using chebe powder, there will be less breakage.
Split ends are a major culprit of slow hair growth, so because chebe powder will keep split ends at bay, your hair still remains thick and grow longer rapidly.
Stronger, more moisturized hair is also a lot easier to manage.
Detangling becomes a breeze, so your hairbrush will be less likely to tear off some of those stubborn strands in an effort to get rid of difficult knots and tangles.
And when there’s less breakage, your hair can grow longer and faster.
Can Chebe Powder Help With Traction Alopecia?
Now, we all know that hair loss can be a real nightmare.
Your hair thins out slowly and can even cause bald spots in certain areas.
While there is no evidence that Chebe powder can reverse traction alopecia, it can come in handy in soothing your scalp and making your hair stronger.
Chebe powder is known to reduce breakage and can come in handy when tackling this condition.
The Chebe paste soothes the scalp and gives your hair follicles room to heal, and you start noticing new hair growth.
However, for any home remedies to work when you’re trying to deal with traction alopecia, you have to stop doing what got you to this situation in the first place.
Tight weaves and braids, ponytails, and high puffs have to go.
Who Should Use Chebe Powder?
Chebe powder was always meant to be used on coarse, curly hair, which is what most Africans and African Americans are born with.
That said, it can still be used on hair types that are in need of hydration, as long as the hair isn’t extremely fine and damaged.
Moisture is a must for curls.
Without proper hydration, tight curls won’t be defined and will just look unruly and poofy.
Chebe powder helps lock in moisture in your curls, bringing out their natural bounce, shine, and structure.
So if you have 3A to 4C curls, chebe powder will be perfect for you.
Curls are also known to be more dehydrated than other hair texture patterns.
So if your hair is dry, parched, and in need of intense moisture, chebe powder might be your next favorite go-to.
When mixed with an oil, the chebe powder mixture can be quite heavy and sticky.
It will cling to your strands no matter what you do (until you shampoo it off, of course).
So if you have super fine and delicate hair strands, chebe powder might not be the best fit for your routine.
It could easily snag on your hair, leading to hair loss and shedding.
You should also think twice about using chebe powder if you have blonde hair.
Chebe powder has a dark, muddy brown color to it which can stain lighter-colored hair when the mask is left on for too long.
This can be a pain to wash out, so if you’re very particular about your shade, stay away.
What Are The Benefits Of Karkar Oil For Hair?
Chebe powder works well with any oil, like shea butter or coconut oil.
But traditionally, it’s used with karkar oil – a Sudanese oil made from a blend of fats, humectants, and oils.
It usually includes sesame oil, cow sallow, and honey, and is cooked with cherry seeds and cloves for a nice, spicy aroma.
Helps With Moisturization
Karkar oil is loaded with fatty acids (like linoleic and stearic acid) and vitamins A and K, which work to moisturize your hair and scalp – leaving it nourished and healthy.
Anti-Bacterial And Anti-Fungal Properties
Karkar oil also helps in getting rid of pesky dandruff thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It comes in handy when managing a dry and itchy scalp that’s experiencing flaking.
Natural Antioxidant
The main ingredient of Karkar oil is sesame seeds.
The oil that comes from these seeds is loaded with beneficial antioxidants.
Related Post: Benefits Of Black Sesame Seeds For Hair
Moreover, there’s vitamin E and plenty of nutrients like iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B6.
They work in harmony to help your scalp heal, nourish your hair, and make it stronger.
Protection Against UV rays
This oil is also very helpful when it comes to protecting your hair from damage.
When used as a sealant, karkar oil protects your locks against the sun’s UV rays which can dehydrate them and fade their color.
Slows Graying
Premature greying is a possibility, and it’s essential to find natural ways to slow it down.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by using Karkar oil.
It means you can enjoy healthy and darker hair for longer.
Recommended Post: What Causes Grey Hair In Teenage Years?
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Another ingredient used to make Karkar oil is honey.
For many households, honey is known as one of the best natural anti-inflammatories around.
It helps your scalp deal with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Promotes Hair Growth
Perhaps one of the most popular benefits of this oil is it promotes hair growth.
It does this by boosting blood circulation on the scalp after you massage it on.
See: Five Great Benefits Of Scalp Stimulation
Adds Luster
When you use karkar oil often on your hair, you can forget about the lack of luster and shine.
Your hair glows and has a healthy and radiant shine that’s pleasing to look at.
Prevents Frizz
The oil seals in moisture on the hair preventing frizz and nasty split ends that plague dry hair.
Also, the strength of the hair is renewed, because breakage attributed to brittleness has been reduced.
Can I Use Karkar Oil Alone?
Although the most popular way Karkar oil is used is by mixing it with Chebe powder, you can use it by itself.
It may be thick, but it’s not greasy at all, so it absorbs easily into the hair making it an ideal moisturizer and shine booster after styling.
One way to use karkar oil is to make it the final step of your LCO (leave-in, cream, and oil) method after wash day.
Karkar oil’s emollient properties can help lock in the moisture from your leave-in and cream so that they can continue to nourish your hair throughout the day.
You can also add a bit of karkar oil to your daily conditioner to make it extra nourishing.
This will be helpful in the winter months when your hair needs a more moisturizing routine even in the shower.
Another way to use the oil on your hair is through hot oil treatment.
Simply heat a small amount and apply it to your hair.
Follow this by massaging it thoroughly and then leaving it on for an hour before rinsing.
Side Effects Of Using Chebe Powder And Karkar Oil
Because the ingredients used to make chebe powder and karkar oil are organic and natural, there aren’t any known major side effects to using them as a combo.
But if you know your skin is sensitive to natural products, make sure you patch test in a small area of your skin before applying it all over your hair.
If you have a sensitive scalp, you might also experience some itching and dryness if it encounters the chebe powder.
Additionally, if you’re looking to use it as a scrub, make sure you thoroughly rinse out all of it with shampoo.
If you accidentally leave grains of chebe powder on your scalp, it might get irritated.
How To Mix And Use Chebe Powder For Hair Growth
The most common way to use chebe powder is by combining it with karkar oil and making a hair mask with it.
It’s usually applied to the hair and then twisted into a braid, locking in all that chebe and karkar goodness.
Then, it’s left on the hair anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks.
When the tribeswomen of Chad do this procedure, they flaunt what looks like dried clay to the hair, and it stays there for days to weeks.
But if you want a quick and modernized way to experience the magic of chebe powder and karkar oil on your curls, here’s how you can do it:
Method
Get a bowl and mix chebe powder and karkar oil together in equal parts.
Mix until they’re thoroughly combined in a smooth paste.
Make sure it’s not too thick, but not too runny either.
Part your hair in sections that you can braid.
Make sure your hair is freshly cleaned and conditioned. It has to be a little damp, so it’s best to do it right after your wash day.
If not, spritz some water into each section.
The water will increase the slip to make applying the mixture easier.
Apply the paste to each section of hair starting from the bottom of your locks – working your way toward the top.
Detangle knots with your fingers as you go to make sure each lock is smooth.
Put each section in a braid or twist.
This traps the chebe powder and karkar oil in the hair to retain moisture.
It also eliminates breakage since the strands will be bound tightly together, which will help in length retention.
The mixture will also weigh down the hair a bit, making curly and poofy hair look and feel a bit tamer.
Note: Make sure not to put the mixture on your scalp to avoid irritation.
Final Steps
Leave the mixture for at least an hour or two.
Don’t wait too long before washing it out or else it can get tricky since the chebe powder will harden.
While you want, the chebe powder will continue to work its magic on your hair.
Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
Make sure you use lukewarm water – nothing too hot or too cold.
And you’re done!
Now you have healthy, happy, hydrated hair.
Make masking with chebe powder and karkar oil a weekly habit and you’ll soon notice stronger hair getting longer and thicker by the day.
What Other Products Can Be Used With Chebe Powder?
Even though karkar oil is the most popular oil to mix with Chebe powder, it’s not the only one.
There are many other products, including oils, that you can mix and get excellent results.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a favorite of many when it comes to hair growth and health.
It has excellent benefits for the hair and is recommended for frequent use.
When you mix it with chebe powder, you reap all those benefits that include hair moisturizing, anti-inflammatory properties on the scalp, and preventing brittleness.
Olive Oil
Another popular oil you can choose to use with Chebe powder is olive oil.
It’s been in use for centuries and has fantastic benefits to the hair.
Not only does it boost hair growth, but it also helps get rid of split ends.
Also, you can massage it on the scalp to help improve blood circulation.
Black Castor Oil
Black castor oil is full of essential fatty acids that benefit the hair.
They do wonders to brittle and thinning hair, making it stronger.
Also, they dissuade any further breakage, which boosts hair growth.
When you mix it with Chebe powder, it helps strengthen the hair as it grows.
Conclusion
Chebe powder is a much-loved product by African women because of how it helps grow out their hair and strengthen it too.
After so many years, it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves all around the world as well.
However, you must remember that it will only work properly for some hair types.
If you don’t have thick, coarse, curly hair, reconsider using chebe powder.
After all, this powder can end up doing more harm than good if you have fine, straight, light-colored locks.
Next time your curls are craving extra strength and moisture, go the organic route and try out chebe powder.
To make it more effective, pair it with hair-loving karkar oil to help smoothen, define, and add shine to your tresses.
A few treatments with this authentic African combo and your curls will thank you.
Remember to always start by doing a test of chebe powder and karkar oil to check for any allergic reactions.
If you think chebe powder benefits sound too good to be true, I’d recommend trying it out for yourself and thank me later 🙂